Police apprehend suspected car thieves after pursuit through Lemoore

Lemoore Police arrested a 26-year-old Hanford man for attempted vehicle theft, conspiracy, and evading an officer after a pursuit through Lemoore on Tuesday, December 9. Officer also arrested a passenger a 19-year-old Lemoore man for attempted car theft.

Police were dispatched to Vine Street in Lemoore in regards to an attempted vehicle theft. It was reported that a male had stopped in the area and attempted to steal a vehicle. The victim left his vehicle running while he went into a business. The suspect opened the door to the car, but when he realized there were two children inside, he ran back to his own vehicle and fled the area. Lemoore officers were given a description of the suspect vehicle and started checking the area.

A few minutes later an officer saw the suspect vehicle driving in the area of 19th Avenue and West Cinnamon Drive. This officer followed the vehicle and the driver started making evasive maneuvers when he saw him. As the officer called for help, the suspect vehicle drove through a residential area and then back onto West Cinnamon Drive and then south on 19th 1/2 Avenue.

Other Lemoore officers had responded to the area of West Bush St. and 19 1/2 Avenue to intercept the vehicle or deploy spike strips. When the suspect vehicle reached the intersection, the driver tried to turn west onto West Bush Street. Due to his speed and the wet roadway he was unable to make the turn and he collided with a milk tanker that was stopped at the stop sign. The driver ran from the vehicle and was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit. The passenger was caught walking away from the scene of the collision.

The driver, 26-year-old Vernon Lewis of Hanford, was arrested for attempted vehicle theft, conspiracy, evading an officer in a vehicle, possession of stolen property, hit and run, and several outstanding warrants. His bail was set at $130,000.00. The passenger, 19-year-old Joseph Pluerd of Lemoore, was arrested for attempted vehicle theft, conspiracy, resisting or delaying an officer, possession of stolen property, bringing narcotics into the jail, and an outstanding warrant. His bail was set at $145,000.00.

 

 

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