Tehama deputy pursues, catches parolee

A man who fled after crashing two vehicles in separate incidents on Wednesday was caught by a Tehama County sheriff's deputy following a short foot pursuit.

Christopher James Hensley, 25, of Red Bluff, was involved in a vehicle crash on Rawson Road at Sacramento Road early Wednesday, but the California Highway Patrol reported he fled the scene prior to its arrival.

"The registered owner of the crashed vehicle told us Christopher Hensley was the driving the vehicle when the crash occurred," said Officer Ken Baldwin. "We believe he was picked up from the accident in a white pickup before we arrived."

Around 4:30 p.m., sheriff's Deputy Chris Benson observed a white 1992 Chevrolet pickup in the town of Tehama, reported Sheriff Dave Hencratt.

"I attempted to make a traffic stop but the pickup fled," Benson said.

The pickup turned north onto Fourth Avenue where it crashed into a tree.

"Two occupants of the Chevy fled on foot," Hencratt said.

Following a short foot pursuit, Benson caught Hensley.

A search for the second person ensued with assistance from the CHP helicopter, sheriff's deputies and CHP officers, but the persoon was not located.

Hensley was booked into the Tehama County Jail on suspicion of felony possession of a controlled substance, bringing a controlled substance into jail, violation of parole and a misdemeanor for obstructing a public officer.