Kings deputies in high speed chase and end up arresting pair of suspected hemp thieves

The two suspects, Jose Salto, 34, and Joe Martinez, 30, fled the scene in a white Nissan Altima.

Sheriff’s deputies located the suspect’s vehicle at the intersection of 12th Avenue and Jackson Avenue.

When the deputies attempted a traffic stop, the suspects instead sped away, and deputies quickly followed, pursuing the suspects at speeds over 100 miles per hour down rural county roads. As the chase continued, the driver of the suspect’s vehicle lost control and struck a tree in an orchard near 7th Avenue and Idaho Avenue.

Suspect Jose Salto

While sustaining some damage, the suspects continued to a nearby canal bank. The dry conditions created a large dust cloud causing deputies to fall behind. As deputies continued to monitor the vehicle and the dust cloud it created, they managed to locate the car in the 14500 blocks of 7th Avenue after it came to a stop.

It was there that deputies made a felony traffic stop and arrested the driver, Jose Martinez.

Martinez told deputies he dropped the passenger (Jose Salto) off near an orchard during the chase. Deputies were able to determine the location of this orchard and set up a perimeter. Deputies completed a search of the orchard, and Salto was found hiding in a walnut tree. A sheriff's K9 assisted in the search.

The suspect was taken into custody. Deputies located 36 stolen hemp plants inside the Nissan, which were returned to the rightful owner.

Both suspects were booked into Kings County Jail on multiple felony charges.