LUCERNE, Calif. – A Clearlake Oaks man was taken into custody late last week after leading Sheriff's Narcotics Task Force members on a high speed chase through Lucerne.

Timothy Todd Ryden, 47, of Clearlake Oaks, was arrested following the chase, and detectives also seized more than an ounce of methamphetamine as well as approximately $1,400 in cash, according to Lt. Steve Brooks of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

At 1:10 p.m. last Friday, Aug. 9, members of the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force were conducting routine patrol in the Lucerne area when they noticed a light blue BMW parked in an empty lot near the corner of Kensington Way and Country Club Drive, Brooks said.

He reported that the detectives noticed the vehicle was occupied by one male subject, who appeared to be looking at something on his lap. Detectives had received information that a light blue BMW was involved in recent narcotics sales in Lake County.

Narcotics detectives walked up to the vehicle and identified themselves. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Ryden, accelerated away from the area at a high rate of speed, almost striking one of the detectives, Brooks said.

A pursuit ensued and detectives reported that Ryden was traveling eastbound on Country Club Drive in excess of 60 miles per hour, Brooks said. The posted speed limit in this residential area is 25 miles per hour. Ryden also failed to stop at several stop signs.

Ryden was able to elude detectives for a very short time but eventually was located in front of a residence in the 6000 block of First Avenue in Lucerne as he was attempting to cover his vehicle with a tarp, Brooks said.

When Ryden saw the deputies he attempted to run, but Brooks said Ryden was apprehended after a short foot pursuit.

A large plastic bag containing a white crystalline substance was located near Ryden when he was taken into custody, Brooks said. Detectives said Ryden attempted to hide the substance prior to being apprehended.

When detectives searched Ryden’s vehicle they located approximately $1,400 in of US currency in the driver’s side door pocket. The US Currency was seized pending asset forfeiture proceedings, according to Brooks.

Detectives tested a small sample of the substance using a narcotic identification kit. Brooks said the kit flashed blue, a presumptive positive for methamphetamine. The suspected methamphetamine weighed 31 grams.

Ryden was arrested for evading a peace officer with willful and wanton disregard for the safety of persons and property, possession of a controlled substance for sale, resisting arrest and being an unlicensed driver. His felony probation also was violated.

He remained in custody on a no-bail hold on Monday, according to jail records.

The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force can be contacted through its anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.