August 11, 2026 – Fresno County Sheriff's Office officials report that deputies have booked 29-year-old Joseph Villareal Ramirez of Fresno into the Fresno County Jail.  He faces charges of evading police, driving under the influence and illegal possession of a firearm by a felon.  His bail is set at $175,000.

Around 4:15 a.m. on Monday, a deputy witnessed an SUV run a stop sign at the intersection of Olive and Hughes Avenues in Fresno.  The deputy attempted to make a traffic stop, but the driver refused to pull over and a pursuit took place.  While on Highway 99, the suspect reached a top speed of 110 mph.  The deputy then saw a rifle thrown out of the window of the suspect’s vehicle.  On Jensen Ave., a bottle of alcohol was then tossed out of the suspect’s vehicle.  The driver, Joseph Villareal Ramirez, eventually pulled over on Holly Ave. in a southwest Fresno neighborhood.  Deputies took the suspect into custody.

Assisting deputies canvassed Highway 99 and recovered a loaded rifle equipped with a large capacity magazine.

Although an arrest has been made, if you have additional information about this suspect, report it by calling the Sheriff’s Office at (559) 600-3111.  Tips may also be submitted to Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or online at www.valleycrimestoppers.org.  You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.  Reference case #26-9315.

Source & photos: Fresno County Sheriff's Office