Alleged DUI driver crashes with Reedley officer in pursuit, police say
Jan 11, 2025
REEDLEY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - A 20-year-old from Fresno was arrested Friday afternoon after allegedly colliding into a police vehicle while driving drunk, the Reedley Police Department announced.
Police say around 3:40 p.m. they responded to Manning and Fisher avenues after receiving reports of a possible intoxicated driver.
As officers arrived to the scene they found the vehicle near Columbia and Ponderosa avenues and attempted to make a traffic stop. After the driver failed to stop, officers say a short pursuit ensued.
During the pursuit, police say a firearm was thrown from the vehicle as it traveled 50 mph through a residential area. The vehicle eventually drove up a curb, colliding into the porch of a nearby house and taking out a fence.
Investigators report the driver continued on for a short distance before colliding into a Reedley police patrol vehicle.
20-year-old Victor Chavez of Fresno24-year-old Anthony Virk of Reedley
Police say the driver, 20-year-old Victor Chavez of Fresno, and his passenger, 24-year-old Anthony Virk of Reedley, were detained shortly after. The loaded firearm initially thrown from the vehicle was recovered and determined to be unserialized.
Investigators report Chavez was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, felony evading and possession of an unserialized firearm. Virk was arrested for a probation violation and a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Police say no one was injured during the course of the incident.