Mentone man arrested on attempted murder charge after Redlands vehicle pursuit

REDLANDS, Calif. — A 24-year-old Mentone man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after police say he rammed a vehicle carrying his ex-girlfriend and another person during a confrontation Friday, Oct. 2.

Giovanni Efrain Pelayo was arrested following a pursuit that began after he encountered his ex-girlfriend and another person sitting in a vehicle in a parking lot in the 1700 block of East Lugonia Avenue, according to the Redlands Police Department.

Police said Pelayo approached the vehicle and argued with the occupants while attempting to force his way inside. He then allegedly jumped onto the hood and damaged the vehicle before the occupants drove away.

Pelayo followed them in his own vehicle and caught up with them near the Redlands California Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Fifth Street, where police said he rammed their vehicle.

The occupants drove away again, with Pelayo continuing to follow them, according to police. During the pursuit, Pelayo collided with an uninvolved vehicle on Reservoir Road.

The victims eventually stopped at a public location and called police.

Police said Pelayo fled and abandoned his vehicle near Moore Middle School in the 1500 block of East Highland Avenue. Officers later located him at his home in Mentone and arrested him without further incident.

Pelayo was being held at the San Bernardino County Central Detention Center in lieu of $1 million bail on suspicion of attempted murder, domestic violence and vandalism, according to police.

Anyone with information about the incident can contact Redlands Police Dispatch at 909-798-7681, ext. 8. Tips and suspicious activity can also be reported through the city's Redlands 311 mobile app.