January 13, 2023 - The Madera County Sheriff's Office reported the following information. On January 12, 2023, around 3:45 p.m., Madera County Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to the Mountain Patrol Unit located a reported stolen vehicle in the area of Highway 41/Highway 49 in Oakhurst.

Deputies attempted a vehicle stop and after the driver failed to yield, a vehicle pursuit was initiated. The vehicle traveled southbound on Highway 41 reaching speeds between 40-60 mph.

The pursuit continued to the area of Highway 41 north of Road 200, where California Highway Patrol Officers joined the pursuit along with Fresno County Sheriff’s Eagle 1. As the driver continued southbound, numerous stop sticks were deployed, causing the vehicle to ultimately come to rest near 22 Mile House in the area of Road 208 and Highway 41, on the shoulder of the highway in a mud puddle approximately 2 feet deep.

The driver, later identified as 29-year-old Nicholas Romero, refused to follow directions and exit the vehicle. Less than lethal shotgun rounds were utilized to break the car window to allow for deployment of a K9 unit. Though the less than lethal rounds did not induce any damage, Romero surrendered and exited the vehicle where he was taken into custody without further incident. A subsequent vehicle search was conducted and narcotics were located.

Romero was transported and booked into the Madera County Jail on charges related to the vehicle theft, pursuit, and narcotics possession.

Sheriff Tyson Pogue states, “I applaud our team’s efforts in resolving this incident safely and successfully. We thank our partners at the California Highway Patrol and Fresno County Sheriff’s Office for their professional teamwork and assistance. We would also like to express our thanks to the public for their support and cooperation during the course of this incident.”

Source: Madera County Sheriff's Office