Kings County deputies pursue suspect several miles before making arrest

According to the security officer, the Charger was leaving the gas pump area causing the deputy to follow the Charger and force a traffic enforcement stop which may have discovered the alleged brandishing of a firearm.

After leaving the gas station, the Charger began traveling in a residential area at speeds in excess of 50 miles per hour. The deputy activated his overhead lights and siren but the driver of the Charger, later identified as Donald Daugherty, 31, refused to stop forcing a pursuit.

The deputy pursued the suspect for several miles until the Charger found itself stuck in mud in the Tulare Lake Basin near 17th Avenue and Medford Avenue. During the chase, Daugherty drove at a high rate of speed, recklessly passed other vehicles, and failed to stop at several posted stop signs. According to law enforcement officials, the suspect drove all over the roadway.

As deputies made their way to where the Charger was disabled, they witnessed the suspect actively trying to get away. Daugherty was backing up and trying to go forward. However, the Charger was unable to regain traction.

As deputies approached the Charger, Daugherty exited, and deputies ordered him to place his hands into the air. The suspect refused the commands and deputies said the suspect appeared to move his hands toward his waistband. Deputies continued to tell the suspect to place his hands into the air and follow directions. After several tense minutes, they were able to place Donald under arrest.

Deputies discovered that Daugherty had three Kings County warrants issued for his arrest. The charges included false identification to a peace officer, disorderly conduct, and possession of the stolen property.

Deputies searched the Charger but did not locate a firearm. but they did locate a glass pipe often used to ingest Methamphetamine. Deputies aren’t sure if Daugherty discarded a weapon during the pursuit. Deputies re-contacted Palace Security to further investigate the brandishing of a firearm. The initial reporting party did not wish to cooperate and refused to be interviewed by authorities.

Deputies booked Daugherty into the Kings County Jail on the charges of felony pursuit with wanton disregard, evading a peace officer while driving the wrong way, resisting arrest, and possession of a smoking device. His bail was set at $115,000.