PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A man from San Diego is behind bars after leading Porterville police on two separate vehicle pursuits on Monday, one involving a stolen car and the other ending in a crash.
Authorities say the incident began around 9:45 a.m. when officers attempted to stop a speeding vehicle. The driver, later identified as Reynaldo Jonathan Verduzco-Gonzalez, refused to stop and fled. The chase ended shortly after when the suspect crashed into a concrete subdivision sign near Porter Creek and Westwood Street, disabling the vehicle.
After fleeing on foot, officers searched the abandoned vehicle and discovered a loaded handgun inside. Verduzco-Gonzalez was not immediately located.
Later that day, officers spotted a man matching his description driving another vehicle. That car was quickly confirmed as stolen from a local home, where Verduzco-Gonzalez had reportedly committed a home invasion to steal the keys.
A second pursuit followed, ending when police found the stolen car abandoned in the Tule River area near Road 204 and Road 160. With assistance from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, officers apprehended Verduzco-Gonzalez.
He now faces a slew of charges, including:
Felony evading
Felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition
Possession of a loaded concealed weapon in a vehicle
Vehicle theft and possession of a stolen vehicle
Home invasion
Obstructing or delaying a peace officer
Verduzco-Gonzalez was booked into the Tulare County South County Detention Facility. The investigation is ongoing.
