A man was arrested after allegedly stealing a vehicle and leading authorities on a foot pursuit that ended inside the Fresno Chaffee Zoo early Saturday morning.
The California Highway Patrol was pursuing the vehicle around 3:45 a.m. when officers requested assistance from the Fresno Police Department and Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect abandoned the vehicle near Belmont and Delno avenues and fled on foot, prompting officers to establish a perimeter around the area.
Deputies deployed a drone to search Roeding Park and Storyland.
During the search, officers saw the suspect climb over a fence and enter the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.
Authorities searched the zoo and, at about 5:30 a.m., located the suspect, triggering a second foot pursuit through the facility.
Officers eventually cornered the man near the aviary enclosure, where they watched him jump from roof to roof before surrounding him. The suspect then climbed down and surrendered without further incident.
Police said the man was found in possession of more than $10,000 worth of stolen merchandise.
Fresno police are leading the investigation because the incident occurred within city limits.
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Anthony Galaviz writes about sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He’s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology.
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