Theft suspect arrested after crashing into Citrus Heights gas station

By Mike Hazlilp—
Police arrested a man after he led officers on a weekend chase in Citrus Heights, ending with a collision into a light pole at Pastor’s Valero gas station.

Citrus Heights Police Lt. Chad Morris said Wednesday that the van was a vehicle suspected in multiple commercial burglaries. The pursuit originated near Sunrise Boulevard and Woodmore Oaks, Morris said. Police arrested the driver of the van, 39-year-old Anthony Taravella. No one else was in the van, Morris said.

Police found stolen items in the van, and authorities are working to confirm if the van itself is stolen, Morris said.

Gas station employee Scott Woltzen said surveillance video shows the vehicle, a Sprinter van, traveling northbound on Sunrise Boulevard when it made a right turn into the gas station, striking the light post. The van was pursued by several police vehicles, Woltzen said.

The driver, later identified as Taravella, attempted to flee on foot before police cornered him behind the gas station. He surrendered without further incident, Woltzen said.

Taravella is facing three charges of felony burglary, a misdemeanor hit and run, felony evading a police officer, reckless driving, and a misdemeanor for resisting arrest, according to Sacramento County jail records.

Two of the counts carry a $500,000 bail, with one count set at a $1 million bail. One count of violating parole is ineligible for bail, records show.