A man authorities believe is wanted for shooting at a house, evading police, and stealing a vehicle in Monterey County is on the loose, presumably in the Santa Ynez Valley. His name is Jose Navarro, and he is considered armed and dangerous.
Navarro, who happens to be on probation in Santa Barbara County for assault with a deadly weapon, came back onto the Sheriff’s Department radar on Tuesday, October 21, when a deputy tried to stop a Chevy pickup truck on Santa Rosa Road, west of Buellton. The driver did not stop and a pursuit ensued, during which time it was determined the truck had been stolen in Monterey County. The truck escaped onto the property surrounding the Alma Rosa Winery, and the deputy lost sight of the suspect, due to “significant dust,” according to a press release.
Navarro then parked the truck and fled on foot into the surrounding ranchlands. Once the deputy located the vehicle, he also found a .22 caliber rifle inside. Authorities have been searching since, and are now asking for the public’s help in finding Navarro. Those with information should call Deputy Doughty at 686-5000 or 681-4100.