Atwater police chase leads to man's arrest

ATWATER -- A 25-year-old man is in custody after Atwater police say he led officers on a pursuit Sunday night.

The incident was reported at 10:15 p.m. when officer Matthew Vierra spotted Rigoberto Juarez driving west on Bellevue Road near Winton Way, according to Lt. Samuel Joseph.

The officer identified Juarez as a stalking suspect from an earlier investigation, and knew he had a felony burglary warrant. The officer observed Juarez driving quickly through a posted stop sign at Gipson Avenue and Bellevue Road, Joseph said.

The officer attempted to pull over Juarez's car, but the suspect failed to stop and a short pursuit ensued, Joseph said. Juarez stopped after the brief pursuit and tried to flee on foot. But the officer captured Juarez, and he was taken into custody without further incident, Joseph said.

Juarez was booked into the Merced County Jail.

-- Sun-Star staff