A man suspected of stealing farm equipment worth approximately $410,000 over two months was arrested after an hour-long pursuit that ended when he crashed into an embankment and fled into a canal, authorities said.

Kings County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded Feb. 10 to a report of a stolen truck and trailer near Niles Avenue and 5 ½ Avenue. About an hour later, the Rural Crimes Unit located the stolen truck and observed a male getting into the vehicle, according to a sheriff’s office statement.

When patrol deputies attempted a traffic stop, the driver failed to yield and a pursuit began. The chase remained primarily on canal banks and dirt roads throughout Kings County’s unincorporated areas.

With assistance from the Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit, deputies maintained a safe distance and established a perimeter to prevent the vehicle from reaching paved roads in an effort to protect public safety.

The pursuit concluded after approximately one hour when the vehicle crashed into an embankment. The driver, identified as Luciano Navarro, then fled into a canal before being taken into custody.

Navarro had been under investigation for equipment thefts that occurred over the previous two months in unincorporated areas of Kings County, authorities said.

Following the arrest, deputies recovered two vehicles, a trailer, two skid steers, two backhoes, and two loaders. The equipment was returned to its owners.

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.