Man gets prison for police chase; second case pending

A district judge Wednesday gave the maximum sentence to a defendant who led police on reckless high-speed chases around the valley.

Jason James Dillinger, 33, was sentenced by Judge David Wall to 28 months to six years in prison after he pleaded guilty to evading or attempting to evade a police officer in connection with an incident in July.

As part of a plea deal, prosecutors dropped one count each of assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a burglary instrument.

In January, a few days after failing to show up to court on that case, Dillinger led Las Vegas police on an hourlong pursuit.

That chase began at a bar on Grand Canyon Drive, near Flamingo Road, and it ended in the Suncoast parking garage.

Once at the garage, authorities allege, Dillinger pointed a handgun at a casino security guard. Prosecutor Nell Keenan said the gun was thought to be stolen from an off-duty police officer.

The incident received media coverage because television news helicopters recorded the chase from above.

In that case, Dillinger faces several felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, evading a police officer, possession of a stolen vehicle and unlawful possession of burglary tools.

Dillinger's female passenger, Ashley Ann Shaheen, 27, also was arrested.

On Wednesday, Shaheen waived her right to a preliminary hearing and is expected next week to plead guilty to attempted burglary, possession of stolen property and conspiring not to stop when required by police, prosecutor Roy Nelson said.

In 2005, Dillinger pleaded guilty to grand larceny and was given probation. Prosecutors said he also has a warrant out of California for failing to comply with probation for a felony conviction.