On Monday, March 13th, 2023, at 10:43 am, a Turlock Police officer southbound State Route 99 near the Turlock Rest Area, Turlock, observed a man driving a vehicle with expired registration, so he made a traffic stop on him.

The officer made contact with and identified the vehicle’s two occupants, including passenger Jose Escalante, 26, of Texas.

When the officer questioned the driver about the contents of his vehicle, Escalante immediately got out of the vehicle and ran westbound off the freeway.

Escalante made his way up and down properties on E Greenway Ave, being monitored by assisting officers who were unable to access him due to fencing and such. An officer with a police drone also arrived and assisted.

After a short while, a sergeant was able to get to Escalante and apprehend him without further incident.

Back at the traffic stop, a search of the vehicle was conducted which led to the discovery of approximately 30 pounds of marijuana. The investigation revealed that the marijuana belonged to Escalante.

Escalante was arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of possession of cannabis for sale and obstructing or resisting a public officer.

An interesting fact to note is that possession of cannabis for sale is a misdemeanor. Escalante would have likely been released on a citation if arrested for it, however, his decision to run earned him a trip to jail.