Earlier this year, Julio Arroyo led an officer on a high-speed chase...

Earlier this year, Julio Arroyo led an officer on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle, driving against traffic before ultimately crashing into the brick wall of a home.

This week, a Kern County jury found Arroyo guilty of two counts of felony evasion of a peace officer, felony driving a stolen motor vehicle, felony receiving stolen property, and misdemeanor resisting arrest. The case was prosecuted by Deputy DA Truman Hance.

On June 15, 2025, a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer located a reported stolen vehicle being driven by Arroyo and attempted to perform a traffic stop on the vehicle. Without hesitation, Arroyo immediately accelerated away and led the CHP officer on a lengthy and dangerous car chase. Soon after the chase began, Arroyo drove on the opposite side of traffic on both Stockdale Hwy and New Stine Rd, traveling at speeds in excess of 70 miles an hour into oncoming traffic, causing drivers to maneuver out of his way. He ran multiple red lights while traveling in excess of 50 miles an hour and nearly collided with other moving vehicles on multiple occasions. The chase ultimately concluded when Arroyo lost control of the stolen truck and crashed into three parked cars before rolling over into the front yard of a residence. The vehicle struck the surrounding brick wall and rested against the home. Immediately after the collision, Arroyo jumped out of the disabled vehicle and fled on foot. The CHP officer was able to apprehend Arroyo and take him into custody.

DA Zimmer commented; “Arroyo’s offense was aggravated when he evaded law enforcement and behaved in a manner that endangered not only the responding officer but also numerous community members. This reckless and careless conduct warrants serious criminal consequences.”

Sentencing is set for January 8, 2026 where Arroyo faces up to 9 years, 4 months in prison.