Laguna Beach, Calif. – On June 30, 2024, Laguna Beach officers stopped a green Mercedes on South Coast Highway at Bluebird Canyon Drive, in reference to a simple California Vehicle Code violation. The female driver, Melissa Haley was contacted at the driver’s side door, but she was uncooperative with officers. Haley was asked to exit the vehicle for further investigation, which led to her fleeing from officers in her vehicle southbound on South Coast Highway.

A vehicle pursuit ensued and led officers into Dana Point then onto Interstate 5 northbound. Due to excessive speeds, the vehicle proceeding onto Interstate 5 and the reckless nature of Haley’s driving, LBPD officers relinquished the pursuit to California Highway Patrol (CHP). CHP officers pursued the vehicle into Los Angeles County before discontinuing their pursuit, as well.

Laguna Beach detectives almost immediately began investigating Haley’s whereabouts in pursuit of criminal charges. On July 10, 2024, detectives located Haley in Costa Mesa near an auto repair shop. She was placed under arrest for felony evading and later transported to Orange County Jail.