On July 23rd, 2019, At approximately 3:40 PM the Madera County Sheriff’s Deputy Ian Roth attempted a traffic stop in the city of Madera in the area of Ellis and D Street for a suspected intoxicated driver.

The suspect failed to stop and a pursuit ensued, the chase lasted approximately 5 minutes and reached speeds of up to 75 miles an hour according to the Madera Sheriffs office.

The pursuit concluded in the area of Avenue 18 and Bedford when the suspect’s vehicle crashed into a tree.

The driver fled from the vehicle while the deputy was detaining the passenger and attempting to apprehend the driver, a fire started and burned both the suspect’s vehicle and the patrol vehicle.

The driver was identified as Lucio Hernandez Jr., a Madera county resident.

MCSO Deputies and Detectives responded to the scene and conducted an extensive search but as of now are unable to locate Hernandez.

Lucio Hernandez Jr., 52 years old, is described as a Hispanic male adult, 5’ 8” 170lbs, black hair, brown eyes, last seen wearing a white t-shirt and jeans.

Lucio currently has an active felony warrant for violation of Post Release Community Supervision.

Additional charges relating to this incident may be filed at the conclusion of the investigation.

The investigation into the origin of the fire remains ongoing. Preliminary witness statements indicate that the suspect vehicle was actively on fire prior to colliding with the tree.

Anyone with information relating to the incident or Lucio’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Madera County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 675-7770.

Information from the Madera Sheriffs office.