Culprit in high-speed chase headed for prison

By Kathryn Reed

Christopher Wadstein of South Lake Tahoe pleaded guilty this week to being a felon in possession of a firearm, and evading a police officer and reckless driving.

His latest arrest was June 29 when he led law enforcement on a high-speed chase through South Lake Tahoe that ended in the Upper Truckee Meadow.

Christopher Wadstein on June 29 headed to Barton Memorial Hospital. Photo/Kathryn Reed

Wadstein, 21, entered the guilty pleas on Aug. 2. He is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 16. He faces up to three years in prison.

Although what led officers to be looking for Wadstein was a kidnapping in the early morning hours of June 27, he was not charged in that crime.

South Lake Tahoe police officers never divulged details of that incident. They deferred comment to the District Attorney’s Office – which did not charge Wadstein with kidnapping.

The woman who was allegedly held against her will was not physically harmed.