Suspected DUI driver tries to flee, after crashing and burning his vehicle
Photo: the burned vehicle
On Tuesday July 23rd while driving by Ellis and D Street, a Madera County Sheriff Deputy attempted to pull over a suspected intoxicated driver.
The suspect did not stop, instead leading police on a 5-minute high speed pursuit. The chase was stopped by a tree when the suspect crashed into it near Avenue 18 and Bedford. The suspect’s car caught fire and both his car and the patrol car were incinerated.
Lucio Hernandez
The exact cause of the fire has yet to be determined but witnesses stated the suspect’s vehicle was on fire before he crashed into the tree.
The suspect’s passenger was detained but the suspect got away on foot despite an extensive search by responding detectives and deputies. He was not on the run for very long however, as he was picked up that evening. An eagle-eyed citizen reported seeing 52-year old Lucio Hernandez of Madera near Norwalk Drive and Pozar Place in Madera.
Hernandez is booked on the charges of recklessly evading a peace officer, hit and run with injury, vandalism, and violating his post release community supervision. He remains at the Madera County Department of Corrections as of this date with bail set at $150,000.
Photos from MCSO
