A routine traffic stop turned into a wild police chase early Friday, ending with the arrest of a Fresno gang member and the discovery of hundreds of pieces of stolen mail, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

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Deputies first tried to pull over a 2001 Chevy Tahoe near Olive and Pleasant avenues at 12:20 a.m. for a vehicle violation.

The driver, later identified as Manuel Burciaga, 42, refused to stop, initially driving at moderate speeds before speeding up and running a stop sign. For safety reasons, deputies called off the pursuit.

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Minutes later, the Tahoe was seen on a nearby freeway, where Burciaga allegedly tossed checkbooks out of the window, authorities said.

He eventually stopped near Fresno and Gettysburg avenues to let out two passengers, who were detained for questioning and later released.

The chase continued with Burciaga leading deputies back to Highway 180 and Van Ness Avenue.

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Officers deployed a spike strip, flattening one of the Tahoe’s tires. Even with the damage, Burciaga continued driving before stopping near Dudley and Lafayette avenues, where deputies arrested him without incident.

Inside the SUV, authorities found hundreds of pieces of mail addressed to residents in Fresno, Clovis, and Reedley.

While Burciaga is currently charged with felony evasion, investigators say additional charges, including identity theft, could follow.

Got a Tip?

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about Burciaga or his vehicle to call 559-600-3111 or Valley Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward by referencing case #25-72.

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