CLOVIS - Just after 11 a.m. this morning, Clovis Police were dispatched to the Red Carpet Carwash at Willow and Shaw regarding an auto theft. The owner of the vehicle told dispatchers that an Asian male had entered his vehicle and drove off westbound Shaw Avenue towards Freeway 168.
Clovis Police Officers responded and immediately contacted the Fresno County H.E.A.T (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) Team. Approximately one hour later, the stolen Jaguar F-Pace was located in Madera County by the H.E.A.T team with assistance from CHP Air-41, a fixed-wing airplane.
The vehicle, located in North Fork, was heavily damaged by the suspect while driving prior to law enforcement contact. The suspect, 19-year-old Jess Vang of Fresno, was arrested without incident while in possession of the vehicle. Mr. Vang was transported to the Fresno County Jail where he was booked for auto theft and possession of a stolen vehicle.
The Clovis Police Department would like to thank the Fresno H.E.A.T. Team and C.H.P. Air-41 for their assistance in this case.