Suspect Discarded Assault Weapon While Fleeing from Officers, According to Police
SHAFTER, CA — “On July 19, 2025, at about 1142 P.M., a Shafter Police Department sergeant was on routine patrol conducting enforcement activities in the area of E. Lerdo Highway and Beech Avenue when he saw a vehicle fail to stop for the red traffic signal. The sergeant attempted to make a traffic stop on the vehicle, but the driver failed to yield and fled at speeds in excess of 100 mph eastbound on E. Lerdo Highway. The driver, John Troy-Pacey Spell (19), turned south into a dirt field near the area of E. Lerdo Highway and Carver Street and became disabled in a ditch. Spell, a resident of Taft, fled on foot but surrendered almost immediately.
A search of the immediate area of the foot pursuit resulted in a backpack being located that contained a loaded AR-15 rifle and additional ammunition. John Spell was arrested for Possession of Assault Weapon, Felony Evading, Resisting Arrest, Possession of High Capacity Magazine, and Carrying a Loaded Firearm in a Vehicle.
Bail was set for Spell at $130,000. Anyone having information regarding this case is asked to call the Shafter Police Department at 661-746-8500 and reference SPD 25-1721.”
