Felony evasion suspect arrested

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY – On July 31, 2024, the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious vehicle that was in a parking lot off Los Osos Valley Road in Los Osos. The vehicle was described as the front portion or “cab” of a military style tractor-trailer.

When deputies arrived, the driver of the vehicle fled to Montana de Oro State Park, breaking through a gate, and ending up in the area known as Sandspit Beach. Deputies, Harbor Patrol, Coast Guard and State Park rangers, were able to set up a perimeter around the truck. Deputies attempted to make contact with the suspect but he refused commands to leave the truck.

The Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail (SED) arrived on scene. Again, the suspect refused to leave the truck. At that time, the SED team introduced tear gas into the truck. At approximately 7:45 PM the suspect exited the vehicle and was taken into custody.

The suspect has been identified as 63-year-old Patrick Kevin Van Ess.

“This was a team effort by law enforcement officers from several departments in an effort to keep the public safe.  California State Park rangers routinely assist local law enforcement officers in need of additional assistance,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.