CHOWCHILLA— On August 13, 2024, Madera County Narcotic Enforcement Team (MADNET) detectives attempted to locate and arrest wanted subject Edward Torres. He had an active felony warrant for violating the terms of his PRCS (Post Release Community Supervision) following felony convictions for evading and possession of a stolen vehicle.
During their investigation, detectives observed Torres, a 28-year-old Madera resident, driving a stolen vehicle in the city of Chowchilla. When detectives attempted to make contact, he fled in the stolen vehicle. Marked Madera County Sheriff’s units initiated a brief pursuit but terminated it after Torres began driving into oncoming traffic and nearly collided with multiple vehicles.
Detectives continued to track Torres as he drove through orchards. After Chowchilla Police Officers attempted to stop the vehicle again, he diverted onto southbound Highway 99, where CHP officers and H40 took over the pursuit. Torres continued to put the public at risk with his erratic driving by continuously diverting into oncoming traffic. CHP Officers were able to perform a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle near CA 99 and Avenue 20 1/2. Torres then fled on foot but was quickly taken into custody by members of CHP.
Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue states, “Our local law enforcement professionals exercised great discretion and versatility to safely apprehend this suspect, who displayed a deadly disregard for other members of the public. I applaud their quick action and skilled response to this incident, which could have resulted in serious tragedy.”
