Kings County man accused of firing at deputy during high-speed pursuit after collision with big rig
ABOVE: Roque Aguilar booking photo | Photos: Kings County Sheriff’s Office
A man was recently arrested in Kings County after a traffic collision with a big rig and multiple subsequent pursuits, during one of which he is accused of firing at a deputy.
On the evening of Monday, April 26, deputies responded to assist CHP at the site a reported collision in the area of 18th Avenue and Kansas Avenue, where a milk tanker had overturned. Officials say the driver had been ejected from the cab and sustained major injuries.
A second vehicle had also crashed in a nearby field, and the two occupants had fled on foot.
The Sheriff’s Office then deployed an aerial surveillance unit to canvas the area for the two subjects who’d fled, ultimately spotting them as they got into a Hyundai Sonata that appeared to have also been looking for them.
Deputies attempted a traffic stop but the driver instead led them on a pursuit, at times reaching speeds of 120 miles per hour. One the vehicle’s occupants also reportedly fired multiple rounds from a rifle at pursuing deputies.
Deputies backed off the pursuit and instead followed the vehicle from a safe distance, with the air unit keeping them posted on the vehicle’s movements. The vehicle eventually turned onto and became disabled on a dirt road near the city of Huron, from which four occupants then fled on foot.
Though one suspect was located and arrested near the vehicle, he was later released. A second suspect, identified as 31-year-old Roque Aguilar, was tracked to a nearby orchard, where he was ultimately arrested after a short standoff.
Rifle confiscated near scene of Aguilar’s arrest
Sheriff’s Detectives began searching the area for additional evidence and located multiple .223 shell casings at the scene of the shooting, as well as a loaded AR-15 type rifle with an extended magazine near the area where Aguilar was arrested. The deputy he’s accused of firing upon was not injured.
Aguilar was booked at the Kings County Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, ex-felon in possession of a firearm, ex-felon in possession of ammunition, felony pursuit, and two warrants out of Fresno County. His bail was set at $606,000.
The Sheriff’s Office has not released any details regarding the other two suspects. Anyone who believes they may have information relevant to the case is encouraged to call Kings County Sheriff’s Detective Haener at 559-852-2790.
