These suspected burglars led police on a 70 mile chase at 100 mph

Two suspected burglars were booked into Fresno County Jail after they led deputies, the sheriff’s helicopter, Kings County deputies and California Highway Patrol officers on a 70-mile chase at speeds up to 130 mph, the sheriff’s office said.

Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies responded about 6 p.m. Monday to Harris Ranch Inn in Coalinga after receiving reports of vehicle break-ins. At least two cars were burglarized while victims were eating at the restaurant. The thieves took several electronics and luggage, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

Property crime detectives who were looking into a series of vehicle burglaries in the area developed information on two possible suspects. About two hours later, a patrol deputy spotted the suspects’ car about near Interstate 5 and West Jayne Avenue. When the deputy tried to make a traffic stop, the suspects ignored the lights and sirens and sped away at more than 100 mph, turning off their headlights and tail lights and refusing to pull over.

The deputy requested help from the sheriff’s office helicopter, Eagle One, the California Highway Patrol and the Kings County Sheriff’s Office.

About 8:30 p.m., a CHP officer spotted the suspects approaching the Kern County line at 130 mph. About 10 minutes later, Eagle One arrived and began following the suspects, allowing patrol cars to follow the suspects at lower speeds.

The suspects took the Highway 58 exit off Interstate 5 in the Buttonwillow area about 9 p.m. They turned onto Tracy Avenue, stopped the car, got out and ran through a motel parking lot. Deputies and officers, along with a Kern County sheriff’s K-9 dog, set up a perimeter and searched for the suspects. The Eagle One helicopter directed officers on the ground to where the suspects were hiding near semi-truck trailers.

Deputies arrested 25-year-old Shannon Peterson of Opa-locka, Fla., and 30-year-old Laresha Brown of Oakland without incident. The arrest was made about 70 miles from where the deputy tried to stop the pair in Coalinga.

Detectives searched the suspects’ BMW and found the stolen electronics and luggage.

Peterson was booked on suspicion of second degree burglary, conspiracy and obstructing an officer. He bailed out of jail Tuesday afternoon, jail records show. Brown was booked on suspicion of second degree burglary, evading police, obstructing an officer, conspiracy, possession of burglary tools and a probation violation. She is not eligible for bail. Brown previously was convicted for evading police.

Detectives are investigating whether Brown and Peterson are connected to other recent vehicle burglaries at the Harris Ranch Inn.

Anyone with additional information about the suspects are asked to contact Detective Eric Penland at 559-600-8171 or Valley Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867. Tipsters will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

This story was originally published January 23, 2018 at 6:13 PM with the headline "These suspected burglars led police on a 70 mile chase at 100 mph."