A search for a wanted California man ended in an arrest in Yuba City after investigators say he rammed an unmarked law enforcement vehicle and crashed his car into a convenience store.
Allen Houck, 31, of Marysville, had been sought in connection with several criminal investigations involving alleged burglaries, stolen firearms and attempts to evade police, according to authorities in Yuba and Sutter counties.
Investigators said Houck was also the subject of an outstanding felony arrest warrant and was wanted for an alleged violation of Post-Release Community Supervision.
Authorities say the investigation stretched back several months, with incidents involving abandoned vehicles, reported stolen guns and multiple police pursuits. The latest encounter took place Wednesday at Mike’s Mini Mart near Franklin Road and South Walton Road in Yuba City.
According to investigators, officers were attempting to take Houck into custody when he allegedly rammed an unmarked law enforcement vehicle multiple times before crashing into the store. He was eventually arrested at the scene.
Officials said he was found carrying 28 grams of methamphetamine when he was taken into custody.
Investigation Began With a July Pursuit
One of the earlier incidents occurred on July 27, when Yuba City police located a vehicle they believed Houck was driving.
According to authorities, officers pursued the vehicle until it reached the Yuba City Boat Docks. The driver abandoned the vehicle and allegedly fled into the nearby river bottoms using an all-terrain vehicle.
Police recovered a stolen firearm from the abandoned vehicle, investigators said.
The incident became one of several cases authorities were examining as they worked to locate Houck.
Investigators later identified him as a suspect in an Oct. 3 burglary in Yuba City. During that incident, a gun safe containing multiple firearms was reportedly stolen.
The stolen weapons added another concern to the investigation as authorities continued looking into the alleged offenses connected to Houck.
High-Speed Pursuit Ended Near Nicolaus Bridge
Authorities also linked Houck to vehicle pursuits involving Yuba City police and Sutter County sheriff’s deputies on Oct. 11 and Oct. 17.
The Oct. 17 incident was particularly dangerous, according to investigators. During that pursuit, Houck allegedly drove at speeds exceeding 100 mph before crashing near the Nicolaus Bridge.
The impact caused the vehicle to catch fire, officials said. Investigators believe Houck escaped from the wreck and ran into a nearby orchard.
Despite the crash and the search that followed, authorities continued working to locate him.
The series of alleged incidents eventually led investigators to Mike’s Mini Mart in Yuba City, where they encountered Houck again several days later.
Arrest Followed Another Vehicle Collision
When law enforcement personnel attempted to apprehend Houck at the convenience store on Wednesday, he allegedly struck an unmarked police vehicle multiple times.
Investigators said the encounter ended when Houck crashed into the mini mart.
Authorities ultimately took him into custody. The reported discovery of 28 grams of methamphetamine added another allegation to the case.
Officials have not provided further details about the extent of damage to the store or whether anyone inside was injured.
What Is Post-Release Community Supervision?
Houck was also wanted for allegedly violating Post-Release Community Supervision, commonly known as PRCS.
In California, PRCS is a form of county-level supervision for certain people released from state prison after serving a felony sentence. Individuals under this supervision must follow specified conditions and comply with applicable laws. An alleged violation can lead to further legal consequences. <Cite refs={[“turn729489search0″,”turn729489search4”]}/>
In Houck’s case, the alleged supervision violation was one part of a broader investigation involving several reported incidents.
Houck Booked Into Sutter County Jail
Following his arrest, Houck was booked into the Sutter County Jail on multiple charges related to the alleged offenses, authorities said.
The investigation involved law enforcement agencies in both Yuba and Sutter counties, reflecting the series of incidents reported across the area.
Authorities have not publicly detailed the outcome of each individual investigation or provided a full breakdown of every charge filed at booking.
For now, the arrest brings the search for Houck to a close, while the allegations involving the stolen firearms, burglary, vehicle pursuits and latest collision remain matters for the legal process.
Houck is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
