Man arrested after Hwy. 80 standoff in Truckee

CHP says driver was throwing items from car during reckless pursuit

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A man was arrested and transported to the hospital after a brief pursuit and standoff on Highway 80 that led to the temporary closure of westbound traffic on Friday morning. California Highway Patrol officers said the man was driving recklessly, including throwing items out of his car, in Truckee around 7:52 a.m. Officers pursued the driver, eventually stopping him with a spike strip about 30 miles west on Highway 80 near Nyack and Whitmore.

Why it matters

Reckless driving and police pursuits can pose serious risks to public safety, leading to road closures, traffic delays, and potential injuries or property damage. This incident highlights the need for law enforcement to respond quickly and safely to such situations to protect the community.

The details

The man refused to come out of the vehicle, officers said. He was removed about an hour later with the assistance of the Placer County Sheriff's Office, its K-9 unit and a drone. Caltrans said the highway was reopened around 10 a.m. The man was transported to the hospital for an evaluation.

  • The incident began around 7:52 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026 in Truckee.
  • The driver was stopped with a spike strip about 30 miles west on Highway 80 near Nyack and Whitmore.
  • The highway was reopened around 10 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The players

California Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling California's highways and responding to incidents like this one.

Placer County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that assisted the California Highway Patrol in apprehending the suspect.

Caltrans

The California Department of Transportation that manages the state's highway system and was responsible for reopening Highway 80 after the incident.

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What’s next

The man will likely face charges related to reckless driving and evading law enforcement. The incident may also prompt further discussions about highway safety and police pursuit policies in the region.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the risks posed by reckless driving and the importance of law enforcement's ability to respond quickly and safely to such situations in order to protect public safety on the roads.