Nine people were arrested during a two-day undercover operation targeting human trafficking and child predators in Clovis over the weekend, authorities said Monday.

The operation, conducted Friday and Saturday by the Clovis Police Department with assistance from the California Department of Justice and local nonprofit Breaking the Chains, also resulted in multiple trafficking victims receiving assistance.

Seven of the nine suspects were arrested without incident at various locations throughout Clovis, police said.

However, one suspect refused to pull over, leading officers on a pursuit that ended in a five-vehicle collision near Shields and Armstrong avenues.

Three adults complained of pain and received medical treatment at the scene, while an infant was taken to a hospital as a precaution, authorities said.

The suspect fled on foot after the collision but was apprehended a short distance away by Clovis police.

The Fresno Police Department investigated the collision because it occurred within its jurisdiction.

Nine Suspects Arrested, One Remains Wanted

Police identified the nine people arrested and their alleged offenses.

Fernando Garza, 34, of Fresno, was arrested on suspicion of pandering, being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition, and violating post-release community supervision. He also had an unrelated warrant.

William Vallejo, 29, of Fresno, was arrested on suspicion of pandering, evading officers, hit-and-run, and obstructing a peace officer.

Jordan Smith, 23, of Fresno, was arrested on suspicion of pandering and violating a protection order.

Aaron Gray, 24, of Fresno, was arrested on suspicion of pandering.

Three others were arrested on suspicion of soliciting prostitution: Alize Gonzalez, 24, of Fresno; Letrice Moton, 29, of Fresno; and Celestina Bejaran, 28, of Modesto.

David Martinez, 48, of Madera, was arrested on suspicion of contacting a minor with the intent to commit a sexual act and arranging a meeting with a minor with the intent to commit a sexual act.

Christian Scott, 31, of Clovis, was arrested on suspicion of persuading a minor to engage in commercial sex acts, contacting a minor with the intent to commit a sexual act, and arranging a meeting with a minor with the intent to commit a sexual act.

Authorities are also searching for Kyle Riechel, 36, of Fresno, who allegedly evaded officers during the operation.

Riechel is wanted on suspicion of contacting a minor with the intent to commit a sexual act, arranging a meeting with a minor with the intent to commit a sexual act, evading officers, and violating probation.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts can provide an anonymous tip to Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP.

Human Trafficking Victims Receive Assistance

During the operation, multiple victims of human trafficking were placed in the care of Breaking the Chains, a local nonprofit that assists trafficking survivors, police said.

Authorities did not specify how many victims were identified.

Clovis police said confidential assistance is available to anyone experiencing human trafficking.

Those seeking help can contact Clovis police at 911 for emergencies or (559) 324-2800 for non-emergencies. Breaking the Chains can be reached at (559) 492-1566.

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