Search for suspect leads to school lockdowns, high-speed pursuit

June 06, 2007
Santa Paula Police Department

A noon bicycle pursuit turned into a full-blown search including a helicopter for a Santa Paula man recognized by a sharp-eyed SPPD Officer as being wanted for a felony narcotics warrant that led to the lock down of two area schools on Thursday, according to a Santa Paula Police spokesman.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesA noon bicycle pursuit turned into a full-blown search including a helicopter for a Santa Paula man recognized by a sharp-eyed SPPD Officer as being wanted for a felony narcotics warrant that led to the lock down of two area schools on Thursday, according to a Santa Paula Police spokesman.Sgt. Jimmy Fogata said that May 31 incident started at approximately noon when SPPD Senior Officer Ryan Smith was on bicycle patrol in the central business district when he spotted Matthew Duenas, 19, riding in a vehicle in the area of the 800 block of East Main Street.“Senior Officer Smith had prior knowledge that Duenas was wanted for a felony warrant and several misdemeanor warrants” but as the officer attempted to make contact, the driver of the vehicle - Michael Pulido, 19 of Santa Paula, took off “at a high rate of speed...”Pulido proceeded north on Davis Street and “during this time, the vehicle failed to stop for several posted stop signs and was traveling at a high rate of speed” barely missing at least one other vehicle as it blew through the stop signs and sped away.Senior Officer Smith broadcast the information to other SPPD officers in the area and one of the officers in a patrol vehicle was able to “observe the fleeing vehicle from several blocks away and attempted to catch up with the vehicle,” noted Sgt. Fogata.Pulido’s vehicle continued north on 9th Street and then east on Virginia Terrace...SPPD Officers caught up with it in the area of the 500 block of North Mill Street.Duenas had jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot in the 900 block of Virginia Terrace and a perimeter was established in the area.
Sgt. Fogata said that the area being searched was in close proximity to Santa Paula Union High School and McKevett Elementary School which were ordered secured although “there was no information that would suggest that any of the students were in immediate danger.”At least one downtown area business decided to lock down after hearing about the search.“The area was searched using the SPPD K-9s,” Jack, Evan and Rex, assisted by a Ventura County Sheriff’s Department helicopter.“We requested a helicopter immediately and it happened that three of our K-9s were on duty at the same time...Officers conducted a yard to yard search of the area, went door-to-door and searched several vacant homes. It was quite an extensive search,” but Duenas was not located in the area, said Sgt. Fogata.Pulido was arrested for reckless driving, conspiracy to commit crime and aiding and abetting a felon.Anyone with information regarding Duenas’ whereabouts is encourage to call the SPPD, 525-447 or the SPPD recorded anonymous Tip Hotline, 933-4253#1. Callers can remain anonymous.Or call the Ventura County Crime Stoppers anonymous hotline at 524-0907. If your tip leads to the arrest of Duenas you may be eligible for a $1,000 cash reward.



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