For Immediate Release: Drunk Driver Flees From Police
Date: May 1,2026
On 05/01/2026 at approximately 7:55 PM, Officer Eidhammer witnessed a white Mazda CX-50 driving above the posted speed limit of 35 MPH. The Mazda then entered the left turn lane of the southbound lane at the Skyway and Clark Road intersection. The Mazda used the left turn lane to continue straight passing another vehicle at a high rate of speed. Officer Eidhammer activated his lights and sirens to initiate a traffic stop on the Mazda.
After activating his lights, the Mazda sped up continuing southbound on Skyway while passing a car over the double yellow lines. The driver of the Mazda continued to flee from Officer Eidhammer while overtaking multiple cars at once by entering oncoming lanes in the area of Skyway and Rocky Road. Although traffic in the area was minimal, the driver took advantage of the open roadway conditions to accelerate to speeds of 90 miles per hour.
The pursuit lasted just under two miles before the driver of the Mazda ultimately identified shortcomings in their decision-making and yielded to Officer Eidhammer’s lights and sirens.
Additional officers arrived to assist Officer Eidhammer, and the driver of the Mazda was detained without further incident. The driver was identified as 29-year-old Danny Pierce Jr of Magalia. After a series of field sobriety tests, Pierce Jr was taken into custody for evading police with disregard for public safety (felony), evading police wrong way driver (felony), and driving under the influence (misdemeanor).
While on scene, a private citizen stopped and informed Officer Eidhammer that the reckless driving displayed by Pierce Jr began at Skyway and Columbine Road in Magalia where he was estimated to be doing 70 MPH and passing over double yellow lines.
This incident highlights the diligent and proactive efforts of the Paradise Police Department. Proactive policing enhances officers' ability to protect the community and serves as a subtle reminder to drive safely. The public is encouraged to contact the Paradise Police Department when they witness incidents such as these so officers can respond and take appropriate enforcement actions.
LOCATION:
Skyway, Paradise, CA
SUSPECT(S):
Danny Pierce Jr
INVESTIGATING OFFICER:
Officer T. Eidhammer
APPROVING SUPERVISOR:
Officer D. Vannucci
