Deputies have arrested 40 year old Miguel Contreras of Fresno.
He has been booked into jail on charges of evading police, hit and run, being a felon in possession of ammunition and other various charges. Contreras was also wanted for a previous crime of assault with a deadly weapon. His bail is set at $211,500.
Around 10:20 am Tuesday, Air 1 crew members on board the Fresno Police helicopter notified the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office of a reckless driver in the area of Shields and Chestnut Avenues in Fresno. The orange Dodge Caliber was reportedly speeding, running red lights and driving on the wrong side of the road. The Sheriff’s helicopter, EAGLE One, took over by following the erratic driver who was later identified as Miguel Contreras. A sheriff’s sergeant first spotted the car at Belmont and Manila, five miles away from Shields and Chestnut. Our air support crew witnessed Contreras speeding and driving toward oncoming traffic. The sergeant activated his lights and siren to attempt a traffic stop, however, Contreras was driving up to 100 mph and running red lights. Due to public safety concerns, the sergeant cancelled his pursuit and allowed EAGLE One to continue following the Dodge. While navigating through the area of Maple and White Avenues, Contreras struck a car waiting in a left hand turn lane. The suspect stopped momentarily and then continued driving. He eventually made his way into to the parking lot of Manchester Center and looped around to the northern side off Garland and Abby. At 10:33 am, Contreras parked and ran inside the mall.
A sheriff’s deputy and California Highway Patrol officer chased after him, following him into a shoe stored named Le Bella Rose. Contreras ran past an employee into the back storage room. He tried hiding behind a stack of boxes and refused to listen to the deputy and officer’s commands to show his hands. The CHP officer deployed his Taser, but it was ineffective. The deputy then deployed her Taser, which allowed the officer to place handcuffs on Contreras. The suspect, who appeared to be under the influence of a substance, was turned over to EMS for further evaluation at the hospital. Fresno Police Officers, stationed inside the mall, also responded to assist.
No officers or deputies were injured during this incident, nor was the woman whose car was struck during the hit and run.
Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (559) 600-3111 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Reference case # 21-1038.
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