Hesperia man leads Claremont police on lengthy pursuit

On Sunday, May 20 despite repeated attempts to get away, a Hesperia man failed to escape a police pursuit that began in Claremont Sunday morning. Police located a stolen vehicle out of San Bernardino near the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Towne Avenue. Though the officer attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle, James Chilcote, 25, fled and led police on a lengthy pursuit, which eventually took to the east 210 freeway. Because of Mr. Chilcote’s erratic driving, Claremont police terminated the pursuit soon after. Five minutes later, however, Upland Police notified that Mr. Chilcote had exited on the Mountain Avenue exit, crashed on Foothill Boulevard, and taken off on foot. Claremont Police returned to the case, helping the Upland officers in setting up a perimeter near the crash site. A police helicopter was called to the scene to help find Mr. Chilcote.

As the police continued searching, the driver approached a nearby residence, where the homeowner was collecting his newspaper, according to Lt. Bennett. Mr. Chilcote, who later admitted he had defecated in his pants because of “the drugs and pursuit”, asked the homeowner to use the restroom and get a drink of water. He obliged. Mr. Chilcote then asked if the man would give him a ride. Again he agreed. It was while in transit that police located their suspect in the car, conducted a traffic stop and made the arrest. Mr. Chilcote was arrested for felony evading, grand theft and possession of a stolen vehicle.