Deputy Breaks Arm in Backyard Chase; Ukiah Man Arrested

This is a press release from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent unless proven guilty:

On June 5, 2026, at about 8:27 p.m., Mendocino County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the 3900 block of North State Street in Ukiah for a report of a male subject causing a disturbance. Upon arrival, deputies did not hear any disturbance, and there were no vehicles in the driveway of the reported residence. Deputies spoke with a neighbor who was outside; the neighbor did not report hearing any disturbance. Deputies attempted to contact the occupants of the residence, but no one answered the door. Deputies then checked the surrounding area, but were unable to locate anyone involved.

At approximately 9:50 p.m., deputies were again dispatched to the same residence for a report of a subject causing a disturbance. Prior to making contact, deputies were aware that Diego Vallejo resided at the location and that he had multiple outstanding arrest warrants, including a felony warrant for violation of 2800.2 VC – reckless evading of a peace officer.

The initial responding deputy again received no answer at the front door after knocking and repeatedly identifying themself as law enforcement. The deputy then went to the side yard gate and noted it was partially open. From that vantage point, the deputy observed Vallejo attempting to conceal himself in the backyard. The deputy ordered Vallejo to exit the yard and advised him he was under arrest for the outstanding warrants. Vallejo instead ran from the deputy, despite knowing they were a peace officer lawfully attempting to take him into custody. By fleeing on foot, Vallejo willfully resisted, obstructed, and delayed the deputy’s efforts to effect a lawful arrest.

Despite repeated lawful commands, Vallejo continued to flee, leading the deputy through uneven, obstructed, and hazardous terrain. To complete the arrest and prevent Vallejo’s escape, the deputy pursued him along the same route, which included aggressive dogs, patio furniture, makeshift fencing, disabled vehicles, and landscaping materials that created a narrow and uneven pathway through the backyard.

During the foot pursuit, the deputy lost their footing in debris within the yard and fell, sustaining a fracture to their right humerus. The deputy was transported to a local hospital for immediate medical evaluation and treatment. The injury was determined to be a serious bodily injury.

Assisting Officers from the Ukiah Police Department arrived and ultimately placed Vallejo under arrest for the warrants.

The serious bodily injury sustained by the Sheriff’s Deputy was caused by Vallejo’s willful resistance, obstruction, and delay of a peace officer engaged in the lawful performance of their duties establishing probable cause to arrest Vallejo with 148.10 PC.

California Penal Code 834a requires that when a person knows, or reasonably should know, they are being arrested by a peace officer, they must not resist or use force or a weapon to resist the arrest. Individuals are to comply with the deputy’s lawful commands at the time, even if they disagree with the arrest, and address any concerns later through the court process. This helps reduce the risk of injury to both community members and deputies and supports a safer outcome for everyone involved.

Vallejo was transported to the Mendocino County Jail where he is being held on a $51,500 bail status.

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Ukiah Police Department for their assistance during this incident.

Anyone with information related to this incident is requested to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086 (option 1). Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the non-emergency tip-line at 707-234-2100.