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Kigns County Sheriff's Office assists CHP in pursuit of stolen vehicle
On Monday, May 24, at about 6 p.m., the California Highway Patrol was in pursuit of the stolen silver 2008 Ford Escape near the area of 19th Avenue and Medford Avenue in rural Kings County. The CHP lost sight of the Ford near and requested the assistance of the Kings County Sheriff’s Office to help search for the vehicle.
A deputy patrolling south on 12th Avenue near Kent Avenue spotted the silver Ford driving north on 12th Avenue. He then made a U-turn and reinitiated the pursuit. The pursuit continued for several miles and reached speeds of 130 miles per hour. The driver of the stolen Ford drove along a canal bank and lost control of his vehicle as it rolled into a dry canal.
Two subjects, later identified as suspects Manuel Huerta and Jasper Cardoza, ran from the vehicle toward a nearby residence. Deputies chased after the suspects and captured Cardoza without incident. They lost sight of Huerta, and deputies established a perimeter as deputies searched the area for him. The properties located in the area were large and contained numerous outbuildings, vehicles, and large shops, making the search tedious.
Kings County K-9 Officer Bos assisted with the search and located Huerta hiding in a shed. The suspect struggled with K-9 Bos and used his collar and leash to choke him. A less lethal (bean bag) round was deployed, striking Huerta on the leg, forcing him to comply with law enforcement officers, and he was arrested. Deputies transported Huerta to a local hospital, where he was treated for injuries sustained during the incident.
Deputies booked Huerta and Cardoza booked into Kings County Jail for felony pursuit, felony possession of the stolen property, and resisting arrest. Bail was set at $50,000.
