Man Admits To Vandalizing Marked Patrol Car, Deputies Say

PALMDALE (CBSLA.com) — Authorities say a 22-year-old man who admitted to vandalizing a marked patrol car has been arrested and booked on criminal charges.

David Morales of Palmdale is accused of flattening three tires on a squad car in the parking lot of the Westside Walmart.

The incident occurred in Palmdale on Oct. 29, the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department said in a written statement.

The statement said Morales jumped back into his own car after the incident and sped away, authorities said. He was reportedly captured on surveillance video.

Nine days into their investigation, authorities saw Morales traveling northbound on Sierra Highway, according to the statement.

A patrol unit from Lancaster subsequently attempted to initiate a traffic stop of Morales, who authorities said failed to stop.

"Morales sped his vehicle up to 60 miles per hour, ran a red light and had to swerve to avoid hitting another vehicle on the road," the statement said. "For the safety of the public, the deputy immediately stopped following the vehicle."

The following Monday, Morales was arrested on charges of reckless evading and felony vandalism, authorities said.

Authorities said: "Morales not only confessed to the crime but stated he committed the crime because he was angry with the government."

Morales' bail was set at $95,000. He is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 13.

Anyone with more information about this case was asked to call Palmdale Station Detective Luter at (661) 272-2472.