Parolee surrenders after fleeing when pulled over

A local man surrendered to authorities Wednesday after being pursued for several hours in Smith River.

Jamie F. Darlington, 34, of Smith River, was arrested on suspicion of a parole violation, but the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office originally sought him in connection with a separate incident.

A man in Smith River called authorities around 9 a.m. reporting that another man was pointing what he believed to be a rifle at him at 3 a.m. at his residence on South Indian Road, sheriff’s Commander Tim Athey said.

Authorities sought Darlington based on information they received. Sheriff’s Deputy Richard Griffin contacted a family member of Darlington who indicated he was in a gray Ford Explorer, Athey said.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Gene McManus stopped a vehicle matching the description, but the driver fled,  Athey said.

Several law enforcement vehicles were driving around the area until about 1 p.m. looking for Darlington, Athey said.

Darlington was finally contacted by Griffin via telephone and was convinced to turn himself in, Athey said.

Authorities believe Darlington decided to run because he thought they were looking for him for being a parolee at-large, Athey said.

They are still investigating the  early morning incident.

“We are not able to confirm or deny at this point whether the man had a gun,” said Athey.