Two arrested after police chase through streets of Menifee

Based on police reports and information from witnesses to parts of the chase, this is believed to be the route two suspects took in leading Sheriff's deputies from Highway 74 and Trumble Road (blue star) through much of Menifee before finally being taken into custody on the shoulder of Interstate 215 (red star). Menifee 24/7 Graphic

Two suspects were arrested after leading Sheriff's deputies on a high-speed chase for several miles through Menifee Tuesday night in a vehicle reported to be stolen, authorities said.

The incident began about 7:10 p.m. when deputies from the Menifee Special Enforcement Team attempted to make a traffic stop on a Honda Civic leaving the parking lot of a gas station at Highway 74 and Trumble Road on the Menifee/Perris border, according to a news release. Deputies determined the license plate did not appear to belong to the car and the driver appeared impaired.

The driver failed to yield, however, and proceeded west on Highway 74, with deputies in pursuit. According to police reports and witness accounts given to Menifee 24/7, the suspect vehicle drove west on Highway 74 and Case Road, then south on Goetz Road. As the chase proceeded through the hills of Quail Valley, a witness reported to Menifee 24/7 that three police cars were chasing a green Honda down the narrow two-lane road south toward Newport Road.

The suspects then turned left on Newport Road and led police on a chase eastbound through the heart of Menifee, proceeding onto Interstate 215 north. The chase ended when the vehicle stopped on the northbound 215 between Newport Road and McCall Boulevard. The suspects surrendered without incident.

Marlene Rojas, 28, of Banning was identified as the driver. A records check indicated the vehicle was reported stolen the week prior in Fontana. Rojas was booked for felony evading, possession of a stolen vehicle, driving under the influence and an outstanding felony warrant for possession of a stolen vehicle. The passenger, 27-year-old Robert Chavarria of Fontana, was booked for possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell.