Stolen Vehicle Pursuit Ends Safely in Madera County 

May 30, 2025 – Madera County Sheriff's Office officials report that on May 28, 2025, at 6:40 P.M., the Madera County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office with a pursuit of a stolen City of Fresno vehicle entering our jurisdiction. The vehicle was dragging a metal object, igniting roadside fires and posing a serious public safety threat.

With support from the California Highway Patrol, MCSO Deputies located and pursued the suspect westbound on Hwy 145. During the pursuit, the driver attempted to strike a deputy with the vehicle and later collided with a patrol car. The chase ended after the suspect attempted to crash through a fence near Harper Blvd., where deputies took him into custody without further incident.

Rafael Ortiz Jr. (42, Fresno) was booked into Madera County Jail on multiple felony charges, including:

Assault with a deadly weapon

Possession of a stolen vehicle

Reckless evading

Vandalism... and more. Additional charges are expected from Fresno County.

A small fire that ignited at the termination scene was quickly extinguished.

We thank all partner agencies for their swift coordination and the community for their continued support.

Source & photo: Madera County Sheriff's Office