LINDSAY, CA — Five people were taken to the hospital Sunday afternoon after a high-speed police pursuit ended in a collision at a local intersection.
The crash occurred at approximately 2:00 p.m. at the intersection of Mt. Vernon Avenue and Hermosa Street. According to the Lindsay Department of Public Safety, the suspect's car struck another vehicle carrying five people. All five victims were transported to a local hospital and are currently in stable condition.
The incident began when officers located a blue Chevrolet Cobalt parked in the 300 block of W. Hermosa Street. Authorities were looking for the car because the 39-year-old driver was wanted on an active felony warrant. The driver was also on community supervision—a program similar to parole—following a previous conviction for assault with a deadly weapon.
When officers encountered the car, the driver fled the area recklessly. During the pursuit near Mariposa Street and Eastwood Avenue, the driver reportedly struck two trash bins and intentionally attempted to ram a police cruiser before the final collision at the intersection.
Following the crash, the 39-year-old driver and a 36-year-old passenger fled the scene and entered a nearby business. Officers located and arrested both individuals inside the building.
The driver faces several charges, including aggravated assault on a police officer and fleeing from police while causing injury. The passenger was taken into custody on an existing no-bail warrant and faces additional charges for the possession of drugs for sale.
The Lindsay Department of Public Safety is asking for the community's help with the ongoing investigation. Officers are seeking witnesses who may have video or photos of the pursuit or the collision. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Matthew McMillan or Officer Johan Cervantes at 559-562-2511.
