Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Suspect Following Multi-Stage Pursuit
MODESTO, CA — A 21-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, following a multi-stage pursuit that involved a vehicle chase, drone tracking, and a K9 apprehension.
At approximately 11:04 p.m., a Stanislaus County Sheriff’s deputy observed a black sedan parked in a no-parking area at Peter Johansen High School, located at 651 Norseman Drive in Modesto. When the deputy attempted to position behind the sedan, the vehicle sped away. The driver, identified as Ricardo Villalvazo, refused to stop during an attempted traffic stop.
During the pursuit, Villalvazo reached speeds of roughly 85 mph, ran red lights, and drove into oncoming traffic. Deputies terminated the pursuit after losing visual contact. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) deputies and Air Support were subsequently dispatched to assist with the search.
A family member later contacted law enforcement, identified Villalvazo as the driver, and picked him up in her vehicle. A UAS drone operator observed Villalvazo entering the vehicle. Deputies attempted another traffic stop near the 300 block of Locust Street. The vehicle failed to yield, leading deputies to deploy spike strips that struck the tires and immobilized the car.
Villalvazo exited the vehicle and fled on foot into the backyard of a residence in the 100 block of Emerald Avenue. The drone tracked his movements, and K9 Dante was deployed to locate and apprehend him.
Villalvazo was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance before being booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of evading, evading while driving into oncoming traffic, and obstruction.
