Dramatic Big Rig Police Chase Ends with SWAT Bearcat Takedown in Buena Park

Stolen Big Rig Pursuit

• 🚚 A dramatic police chase involving a suspected stolen big rig unfolded, starting in Fontana and ending in Buena Park.
• ⚠️ The pursuit involved a high-risk fugitive, considered armed and dangerous, with initial reports suggesting a possible kidnapping involved.
• 💥 The chase concluded when a SWAT Bearcat armored vehicle executed a pit maneuver, effectively stopping the big rig.

Suspects and Charges

• ⛓️ Two men, identified as convicted felons with lengthy criminal histories, were taken into custody.
• 👨‍⚖️ The driver, 54-year-old Bill Fade, and his passenger, 42-year-old Carlos Mesa, face new felony charges including grand theft auto.
• 🏥 The passenger, Carlos Mesa, was taken for medical clearance before being jailed.

Witness Accounts and Police Actions

• 👀 Onlookers described the event as intense and surreal, with one witness comparing it to scenes from movies.
• 🚨 Police teams, including SWAT, were observed drawing their weapons and pulling the suspects out of the vehicle at gunpoint.
• 🐕 A police dog was also deployed during the apprehension.

Investigation Details

• 📞 Investigators received a report from a woman claiming her father was being held inside the truck against his will.
• 🧐 This report led police to treat the situation as a potential kidnapping, influencing their decision to continue the pursuit to the end.
• ⚖️ The suspects were previously convicted on charges including grand theft auto and domestic violence.

Vehicle and Takedown Details

• 🚛 The big rig involved in the pursuit was confirmed to be stolen.
• 🧱 The SWAT Bearcat, weighing 18,000 lbs empty, was instrumental in the successful pit maneuver, ensuring the truck could not escape.
• ✅ Thankfully, the pursuit concluded without any injuries to the public or law enforcement.