Alert Lemoore cop makes arrest after vehicle pursuit on June 2

When the officer tried to stop the vehicle, it initially stopped, and then one suspect exited and fled on foot. The car then sped away from the officer, launching a vehicle pursuit.

The chase ended at the intersection of N. Lemoore Ave. and E. D St. when the vehicle was blocked in by traffic and Lemoore PD vehicles. 

The driver of the vehicle, and suspect, Jose Avena, 37, of Los Angeles, was arrested. A passenger, suspect Jonathan Castillo, 34, of Los Angeles, was also arrested and identified as a suspect.

A third suspect, who fled on foot, is still outstanding.

The vehicle contained tools for cutting catalytic converters. A large number of saw blades for cutting metal, drug paraphernalia, and 11 cut catalytic converters from various vehicle makes and models were inside the car. 

The suspect, Avina, had bail set at approximately 55,000 dollars. Police booked Avina into the Kings County Jail for evading police, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of burglary tools, and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Castillo had a bail amount of approximately $20,000.  He was booked into the Kings County Jail for conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of burglary tools, and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Lemoore Police Department at (559) 924-9574.