MADERA COUNTY - On August 3, 2019 around 12:45 a.m., Madera County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Vermeulen was at the stop light at CA-41 and CA-49 when he observed a U-Haul truck speed out of the Dyno Mart parking lot and drive over the center divider of north and south bound CA-41. When Deputy Vermeulen activated his lights and sirens to attempt to conduct a traffic stop, the vehicle sped up and continued to travel along CA-41.
A pursuit reaching speeds up to 75 MPH traveled through the towns of Coarsegold and Raymond, eventually concluding in neighboring Merced County, approximately 68 miles in total. CHP Officers successfully deployed spike strips which deflated the vehicle’s front tires and caused the driver to come to a stop in the area of Q and 12th Streets in Merced. Merced County Sheriff’s Deputies subsequently took the driver, later identified as John Nevis, a 22-year-old Oakhurst resident, into custody without further incident.
During the course of the investigation, Deputy Vermeulen confirmed that Nevis is on active probation out of Madera County. He was transported and booked in at the Madera County Department of Corrections without incident for multiple felony charges including recklessly evading a peace officer, assault with a deadly weapon with force likely to cause great bodily injury, and violation of probation.
Thankfully, no citizens of the public or law enforcement officials were injured during this incident. MCSO would like to extend our gratitude to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office and California Highway Patrol Merced Division for their assistance in the capture and arrest of the suspect John Nevis.
We are seeking witnesses to this incident. If you have any information regarding this case, or know someone who may, please contact the Madera County Sheriff’s Communications Center at (559) 675-7770 and reference case 19-3514.
