OROVILLE, CA (MPG) - On April 21, 2022, at approximately 10:30 P.M, an off-duty Oroville Police Officer traveling south on Hwy 99 in the City of Gridley, CA, observed a gold Chevrolet Trailblazer at the intersection of Hwy 99 and Spruce Street.

The off-duty officer identified the passenger in the vehicle as 33-year-old Banessa Santana.

Santana had an outstanding felony warrant for her arrest, regarding a vehicle pursuit she was involved in, where a child was seriously injured on March 12th, 2022, in Oroville, CA. The off-duty officer immediately called the Gridley Police Department and requested assistance in arresting Santana.

Officers with the Gridley Police Department arrived and conducted a traffic enforcement stop on the Trailblazer. Santana, whom was the passenger in the vehicle, immediately jumped out of the vehicle and a Gridley Police Officer gave foot chase. Officers caught and arrested Santana a short distance from the enforcement stop. Santana was later booked at the Butte County Jail, for felony reckless evading, felony reckless evading causing injury and hit and run resulting in injury (see original press release below).

The Oroville Police Department would like to thank the Gridley Police Department for their response and apprehension of Santana. If you have information or questions regarding this incident, contact the Oroville Police Department at (530) 538-2448.

Previous OPD Press Release

On March 12, 2022, at approximately 13:47 P.M, Oroville Police Officers were on patrol in the area of Table Mountain Blvd and Nelson Ave when a white BMW nearly collided with the front end of a patrol car. The officer was able to identify the driver of the vehicle as 33-year-old Banessa Santana, of Oroville.

Officers were aware that Santana was wanted for two felony warrants including one for evading officers. When officers attempted to conduct an enforcement stop on the BMW, the BMW immediately fled westbound on Mono Avenue into the Thermalito area. As the BMW was fleeing, it collided with a black Honda Civic that was traveling southbound on 12th Street. The Honda was occupied by two juveniles and one adult male. As a result of the collision, a 5-year-old juvenile sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The juvenile was listed in stable condition. At this time, Santana is still at large and wanted for hit and run causing serious bodily injury and evading law enforcement. The BMW also had a front passenger who was identified as 50-year-old Jeremy Papesh of Oroville. Papesh was arrested on scene for outstanding felony warrants and booked into the Butte County Jail.

Banessa Santana has been detained by Gridley PD as of 10:40pm, OPD in route to get her into their custody. Per a Gridley source: GPD did a traffic stop on a Chevy Blazer at 10:35pm at the 200 block of Spruce St. The passenger jumped out of the vehicle and ran towards the Gridley Hospital.

After a struggle with officers, Banessa Santana was detained and taken to GPD after a foot pursuit. 3 Felony Warrants, 1 OPD and 2 Butte County. She will have an additional 148pc and a H&S Charge added. OPD is enroute to take her into their custody again.