FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Two men from Los Angeles County were arrested after leading Fresno police on a high-speed chase that ended with the discovery of fentanyl.
23-year-old Kevin Guzman and Julian Alcantara-Aguirre are facing federal charges for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
Alcantara-Aguirre is also charged with assaulting a federal officer.
According to court documents, the pair drove to Fresno on Jan. 22 planning to sell a large amount of fentanyl.
When they spotted law enforcement, they drove off in a black Toyota Matrix.
During their escape, Alcantara-Aguirre rammed the car into multiple DEA cars, then led officers on a high-speed chase along Highways 99 and 180.
Eventually, the men abandoned the car and ran, but were caught shortly after.
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Officers also recovered the fentanyl that had been tossed from the vehicle during the chase.
“Fentanyl is a poison in our communities and across the nation,” says U.S. Attorney Grant. “We will continue to aggressively go after those who traffic it, and we will not tolerate violent assaults on federal officers who enforce our drug laws.”
Bob P. Beris, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s San Francisco Field Division, added, “This operation targeted large-scale fentanyl dealers. The seizure of this poison undoubtedly saved lives. We’re grateful for our local and federal partners who worked with us to make this happen.”
If convicted, Guzman and Alcantara-Aguirre could face anywhere from 10 years to life in prison for the fentanyl charges.
Alcantara-Aguirre faces up to 20 years for assaulting a federal officer. Sentencing would ultimately be up to the court.