Kings County deputies arrest suspect after high-speed chase through Lemoore streets

The vehicle abruptly drove out of the alleyway as the deputy approached. The deputy followed the vehicle and observed it running a posted stop sign. At that point, the officer activated the emergency lights and siren on his patrol car to make a traffic stop. 

However, the vehicle refused to yield, and a pursuit ensued. The driver was later identified as suspect, Rene Luna Jr. 

The pursuit continued through several nearby neighborhoods as Luna sped through neighborhoods at a high rate of speed, failing to stop at several additional stop signs.

Near the end of the pursuit, the suspect drove three times through the Cedar Lane neighborhood. On Luna’s third trip and making his way west on Cedar Lane, he abruptly stopped and jumped out of the vehicle.

According to reports, the suspect ran east along the sidewalk, which happened to be in the same direction as the pursuing patrol car. The deputy, seated in the patrol car's passenger seat, left the vehicle and tackled Rene to the ground.

Luna landed on the deputy, causing the deputy to strike his head against the sidewalk. The deputy sustained a minor jaw injury to his jaw. The suspect continued to resist arrest, refusing to place his hands behind his back and keeping his right arm underneath him near his waistband.

A deputy delivered several blows to Rene to gain control, and finally, the two deputies took control and placed Luna in handcuffs.    

The deputy who sustained injuries during the altercation received medical attention and was later cleared to return to work.   

Law enforcement officials say Luna had 12 active arrest warrants, with eight issued out of Kings County and four from Tulare County. Rene informed deputies that he had swallowed a large amount of methamphetamine during the pursuit.

The suspect was cleared at a local hospital before his booking into the Kings County Jail.

In addition to his 12 warrants, Luna was charged with felony pursuit, felony obstructing an officer, destruction of evidence, and driving on a suspended driver’s license. His bail was set at $331,000.