Visalia Man Unsuccessful at Evading Arrest

Visalia, Calif — “The Choice is Yours.” Jose Valente Guerrero believed that motto enough to have it tattooed on his chest. But on January 25, he made some choices he may regret.

Visalia Police officers turned on their lights when they say a 1997 black Lincoln Continental, driven by Guerrero, of 1325 S. Central Avenue in Visalia, disregard a red light and drive right through. But Guerrero chose to disregard the squad car’s lights as well and his vehicle picked up speed, according to Visalia Police Sgt. Steve Phillips.

After a short chase, Guerrero stopped the car at the 700 block of North Willis. Before an officer could talk to Guerrero, the 19-year-old slid over to the passenger side and out the door. He picked up speed and ran away from his looming legal troubles, but his escape would prove short-lived, according to Sgt. Phillips.

Other police units in the area found Guerrero several blocks from the traffic stop and took him into custody. He was charged with driving to evade a police stop, resisting arrest, driving under the influence and driving with no license.