Waterford, Calif. — Three men were arrested on Monday afternoon after allegedly committing an armed robbery and leading deputies on a high-speed car chase through multiple cities. According to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, the suspects, Jonathan Witt (36), Benjamin Witt (33), and Nathan Green (23), were booked into the Stanislaus County Jail and face several criminal charges.
The incident began around 1 p.m. when deputies responded to a reported armed robbery in the 800 block of Mirandy Lane. The victim stated that the suspects had stolen various personal belongings, including keys to a car. The suspects allegedly used the stolen vehicle to flee the scene.
Later, deputies spotted the stolen car near Yosemite Boulevard and Claus Road and attempted a traffic stop. However, the suspects refused to pull over and led law enforcement on a pursuit through Modesto and Empire. During the chase, the suspects discarded two handguns near Celeste Drive, which deputies were able to recover.
The chase intensified when Jonathan Witt attempted to flee on foot near Edgebrook Drive and Colfax Avenue, while Benjamin and Nathan continued driving the stolen vehicle. Deputies deployed spike strips to stop the vehicle, but the suspects’ car collided with a patrol car on B Street in Empire.
The chase lasted 27 minutes, during which a deputy assisting in the pursuit collided with an uninvolved vehicle at the intersection of Claus Road and Yosemite Boulevard. Fortunately, neither the deputy nor the occupants of the uninvolved vehicle—an adult and a minor—were injured.
Charges and Arrests:
Jonathan Witt, 36: Charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, vehicle theft, carjacking, assault with a deadly weapon, felony evading, and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Benjamin Witt, 33: Charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and vehicle theft.
Nathan Green, 23: Charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, vehicle theft, and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
The suspects remain in custody, and the investigation continues. The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with additional information to come forward.