Deputies have booked 29 year old Joseph Villareal Ramirez of Fresno into the Fresno County Jail.
He faces charges of evading police, driving under the influence and illegal possession of a firearm by a felon. His bail is set at $175,000.
Around 4:15 am on Monday, a deputy witnessed an SUV run a stop sign at the intersection of Olive and Hughes Avenues in Fresno. The deputy attempted to make a traffic stop, but the driver refused to pull over and a pursuit took place. While on Highway 99, the suspect reached a top speed of 110 mph. The deputy then saw a rifle thrown out of the window of the suspect’s vehicle. On Jensen Ave., a bottle of alcohol was then tossed out of the suspect’s vehicle. The driver, Joseph Villareal Ramirez, eventually pulled over on Holly Ave. in a southwest Fresno neighborhood. Deputies took the suspect into custody.
Assisting deputies canvassed Highway 99 and recovered a loaded rifle equipped with a large capacity magazine.
Although an arrest has been made, if you have additional information about this suspect, report it by calling the Sheriff’s Office at (559) 600-3111. Tips may also be submitted to Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or online at www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Reference case #26-9315.
