Midtown Chase Results in Two Arrests and Recovery of Stolen Pickup

A midtown car chase ended with Lubbock police making two arrests and recovering one stolen pickup truck on Wednesday.

The driver, 23-year-old Atilla Charlie Saenz, was arrested for evading in a motor vehicle, evading on foot, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, fraudulent possession of identifying information and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Lubbock Police Department received a tip of the sighting of a possible stolen pickup just before 2 p.m. Wednesday near University Ave and South Loop 289, according to a police report. Several officers were in the area and quickly located the 2015 Ford F150 pickup, said police.

When officers attempted to stop the pickup it took off leading them on a chase, said police. The pickup’s driver and passenger abandoned the car in the parking lot of the Canyon Crossing Apartments at 21st St. and Iola Ave. Police were able to arrest the suspects after a short chase on foot.

Atilla remains in the Lubbock County Detention Center with bond set at $19,700. Saenz’s passenger Lauren Nichole Gafford was also arrested but was released Thursday afternoon.