Arizona man evades police through three cities before head-on collision with sergeant

The Antioch Police Department on Wednesday announced the arrest of an Arizona man who allegedly collided head-on with an officer’s vehicle on purpose.

A multi-department pursuit of Andy Monticello, 54, began around 1:35 p.m. Tuesday when Oakley police attempted to stop his white Nissan Altima from driving erratically.

Monticello allegedly attempted to flee and officers pursued him, but eventually called off the chase out of concern for public safety, police said.

Soon afterward, the Brentwood Police Department began receiving reports of Monticello’s vehicle driving on the city’s walking trails and nearly colliding with pedestrians.

Brentwood police also received reports of Monticello’s vehicle allegedly running red lights and attempting to force other vehicles off the road, on a state Highway 4 bypass near Sand Creek Road as well as Balfour Road.

Antioch police intercepted Monticello’s vehicle on Deer Valley Road and he allegedly pulled into oncoming traffic in front of an Antioch police sergeant traveling south along the road.

The sergeant attempted to evade Monticello’s vehicle by moving to another lane, but the vehicle mirrored his movement and the two vehicles collided, police said.

The sergeant was able to immobilize Monticello’s vehicle on the shoulder of Deer Valley Road and Antioch police officers arrested him without further incident. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility and officers discovered he also had an outstanding felony warrant from Arizona.

The Brentwood and Antioch police departments are still investigating the case and are seeking information from potential witnesses. People who may have information can contact the Antioch Police Department’s non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441. Tips can also be texted to the department at 274637, using the keyword “Antioch.”