Suspect caught after Fresno pursuit involving stolen car

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A man was arrested and booked into jail after being accused of speeding away from officers in a stolen car through Fresno streets on Sunday afternoon.

The pursuit ended near Shields and Blackstone avenues. Fresno police say the suspect, later identified as Omar Pacheco, 36, of Fresno, ditched the stolen sedan near a curb and ran to a nearby apartment, where they caught him with the help of a K9.

The chase started several miles away near Friant Road and Audubon Drive when officers spotted the car and tried to stop the driver. They let the California Highway Patrol helicopter take over when it became too dangerous to continue the pursuit on the ground. The owner of the car showed up at the end to reclaim his vehicle.

"He's very fortunate. It's very rare that we do get vehicles back in this condition, especially after what the CHP helicopter reported that the suspect was driving in excess of 100 miles an hour on city streets," said Sgt. Justin Hoagland of the Fresno Police Department.

Pacheco is now facing several charges for the chase, along with an outstanding felony warrant.

A female passenger in the stolen car was interviewed at the scene and released.