Two suspects, Aliza Vega-Estrada, 24, and Matthew Schwarz, 25, both of Fresno, were arrested Tuesday morning following a shoplifting incident and a brief police pursuit in Clovis, the Clovis Police Department reported.

Officers responded to a call at a retail shopping center near Clovis and Herndon avenues shortly before 10:30 a.m. after a report of shoplifting in progress.

Related Story: 5 Felony Charges Filed on Visalia Man in Alleged Sexual Assault of Minor

Using the city’s camera network and descriptions provided by store employees, dispatchers tracked the suspects as they left the parking lot.

The driver sped away when officers attempted to pull over the suspects’ vehicle. The chase was called off near Bullard Avenue and Highway 168 for safety reasons.

A short time later, a Clovis resident reported suspicious activity involving individuals matching the suspects’ descriptions near Bullard and Helm avenues.

Related Story: Self-Declared Fentanyl ‘M30 King of Fresno’ Pleads Guilty to ...

Fresno PD Helicopter Assists in Search

With assistance from multiple divisions and support from Fresno Police Department’s Air 1 helicopter, officers located and arrested the suspects without further incident.

Vega-Estrada was found with a handgun, and her toddler was in the vehicle. Schwarz, a wanted gang member since 2019, according to police, was also taken into custody.

Both suspects were booked into Fresno County Jail on felony child endangerment, shoplifting, and conspiracy charges. Vega-Estrada faces additional charges for carrying an illegally concealed firearm, and Schwarz was also charged with evading officers and an outstanding warrant.

Related Story: SF Police Sergeant’s Quick Action May Have Saved 49ers Rookie’s ...

Their vehicle was impounded, and their three children are in the care of Child Protective Services, authorities said.