Fleeing sheriff's helicopter, alleged NorCal car thief hides out in pile of cow manure

These crime stories from 2017 in the Bay Area were some real head-scratchers, or should we say bread-scratchers? Check out the craziest crimes by clicking through. These crime stories from 2017 in the Bay Area were some real head-scratchers, or should we say bread-scratchers? Check out the craziest crimes by clicking through. Photo: Photo Courtesy SCPD Photo: Photo Courtesy SCPD Image 1 of / 14 Caption Close Fleeing sheriff's helicopter, alleged NorCal car thief hides out in pile of cow manure 1 / 14 Back to Gallery

A man in Turlock stole a car, attempted to flee from officers at a speed of over 110 mph, crashed, and hid in a cattle pen covered in cow excrement before surrendering after getting too cold, police say.

The Stanislaus County Auto Theft Task Force (StanCATT) told the Modesto Bee that 40-year-old Bryan Woolever stole a Kia Optima, but was pulled over by a StanCATT agent and a member of the Turlock Police Department.

StanCATT officials told the Turlock Journal that Woolever initially pulled over, but randomly sped away in the middle of the traffic stop, nearly striking the StanCATT agent.

Woolever reportedly drove faster than 110 mph in the Kia Optima, and officers decided not to pursue him due to the potential safety risks of a police chase at that speed.

The Stanislaus County Sheriff Department's helicopter was used to track Woolever, who ended up crashing into a pile of dirt near a dairy farm.

Woolever exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, and ultimately hid in one of the dairy farm's cattle pens.

According to the Bee, when police dogs eventually located the pen Woolever was hiding in, he was surrounded by around 100 cows and was covered in their feces.

Police ordered him to surrender, but he refused and remained hidden in the pen for about an hour. Eventually, he surrendered to police after saying he had gotten too cold.

Woolever was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on suspicion of auto theft, possession of a stolen vehicle and evading.

He also had six outstanding warrants for drug-related offenses.

Eric Ting is an SFGATE staff writer. Email him at eting@sfchronicle.com and follow him on Twitter

Start receiving breaking news emails on wildfires, civil emergencies, riots, national breaking news, Amber Alerts, weather emergencies, and other critical events with the SFGATE breaking news email. Click here to make sure you get the news.