05/14/2026
Windsor Man Arrested After Pursuit; Senior Baseball Players Assist Officers
HEALDSBURG, CA – On May 13, 2026, at approximately 10:35 a.m., the Healdsburg Police Department arrested a 20-year-old Windsor man following a vehicle pursuit that ended with assistance from local senior baseball players.
Healdsburg Police Department Dispatch received a report of a suspicious vehicle occupied by a male and female who appeared to be under the influence in front of a residence on Powell Avenue. As officers responded, the reporting party called back to advise that the vehicle had left the area with the passenger door open, traveling toward University Street.
Officer Garcia located the vehicle stopped at the corner of University Street and Lincoln Street. When Officer Garcia attempted to contact the male driver, later identified as Jonathan Ortiz Espana (20 years old, Windsor), Ortiz Espana re-entered the vehicle and drove away at an accelerated speed, initiating a pursuit.
The pursuit spanned several blocks along University Street, during which Ortiz Espana's vehicle struck multiple parked vehicles. The pursuit ended at the corner of University Street and Piper Street when Ortiz Espana lost control and struck a street sign, rendering his vehicle inoperable.
Ortiz Espana then fled on foot toward Recreation Park (515 Piper Street), where members of the Redwood Empire Baseball League's 72-and-older teams—the Apples and Reds—were playing a game. The baseball players and umpire witnessed the collision and apprehended Ortiz Espana, assisting Officer Garcia and Officer Reynoso in taking him into custody.
After securing Ortiz Espana, officers located a 14-year-old female passenger who appeared to be under the influence of unknown substances. Bells Ambulance and Healdsburg Fire Department responded and medically evaluated both individuals. The juvenile was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation, and her parents were notified.
Through investigation, officers determined that Ortiz Espana had provided alcohol to the minor and was attempting to engage in sexual in*******se with her while in the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle used during the pursuit had been unlawfully obtained by Ortiz Espana.
Ortiz Espana was arrested on the following charges:
Felony Charges:
- PC 261.5 – Statutory R**e
- PC 289 (d) - Unlawful Pe*******on
- PC 273(a)(A) – Child Endangerment
- CVC 10851(a) – Stolen Vehicle
Misdemeanor Charges:
- CVC 2800.1(a) – Evading a Peace Officer
- PC 148(a)(1) – Obstructing a Peace Officer
- CVC 23152(a) & (b) – DUI Over .08
- CVC 23154(a) – Violation of DUI Probation
- CVC 20002(a)(1) – Hit and Run
- BP 25658(a) – Sell/Furnish Liquor to Minor
The investigation indicates the juvenile knew the suspect and voluntarily entered the vehicle after the two met the previous day in town after the juvenile was approached and “catcalled” while walking. While this was not a stranger abduction, the circumstances remain deeply concerning and involved alleged criminal conduct against a minor, including the furnishing of alcohol. Incidents like this serve as an important reminder for parents and guardians to have ongoing conversations with teens about personal safety, responsible decision-making, substance use, and the risks associated with interacting with significantly older individuals, including people they may have only recently met.
The Healdsburg Police Department would like to thank the reporting party for calling in the suspicious activity and the members of the Redwood Empire Baseball League for their outstanding assistance in apprehending the suspect.
This case remains under investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Healdsburg Police Department.
