Hayward man in custody after ramming patrol cars, leading officers on pursuit

A Hayward man driving a vehicle involved in a felony investigation was arrested Tuesday morning after ramming two patrol cars and leading officers on a pursuit, the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety said.

Officers responding to a report of a man asleep at the wheel on the 200 block of Lakeside Drive just before 8 a.m. learned that the vehicle was being sought by in a felony investigation by Milpitas police.

As officers cautiously approached the vehicle they were forced to quickly move out of the way as the driver attempted to flee, ramming two patrol cars until he was able to speed away, police said.

The driver, later identified as Arnold Prakash of Hayward, led officers on a pursuit into Santa Clara, where he was finally stopped with help from Santa Clara police and taken into custody.

A search of the vehicle turned up several knives, flash drives, tools and a set of stolen firefighter protective apparel called turnouts.

Police said Prakash is also a wanted by Hayward police for two felony warrants.

Any witnesses are encouraged to contact Detective Kakis at 408-730-7297.