A driver who was on probation was arrested Monday, Aug. 14 after leading a Ceres Police officer on an eight-mile high-speed chase through Ceres and Modesto.

Jimmy Lee Groves, 33, of Turlock, was booked on charges of felony evading, and probation violation.

Ceres Police Officer Jesus Salinas was on patrol in the area of Herndon Road and Pecos Avenue at 8:08 p.m. when he tried to stop a blue 2002 Saturn for speeding and a running stop sign. Groves accelerated in an attempt to get away, driving west on Pecos Avenue to southbound Bystrum. The chase entered northbound Highway 99 and traveled at speeds reaching nearly 100 mph, recklessly swerving from lane to lane. Groves exited Highway 99 at Briggsmore Avenue with the case going down Orangeburg, Evergreen, southbound Carver Road and southbound Ninth Street at speeds of approximately 50 mph. The pursuit continued southbound on Ninth Street to eastbound Coldwell then turned southbound Sycamore. Groves then turned eastbound Stoddard and stopped the car, allowing the car to continue rolling as he bolted on foot.

Groves ran northbound through an alley but was cut off by his own vehicle. He then ran westbound on Stoddard Avenue where was chased by Officer Eric Gallegos. Groves then threw himself on the ground and was taken into custody without incident.

Groves told officers that he ran because he thought the vehicle he was driving was reported stolen by his friend who let him borrow the vehicle. That was not the case, Ceres Police Department spokesman Lt. Chris Perry said.

Passenger Angel Lopez, 19, of Modesto, said she pleaded for Groves to stop but he did would not listen. She was released.

A record check of Jimmy revealed that he was on searchable probation.