Kings County man accused of brandishing gun, leading deputies on pursuit

by CrimeVoice Admin , January 6, 2022

Above: Donald Daugherty booking photo | Kings County Sheriff’s Office

Originally published 12-29-21 via Facebook
by the Kings County Sheriff’s Office:

On Sunday, December 26, 2021 at approximately 0120 hours, a Deputy Sheriff was on patrol in the area of the Tachi Yokut gas station located at the Tachi Palace Gaming Center in Lemoore. Palace Security Officer’s advised the Deputy that someone had just brandished a firearm from inside a dark colored Dodge Charger. The Charger was currently leaving the gas pump area and the Deputy drove after the Charger to initiate a traffic enforcement stop to investigate the alleged brandishing of a firearm. After leaving the gas station, the Charger began traveling in a residential area (25MPH) at speeds in excess of 50 miles per hour. The Deputy activated his overhead lights and siren but the driver of the Charger, later identified as Donald Daugherty, refused to stop and a pursuit ensued.

The Deputy pursued Donald for several miles until the Charger became stuck in mud in the Tulare Lake Basin near 17th Avenue and Medford Avenue. During the chase, Donald drove at a high rate of speed, recklessly passed other vehicles, failed to stop at several posted stop signs and drove all over the roadway.

As the Deputies made their way to where the Charger was disabled, they witnessed Donald still actively trying to get away. Donald was backing up and trying to go forward, however the Charger was unable to regain traction.

As Deputies approached the Charger, Donald exited and was ordered to place his hands into the air. Donald refused to obey their commands and continually moved his hands toward his waist band. Deputies continued to tell Donald to place his hands into the air and follow directions. After several tense minutes, they were able to place Donald under arrest.

It was discovered that Donald had three Kings County warrants issued for his arrest. The charges included false identification to a peace officer, disorderly conduct and possession of stolen property.

Deputies searched the Charger but did not locate a firearm but they did locate a glass pipe used to ingest Methamphetamine. It is unknown if Donald discarded a weapon during the pursuit. Deputies re-contacted Palace Security to further investigate the brandishing of a firearm. The initial reporting party did not wish to cooperate and refused to be interviewed by authorities.

Donald was booked into the Kings County Jail on the charges of felony pursuit with wanton disregard, evading a peace officer while driving the wrong way, resisting arrest and possession of a smoking device. His bail was set at $115,000.