Three individuals were arrested after leading police on a 23-mile pursuit through California on February 5, following allegations of mail theft from over 100 homes. The chase began early that morning when a Clovis Police officer noticed a suspicious vehicle near Fowler and Alluvial avenues. When the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, it sped away, prompting a pursuit that stretched into southwest Fresno.
Assistance was requested from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), who used spike strips to deflate the vehicle’s tires, bringing the chase to a halt near California and Orange avenues. At this point, Clovis officers employed a pursuit intervention technique (PIT), a maneuver that forces a fleeing vehicle to abruptly spin 180 degrees, causing it to stop. The vehicle came to rest with two flat tires and visible damage on its right side.
The suspects, identified as Yer Vue, 42, and Amanda Lizarraga, 35, both of Fresno, and Sombat Vang, 30, of Clovis, immediately fled the vehicle on foot but were quickly apprehended by officers from Clovis and Fresno Police Departments. While no suspects were injured, one officer sustained a minor hand injury and was treated at the scene.
Upon searching the vehicle before towing, officers discovered it was filled with mail from more than 100 addresses in Clovis, including packages and envelopes, such as items from Amazon Pharmacy. The suspects were arrested and booked into Fresno County Jail on charges including mail theft, possession of stolen property, burglary tools, and conspiracy.
The Clovis Police Department is working closely with U.S. Postal Inspectors to return the stolen mail to its rightful owners. With tax season in full swing, the department urges residents to check their mail daily and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
