Capture of Wanted Suspect (Benton, CA)

Date:     September 28, 2015
Subject: Capture of Wanted Suspect, Benton, CA

During the very early hours of Saturday, September 26, 2015, California Highway Patrol stopped a suspect on Highway 6 for a traffic violation. The suspect was identified as Jason Wolter, age 42, of Acton, California. Mr. Wolter fled from the CHP when they attempted to arrest him for a felony warrant out of Los Angeles County. Mr. Wolter was later located by CHP on a dirt road outside of Benton. Mr. Wolter fled again, eventually abandoning his vehicle on Black Rock Mine Road. Law enforcement officers from the Mono County Sheriff's Office, Bishop Police Department, Inyo County Sheriff's Office, Department of Fish and Wildlife, US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management responded to assist. With help from a CHP helicopter, all responding agencies searched high and low for this definitely dangerous and possibly armed suspect, but were unable to locate him after several hours. Mr. Wolter had no known means of communication or sustenance. 

Mono County Sheriff’s deputies continued to saturate and patrol the area where Mr. Wolter was last seen in an effort to protect the Benton and Chalfant communities. The diligent effort of the deputies paid off. Mr. Wolter was located near some large sage brush on Black Rock Mine Road shortly after sunset on Saturday, September 26, 2015. Mr. Wolter was taken into custody and transported to the Mono County Jail in Bridgeport without incident.

Jason Shane Wolter, age 42, of Acton, California, was arrested for PC 3455(b)(1) – revocation, modification or termination of post-release community suspension and VC 2800.0 – driving in willful or wanton disregard for safety of persons or property while fleeing from pursuing police officers. Mr. Wolter is currently in custody with all charges pending with the Mono County District Attorney’s Office.

The Mono County Sheriff’s Office thanks all the cooperating agencies for responding quickly and working together to capture this wanted suspect. We also thank the community members of Benton and Chalfant for your patience and assistance during this incident. - Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer