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By Francisco “Real” Ramirez – May 1, 2025
On April 30, 2025, at approximately 3:57 p.m., Hanford Police Department officers responded to a stolen patrol vehicle incident in the 200 block of South 12th Avenue.
According to the department’s report, officers with the Hanford Police Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART) were finishing a multi-agency homeless encampment cleanup near Aquifer Drive and the San Joaquin Valley Railroad tracks, west of Walmart. During the cleanup, officers made contact with a homeless male identified as Jacob Murray, 47, who was instructed to leave the area. Murray complied and walked away.
Shortly after, Murray reportedly noticed an unlocked, running police patrol truck. Taking advantage of a moment when officers were distracted, he entered the vehicle and fled the scene.
Murray led officers on a vehicle pursuit through various streets, reaching speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour on county roads. The pursuit involved Hanford Police, Kings County Sheriff’s Office deputies, and the sheriff’s helicopter.
The chase continued into Tulare County, where Murray collided with two vehicles in the City of Tulare. He was ultimately stopped near Cherry Street and Tulare Avenue. Murray then exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by officers and deputies.
Murray was treated for minor injuries at a nearby hospital and later booked into the Kings County Jail. He faces felony charges including vehicle theft, felony evading, obstructing an officer, and a bench warrant.
