Robbery suspect in custody after high-speed chase on Highway 99
MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A tense hour-long chase started in Fresno and went as far as Sanger before ultimately ending in Madera County.
"He went from city roads to county roads to off road and then back on to the freeway, which right during 5 o'clock traffic-- very dangerous," said Lieutenant Giachino Chiaramonte, Madera Police Department.
More than 30 officers played a role in hunting down the suspect who drove at speeds more than 100 miles per hour while waving a gun overhead. Police finally caught up with him, after puncturing all four of his tires near Avenue 16.
"When he exited the vehicle, he had it in his left hand pointed to the ground. I believe he saw kind of the line of personnel, he didn't have a chance so he gave up without incident," said Chiaramonte.
Police have been searching for John Barajas ever since Mother's Day. He allegedly dragged a female employee by her hair while stealing cell phones from a store in Fresno.
"Based on the nature and aggression he showed towards the female employee of the Metro PCS, we believe that he may carry on and commit another robbery," said Miguel Archan, Fresno Police Department, last week.
Detectives were right-- a few days later, the spree continued in Madera County where he is wanted for at least three other violent robberies. Police have been tracking his movement ever since.
"In this case, we weren't going to let him go, there was no giving up," said Chiaramonte.
The wild chase paid off Thursday with a wanted man in custody.
