LAKE HAVASU CITY – Lake Havasu City police are trying to determine why an elderly local resident led police on a dangerous pursuit last weekend. Authorities said a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox disregarded traffic control devices as it sped past officers who were blocking an intersection for the Lake Havasu Triathlon at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, March 17.

Sergeant Kyle Ridgway said three bicyclists were nearly struck before a traffic stop was conducted in the 200 block of London Bridge Road.

“The driver of the vehicle then intentionally accelerated and struck the officer’s vehicle before fleeing the traffic stop,” Ridgway said. He said a subsequent police pursuit ended when 90-year-old John Welcher lost control of the Equinox and collided with two other vehicles.

“Welcher sustained minor injuries from the collision and was transported to Havasu Regional Medical Center for evaluation prior to being booked into the Mohave County Detention Center,” Ridgway said. “There were no reported injuries to officers or occupants of the other vehicles.”

Welcher faces five aggravated assault counts, three counts of criminal damage, two counts of endangerment and unlawful flight.