Public reports lead to arrest of erratic, suspected drunk driver

A 53-year-old Concord man is facing numerous charges after leading police on a chase Friday morning on Camino Ramon.

The incident began around 11:23 a.m. when police received reports of a white Toyota Camry speeding on El Capitan Drive near the Iron Horse Trail with the driver’s door open, Police Chief Allan Shields said in a news release.

Officers located and pursued the vehicle a few moments on northbound Camino Ramon, watching the driver briefly go into oncoming lanes before making a U-turn near the intersection with Sycamore Valley Road and returning south.

The vehicle then left the road, went over the curb and came to a halt on the shoulder.

The driver, identified as James Reidy of Concord, refused orders to exit the vehicle and resisted officers’ efforts to handcuff him, Shields said. An officer used a taser to subdue Reidy and take him into custody.

San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District paramedics treated Reidy for minor abrasions. He was then booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges of using his vehicle to flee police, driving the wrong way while fleeing police, driving under the influence of alcohol and probation violation.

Reidy had also been sought by Concord police for incidents in that city, and by the California Highway Patrol for allegedly colliding with several vehicles on Interstate Highway 680.

Shields expressed appreciation for the reports from residents that allowed officers to quickly find the driver.

Shields said:

“This is another example of how the police/community partnership helps keep Danville safe.”

The chief added:

“The community members deserve credit for helping guide officers to the vehicle, which allowed us to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.”