On Tuesday May 9, 2017 around 6:18 p.m., a KCSO deputy initiated a traffic enforcement stop on a pickup truck near Western Avenue and Poso Avenue in Wasco for a vehicle code violation.
The driver, who was later identified as 35-year-old Narciso Martinez of Wasco, failed to yield and led deputies on a 3.9 miles long vehicle pursuit, lasting approximately five minutes. During the pursuit, the vehicle reached speeds of 65 miles per hour.
Martinez attempted to escape deputies by driving through orchards; however, he lost control of his vehicle and collided with an almond tree. Martinez ran on foot from his truck, but deputies managed to arrest him.
Martinez was booked for improper attachment of vehicle license plates, altering a vehicle identification number, reckless driving, unsafe entrance onto a highway, evading a peace officer with disregard, resisting/delaying/obstructing a peace officer, and possessing a controlled substance.
Martinez was also booked into CRF for two outstanding felony warrants and one misdemeanor warrant.
No one was injured during the vehicle pursuit. Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is requested to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661) 861-3110 or Secret Witness (661) 322-4040.
