Gang Member Arrested in Highland With Meth, Ammo After Chase

A documented gang member and convicted felon was back behind bars Monday, accused of fleeing from police in a traffic stop in an attempt to hide drugs and ammunition, sheriff's officials reported.

32-year-old Garth Pezant was arrested Saturday night following the incident, which all started around 7:43 p.m. in the area of Sterling Avenue and Walker Street in Highland, according to a statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

The department reports that Highland deputies tried to pull over a gray Chevy Impala that had no license plates.

"Prior to the vehicle stopping, the suspect, Garth Pezant, jumped out of the passenger side door and ran southbound from the location," the statement said, adding that a woman and juvenile were detained at the vehicle. 

As for Pezant, he allegedly ran into a nearby apartment complex, at 7405 Sterling Avenue, and was found after a search by deputies on the ground and with the aviation unit, the statement said.

"When deputies attempted to take Pezant into custody  he ran and had to be physically restrained," officials added.

Jail records indicate he was arrested just before 8 p.m.

"He was found to be in possession of a large quantity of methamphetamine and live ammunition," the sheriff's report said.  "The vehicle Pezant ran from was searched and a military grade bullet proof vest with a ceramic trauma plate was found."

The man-- who is on parole, is a convicted felon and a documented gang member-- was taken to West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga where he remained as of Monday in lieu of $100,000 bail, according to sheriff's reports and jail records.