A man suspected of stealing a city of Fresno vehicle led authorities on a dangerous pursuit Wednesday evening that ended in Madera County with his arrest and roadside fires, the Madera County Sherriff’s Office said in a statement.

The chase began around 6:40 p.m. when the Madera County deputies joined Fresno County deputies and the California Highway Patrol in pursuing the stolen vehicle, which had entered Madera County while dragging a metal object that sparked fires along the roadside.

According to authorities, the suspect later identified as Rafael Ortiz Jr., 42, of Fresno, attempted to hit a deputy with the vehicle and eventually collided with a patrol car.

The pursuit ended when Ortiz allegedly tried to crash through a fence near Harper Boulevard, where deputies took him into custody without further incident.

A small fire ignited at the scene but was quickly extinguished, authorities said.

Ortiz was booked into Madera County Jail on multiple felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a stolen vehicle, reckless evading, and vandalism.

Additional charges are expected from Fresno County, police said.

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