February 4, 2023 – The Madera County Sheriff's Office reported the following information.

Around 5:30 P.M. on Thursday, February 2, 2023, a Madera County Sheriff’s Sergeant, on routine patrol, stopped a vehicle in the area of Highway 41 and Highway 49 in Oakhurst after the driver made an illegal lane change and nearly caused a collision.

During the enforcement stop, dispatch advised the Sergeant that the driver, 32-year-old Maurice Snowden, had an active warrant out of Mariposa County. When Snowden was told he would be taken into custody for the Mariposa warrant, he quickly exited and ran from the vehicle into nearby traffic, evading custody. Deputies searched the area for Snowden but were not able to locate him. Around 6:30 P.M. it became too dark to continue effectively searching.

Later that same evening, a woman called to report she received a call from Snowden, who told her that he was lost and in the river. A search and rescue team, comprised of foot searchers, Madera County Sheriff’s UAV Unit, and Fresno County Sheriff’s Eagle 1 helicopter, was immediately deployed. Teams searched through the night but were unable to locate Snowden.

Around 10:00 A.M. on Friday, February 3, 2023, deputies located Snowden in the Fresno River. Madera County Sheriff’s Detectives responded to the scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. The investigation remains ongoing, although there does not appear to be any signs of foul play.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Madera County Sheriff’s Detectives at (559) 675-7770.

Source: Madera County Sheriff's Office