Parolee arrested in Watsonville

A parolee was arrested in Watsonville late Tuesday night after crashing into a road sign on Highway 1.

A police officer on patrol first spotted a car driving recklessly in the area of Lincoln Street and Palm Avenue.

The officer attempted to follow and stop the vehicle. It later stopped at Freedom Boulevard and High Street.

Several male passengers jumped out and ran off on foot.

The driver then began driving at a high speed and ignored the officer’s sirens.

After a small chase, the vehicle crashed into a road sign at Larkin Road and Highway 1.

No one was injured in the crash.

The driver was then identified as 30-year-old Alex Martinez. He is on active parole and was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol.

Martinez was arrested for felony failed to yield, DUI, and parole violation. He was booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail.