Man wanted in first Dos Palos homicide since 2018 nabbed in Fresno after pursuit
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Fresno CHP and multiple agencies pursued a Merced County homicide suspect.
- Pursuit ran along Highways 99 and 41, spike strips failed before stop near Golden State
- Porfirio Romero, 43, resisted commands; K-9 units were deployed; he was hospitalized.
A man wanted in a Merced County homicide was arrested Wednesday after leading authorities on a multi-agency pursuit in Fresno.
According to California Highway Patrol spokesperson Mike Salas, officers took over the pursuit once it entered Fresno.
The pursuit involved three CHP units that traveled along Highways 99 and 41 in both directions, Salas said. Spike strips were used at Highway 99 near the Shaw Avenue off-ramp, but were unsuccessful.
At 1:20 p.m., the pursuit came to an end north on 99 near Golden State Boulevard.
CHP identified the driver as 43-year-old Porfirio Romero, who failed to comply with commands, prompting deployment of the Fresno County Sheriff K-9 unit.
Romero was taken to the hospital after being bitten by the K-9.
No injuries were reported to CHP, personnel or civilians during the pursuit, Salas said.
Romero was a person of interest after a man was found dead at a Dos Palos home — the first homicide in the community since 2018.
Dos Palos police haven’t provided info on what led up to the homicide, but confirmed it took place Tuesday night.
This story was originally published December 18, 2025 at 6:02 PM.
