Suspect in Dodge Challenger chase appears in court

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A 19-year-old man accused of leading deputies on a chase in a stolen Dodge Challenger pleaded not guilty Tuesday to carjacking and other offenses.

Court Commissioner Sally Ackerknecht ordered Jelani Tavon Green held on $150,000 bail and set a preliminary hearing on Feb. 20.

The chase occurred Friday after the Kern County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a stolen vehicle spotted on Q and 34th streets.

RELATED: 2 arrested after vehicle pursuit ends in crash on 23rd St.

They found the car — a 2019 Dodge Challenger — at the intersection of Union Avenue and Flower Street and tried to pull it over. It fled and merged onto westbound Highway 178, according to sheriff’s officials.

The chase ended when the Dodge’s driver lost control and hit another vehicle and a Kern County Public Works truck, then struck a pole on 23rd and K streets, officials said.

Two people, Green and a juvenile, ran from the car and were arrested soon after, officials said. The two are suspected in crimes in the Los Angeles area, according to KCSO.

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