A driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence Tuesday evening after fleeing two crashes, trying to enter a home, and hiding in a backyard, Fresno police told GV Wire.

Officers responded about 6:26 p.m. to a two-vehicle collision near West Ashlan Avenue and northbound Highway 99. Police said a Ford Explorer rear-ended another vehicle while both were traveling west in the left lane of Ashlan, west of Marty Avenue.

The Ford’s driver fled and crashed into a fence in the 3400 block of North Brawley Avenue, police said. He then ran from the vehicle and crossed through several residential yards.

The suspect tried to enter a home in the 3600 block of West Robinson Avenue by pulling at a screen door and a rear sliding glass door, according to police.

He hid in a residential backyard while officers, police dogs, and a police helicopter searched for him. Officers later arrested him and identified him as Xavier Garza.

Garza had a suspended driver’s license and showed signs of intoxication, including bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech, an unsteady gait, and the odor of alcohol, police said.

Following a DUI investigation, Garza was arrested and booked into the Fresno County Jail.

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