Louis Mariscal Jr., 28

FLORENCE, Ariz. – On 12-18-2011, at approximately 5:00 p.m., a PCSO deputy on patrol in the area of Eleven Mile Corner and Cornman Road noticed a silver, 1997 Geo sedan heading north had an obstructed front windshield due to dark tint.

The deputy initiated a traffic stop due to the violation at Eleven Mile Corner just north of Cornman Road.

As the deputy made contact with the driver, who was identified as Louis Mariscal JR., 28 of Coolidge, he could smell both burnt and fresh marijuana coming from inside. The deputy observed Mariscal’s eyes were watery and bloodshot and he was acting lethargic; small particles of marijuana could also be seen on Mariscal’s shirt.

When the deputy asked Mariscal if he’d smoked marijuana, he replied, “Yeah, earlier.”

The deputy asked Mariscal to exit his vehicle, but as he opened the door, Mariscal put his vehicle in drive and fled the scene northbound.

A vehicle pursuit ensured along Eleven Mile Corner, transitioning to HWY 87 for approximately 10 minutes at speeds of 100 mph. During the pursuit Mariscal threw several items from his vehicle later found to be marijuana and a glass pipe with methamphetamine residue.

After pursuing the vehicle for approximately 12 miles, a Coolidge Police officer deployed stop sticks along HWY 87 at Martin Road. Mariscal stopped ¼ mile short of running over the sticks at Wilshire Road.

Mariscal exited his vehicle and walked around to the back holding a cell phone which he placed on the trunk. With his gun drawn, the deputy ordered Mariscal to lie on the ground. After several commands, Mariscal complied but was combative with the deputy as he attempted to place him in handcuffs. After a short struggle using necessary force, the deputy cuffed Mariscal. After searching Mariscal’s person, a baggie containing 1.2 grams of marijuana was found in a pants pocket.

A search of Mariscal’s vehicle tuned up .2 grams of methamphetamine as well as several rolled marijuana cigarettes that had been smoked.

While in custody Mariscal told deputies, “I’m sorry for running, I just wanted to get home to see my mom.” He also told deputies he felt, “stupid for running.”

Mariscal has been charged with: DUI - Drugs, Possession of a Dangerous Drug, Possession of Narcotics, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Failure to Yield.