Mail Thieves Hit Over 100 Homes Before Arrest After 23-Mile Police Chase
A high-speed police chase in California ended with the arrest of three people accused of stealing mail from more than 100 homes. The pursuit spanned 23 miles from Clovis to Fresno, involved multiple law enforcement agencies, and ended with a high-risk maneuver to stop the suspects' vehicle.
Police Spot Suspicious Vehicle in Clovis
The incident began around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, when a Clovis police officer on patrol near Fowler and Alluvial avenues noticed a vehicle behaving suspiciously. When the officer attempted to pull the car over, the driver refused to stop and sped away, triggering a lengthy chase.
Officers pursued the vehicle through Clovis and into southwest Fresno, calling for backup from the California Highway Patrol (CHP). To end the chase, the CHP deployed spike strips, puncturing the car's tires. However, the suspects continued driving until Clovis police used a pursuit intervention technique (PIT) maneuver near California and Orange avenues in Fresno to suddenly cause the car to rotate 180 degrees. The move stalled the car and forced it to stop, but that wasn't the end of the pursuit.
Suspects Try to Escape on Foot
Despite their vehicle being disabled, the three suspects jumped out and attempted to flee on foot. Officers from both the Clovis and Fresno police departments quickly responded, capturing all three a short distance away. None of the suspects were injured during the chase, but one Clovis officer suffered a minor hand injury and was later treated and released.
Stolen Mail Found in Suspects' Vehicle
After arresting the suspects, officers searched their car and discovered it was allegedly filled with stolen mail. Authorities later confirmed that the recovered mail came from more than 100 different addresses in Clovis. A police-released photo showed a table piled high with letters, coupons, and even a package from Amazon Pharmacy.
The three individuals — 42-year-old Yer Vue, 35-year-old Amanda Lizarraga, and 30-year-old Sombat Vang — were arrested and booked into the Fresno County Jail, PEOPLE reports. They face multiple charges, including mail theft, possession of stolen property and burglary tools, and conspiracy.
A Reminder to be Vigilant During Tax Season
With tax season underway, officials are reminding residents to be extra cautious about their mail. Authorities urge homeowners to check their mail daily and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Detectives from the Clovis Police Department are now working with the U.S. Postal Inspectors to investigate the case and return the stolen mail to its rightful owners.
References: Police Arrest 3 People for Allegedly Stealing Mail from Over 100 Homes After a 23-Mile Chase in California | Police arrest three for mail theft after 23-mile pursuit through Clovis and Fresno | Mail Theft Suspects Arrested Following Pursuit Overnight
