The Deputy attempted an enforcement stop on the vehicle but Wages, identified now as the alleged driver of the vehicle, refused to yield to the officer, instead choosing to flee from the patrol vehicle. A chase ensued.  The driver of the stolen vehicle then led Amador County Sheriff’s deputies into Calaveras County at speeds of up to 60 mph on the winding two lane roadway. The driver then attempted to evade pursuing officers by leaving the roadway on Schaad Rd in Wilseyville. The suspect’s vehicle then became stuck and the driver exited the vehicle and informed the pursuing deputies that he had a firearm.

The driver of the vehicle was then able to evade deputies until he went Christmas shopping where he was spotted in the check out line in front of Officer Steve Ladd of the Amador Unit. Ladd followed Wages, on foot over to the K-Mart store while on his cell phone requesting back up from the Amador County Sheriff’s Department.

According to CHP LT. Erik Knudsen, Wages, apparently recognizing that he was being followed by law enforcement yelled at Offcier Ladd, stating “ If you don’t stop following me I’ll shot you”. Wages then spun around at Officer Ladd, acting as if he had a gun - at which time Officer Ladd took cover behind some parked vehicles. As Amador County Sheriff’s department personnel arrived on scene Ladd and Sgt Charles Ray of the Sheriff’s Department proceeded into the K-Mart Store. They made contact with the subject Wages, wanted on a felony warrant out of Amador County. Wages proceeded to act as if he was pulling a weapon at which time Ladd and Ray tackled him subduing him in the store. Wages received medical treatment at the scene courtesy of the American Legion Ambulance and Jackson City Fire.