Local law enforcement join forces to capture fleeing suspect after neighborhood lock down

Suspect Daniel Gaytan

Both Powell and Grand streets were locked down as police and deputies stood guard at each end of the streets. A CHP helicopter circled the area in question while police searched the area.

The incident began around 4 p.m. when Lemoore officers responded to a report on East Bush that four males were suspected of drinking alcoholic beverages in public. One of the males was identified as Daniel Gaytan, 27.

A police officer on scene located a loaded handgun in the area where Gaytan was sitting.  That handgun was later determined to be a stolen firearm out of Tulare County.  Gaytan proceeded to run away on foot northbound on Powell St. and then turned eastbound. The officer lost sight of the suspect but a perimeter was established utilizing Kings County deputies and Lemoore officers.

A California Highway Patrol helicopter assisted by searching the area and assisting with the perimeter as officers began clearing back yards within the perimeter. Deputies also assisted with the search.

A sheriff’s department K-9 unit and Lemoore police officers located Gaytan hiding under a metal container in the back yard of a residence on Grand Ave. Nobody was injured during this incident.

A California Highway Patrol helicopter joined the search for a fleeing suspect Wednesday afternoon near Lemoore High School. The suspect was later caught.

Photo by Bill Burris, Photography for Kings County

“Due to the collaborative efforts of the participating agencies, this incident came to a quick and safe resolution,” said Lemoore Police Department Commander Maggie Ochoa. “This type of cooperative effort is indicative of the professional law enforcement in Kings County.”

The Lemoore Police Department contacted Lemoore High School and requested that the school be locked down in case students were still on campus during after school hours. Gaytan was arrested and will be booked at the Kings County Jail for several violations.

While school was not in session, several events were taking place, including a track meet, tennis match, and softball game.

Gaytan was booked into the Kings County Jail on suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon, carrying a stolen loaded firearm, being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition, resisting arrest, possession of stolen property, being under the influence of a controlled substance, being under the influence of a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm and bringing drugs or alcohol into the jail. His bail was set at $125,000.