A 39-year-old Ceres man was arrested early Monday after he unsuccessfully fled from police who responded to a call from his mother after he allegedly struck her on the head and stolen her car.

The victim called 9-1-1 at 4:04 a.m. officers to report that her son, Xavier Herrera, 39, of Ceres, had struck her during a domestic disturbance at 2222 Herndon Road. Officer Charles Rushing located the car a short time later and attempted to pull over Herrera but he did not stop. A short police pursuit was initiated. Herrera was able to flee on foot to the area of Herndon Avenue and Ploutz Road. Officers set up a perimeter in search of Herrera, including Officer Kiashira Ruiz and canine Leo. The suspect was located by Leo hiding under a pile of garbage at 2222 Herndon near apartment #7. Herrera would not comply with orders to come out so Leo was deployed and bit him on the leg. Officers arrested him but allowed paramedics to treat him for bites at the scene.

Herrera was found to be on parole and a parole hold was granted by his parole agent. Herrera was booked into the County Jail on charges of felony auto theft, parole violation, elder abuse, and resisting arrest.

The car was returned to his mother.