The CHP is trying to figure out why a southern California man driving a stolen vehicle would draw attention to himself by driving recklessly through a Cal Trans construction zone.  CHP Officer Greg Tassone says 37 year old Luke Neely, of San Diego,  was driving through a construction project underway on Highway 49 last Friday evening just North of Coyote St.

click to listen to Officer Tassone

The CHP officer chased the vehicle attempting to make a traffic stop and Neely  pulled over.

click to listen to CHP Officer Tassone

The vehicle was a 2016 Toyota Sequoia, and Neely was taken into custody on the outstanding warrant.

click to listen to CHP Officer Tassone

While taking the vehicle into custody the officer also found two malnourished animals in the car, a cat and a dog in squalid conditions. They were turned over to Animal Control. Neely was charged with felony Vehicle Theft, felony receiving known stolen property and a felony charge of animal cruelty. He has since been released on $10,000 bail.