Domestic Violence Suspect Crashes Into Sausalito Cafe While Trying to Evade Police

A 20-year-old Marin man was arrested after leading police in a car chase that ended with him losing control of his vehicle and crashing into a cafe in Sausalito, according to the Marin County Sheriff's Office.

Derrick McCann -- a domestic violence suspect who allegedly threw his ex-girlfriend to the ground and stole her cell phone -- was spotted by a deputy Tuesday morning in Marin, Deputy Scott Anderson said

When the deputy attempted to pull him over, McCann sped off and initiated a chase at speeds of up to 60 mph in a 35 mph zone. McCann's current girlfriend and her 2-year-old son, who was not strapped in a car seat, were also in the vehicle during the pursuit, officials said.

The chase lasted one minute and ended when McCann spun out of control and crashed into Fred's Cafe in Sausalito.

"I hear the screeching tires, looked out the window and saw the crash actually happen," said Kevin King, who works a few doors down from the cafe.

"We just assumed there would be multiple fatalities, King said. "It was bad. We've seen crashes at this intersection before, but that was the worst."

A customer in the cafe was pinned by the McCann's car. Nathan Arellano and others helped free the customer.

"He was pressed against a wall. Fortunately, he was pretty much OK once we go the car off him," Arellano said. "I'm sure he's going to  have bruising, but he walked away from it."

McCann attempted to run from the crash, but Arellano chased him onto a rooftop. When the suspect jumped off the roof, King was there to pin him down.

"It's nice to help out,"  "I really wasn't running down here to catch the guy -- just trying to help people."

Arellano said it was a miracle no one was seriously hurt in the crash.

"You've got to thank God nobody's dead today and the injuries are minor," he said.

McCann received minor injuries from the incident. He was treated and released from a hospital before being arrested on charges of domestic violence, grand theft, driving without a license, felony evading of a police officer, felony cruelty to a child, reckless driving, resisting arrest and committing a felony while out on bail.

 McCann's girlfriend was treated for minor injuries. Her son was not injured.

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