California police released footage of a chase that ended with the suspect clinging to a moving vehicle in what appeared to be an attempted carjacking before being shot.
Video released Saturday by the Lathrop Police Department shows police chasing down Juan Valdez, 40, on Jan. 27 after a woman called 911 to report her friend was being threatened.
Video shows officers responding to the 200 block of Shadywood Avenue, where they encountered a man known as “John” and two distraught women arguing.
As police tried to talk to the suspect, a woman was heard saying, “He’s going to fight back. Be careful.”
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On January 27, 2024, during a pursuit in Lathrop, California, a police officer attempted to pit a vehicle being driven by a suspect. (Lathrop Police Department)
A gold Nissan Versa was then seen backing out of the driveway and officers began a pursuit through the neighborhood.
Officers were first alerted when the suspect returned to his home, where one of the alleged victims reportedly said, “John, you tried to kill me.” One officer pointed a weapon at the suspect, and another officer demanded that the suspect turn off the car’s engine. The suspect then fled in a vehicle.
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The suspect, Juan Valdez, is seen trying to flee from officers and clinging to the car he tried to carjack. (Lathrop Police Department)
An intense pursuit ensued and Valdez was seen veering into the wrong roadway before one of the officers unsuccessfully attempted to stop him. The pursuit intensified as the suspect entered Interstate 5. Shortly after, one of Versa’s tires disintegrated.
Valdez was seen jumping out of the car and holding on to the door of another car as the driver continued to drive away.
“He’s trying to carjack someone,” one of the officers can be heard saying.
Juan Valdez’s mugshot (inset) and some of the felonies he was charged with after the chase and officer-involved shooting. (Lathrop Police Department)
The other driver eventually pulled over and Valdez was seen trying to flee as police caught up with him.
Police warned the suspect to stop or be shot, but officers fired twice and Valdez fell to the ground.
“Oh, brother, why did you shoot me?” he asked.
Valdez then identified himself to the responding police officer while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive.
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Valdez was sent to the hospital but later released and booked into the San Joaquin County Jail. He was charged with multiple felonies, including auto burglary, false imprisonment, escape, resisting arrest, and committing a felony while on release/parole for a prior felony.
Bail was not granted in the case and he is scheduled to appear in court again on April 10, according to online booking records.
