Suspect Crashes Head On with Patrol Car In An Attempt to Avoid Capture
Photo: Robert Campos
30-year old Robert Campos was driving a black Honda near Auberry and Tollhouse Road in the town of Auberry at 10:30 AM on March 27th 2019 when a Fresno County Sheriff Deputy signaled him to pull over.
Campos ignored the deputy and continued driving until reaching a turnout where he made a U-turn and drove directly into the front end of the deputy’s patrol car.
Both cars remained operable and the uninjured deputy continued the chase as Campos drove the Honda across the campus of Pine Ridge Elementary School.
The Honda eventually came to a halt when Campos crashed into an embankment. As Campos exited the car, the deputy saw him reaching into his waistband. The deputy fired shots at Campos believing he was reaching for a weapon.
Campos ran from the scene and found shelter in some nearby trees and bushes, leaving behind a female passenger in the Honda.
A perimeter was established by the responding support units, which included the California Highway Patrol Helicopter, H-40, and a K9 Unit.
About 12:15PM, a K9 Officer alerted deputies that Campos was close. Before the K9 could get to him, Campos revealed himself and was surrounded. He had not been struck by any of the deputy’s bullets, nor was a weapon found on his person when he was arrested.
Campos is being held without bail at the Fresno County Jail due to being on probation at the time of his arrest. He is also charged with assault on an officer for ramming his car into the deputy’s car, evading a peace officer, and resisting arrest. This case remains under investigation.
Photo from the FCSO
