Man arrested after stealing items from ranch, auto theft, deputies say

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A 40-year-old has been arrested for allegedly trying to steal items from a ranch and attempting to flee using a stolen vehicle, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies say around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, a property owner saw a man trying to steal items from his ranch near Central and Valentine Avenues in Fresno County. As the owner approached in his vehicle the suspect, identified as 40-year-old James Garcia of Fresno, rammed into him using his vehicle.

As a result, sheriff’s officials say Garcia’s vehicle became disabled and he took off running.

As deputies responded to the area, officials say a report came in of a white pickup truck being stolen from a nearby produce packing house. Garcia took the pickup and drove through a fence to escape. The Sheriff’s helicopter, EAGLE ONE, spotted the vehicle and followed it.

According to deputies, Garcia reached speeds up to 100 mph, was driving recklessly, and endangered the lives of other motorists on the roadway. Garcia eventually reached Adams Market, located at the corner of S. Cedar and E. Adams Avenues, and walked into the store. Patrol deputies arrived and took him into custody.

Sheriff’s officials say Garcia was booked into the Fresno County Jail on suspicion of burglary, auto theft, grand theft, hit and run, and evading police. Additionally, detectives say they returned to the original scene to search Garcia’s disabled vehicle and found items stolen from previous ag-related burglaries.

Anyone with additional information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office at 559-600-3111.

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