Hanford, Calif. – Scott Scilagyi, 45, was arrested Friday morning after leading police on a dangerous 32-mile high-speed chase across multiple jurisdictions, reaching speeds of 100 mph, authorities said.
Hanford police initially stopped Scilagyi near Fourth Street and Phillips Street, where he showed signs of intoxication and became combative. Officers attempted to Tase him, but he managed to escape, getting into his vehicle and fleeing at high speed.
The pursuit, which involved Hanford Police, the Kings County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol, saw Scilagyi engage in reckless maneuvers, including brake-checking officers, swerving at a deputy deploying spike strips, and ramming a patrol vehicle.
Despite his tires being deflated, he continued evading officers at slower speeds until he crashed into a light pole in the Save Mart parking lot in Hanford.
Even after the crash, Scilagyi resisted arrest, kicking a patrol car door and causing damage. A search of his vehicle uncovered open alcohol containers and a stolen handgun.
He was taken to a local hospital for medical clearance before being booked into Kings County Jail.
Scilagyi faces multiple felony charges, including:
Felony evading police
Assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer
Felon in possession of a firearm
DUI
Resisting arrest
Authorities confirmed that no officers were injured during the pursuit. The case remains under investigation.
