Kings County deputy in Jan. 11 vehicle incident, chases suspect and makes arrest

By The Leader Staff
The vehicle a suspect abandoned before his arrest.
The vehicle a suspect abandoned before his arrest.

On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at approximately 4:45 a.m., a Kings County deputy sheriff, while patrolling north on Highway 41 near Elgin Avenue, spotted a Honda Civic turning south into the northbound lane of Highway 41.

The deputy watched as the Honda quickly backed up in reverse. According to the sheriff’s department report, it appeared to have been involved in a collision.

Before the Deputy could check on the occupants of the Honda, the Honda turned around and drove away at a high rate of speed. The Honda passed the deputy’s vehicle and drove north at about 85 miles per hour.

The driver of the Honda was later identified as the suspect, 19-year-old Israel Cervantes Gonzales of Madera.

The deputy activated his lights and siren and chased after Gonzalez, who refused to pull over. The chase continued until Gonzalez suddenly slammed on his brakes near Laguna Avenue in southern Fresno County and turned east.

He drove through a barbed wire fence and into an orchard, where he left the Honda and began running.

 Deputies located Gonzales walking between an orchard and an open field, and he was taken into custody. Deputies reported that the suspect exhibited symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance. The sheriff’s department reported that a subsequent test revealed that the suspect had Methamphetamine in his system.

The investigation revealed that Gonzales struck a semi-truck shortly before the pursuit ensued. The California Highway Patrol investigated the collision. The driver of the semi truck was uninjured.

Deputies booked Gonzales into the Kings County Jail on charges of evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety, resisting arrest, and driving under the influence. Bail was set at $25,000.

Kings County deputy in Jan. 11 vehicle incident, chases suspect and makes arrest
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