Parolee arrested after fleeing gang task force

A wanted parolee was arrested last week in Banning after leading gang task force members on a high-speed pursuit.

Ryan Meeks, 27, was contacted by members from the San Gorgonio Special Operations Gang Task Force in the 1400 block of Adam Street around 5 p.m. on February, 7. Authorities said Meeks put his car in reverse, nearly hitting officers as he attempted to flee.

Meeks tried to escape on Hargrave Street, running several stop signs and driving recklessly. Officers decided to end the pursuit due to public safety concerns when Meeks continued westbound on Wilson Street.

A citizen called police several minutes later to report a suspicious man with tattoos on his face, who was asking people for a ride in an apartment complex located in the 500 block of N. Sunset Avenue.

Banning Police officers arrived to assist the gang task force and arrested Meeks for felony evasion, felony assault on a peace officer and for his parole warrant.

He was booked into jail at the Larry Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.