Lindsay, CA – On the afternoon of Sunday, January 18, 2026, multiple people were injured when their vehicle was struck in a collision related to a police pursuit, according to KSEE.
Authorities reported that the accident occurred at the intersection of Mt. Vernon Avenue and Hermosa Street after a suspect fleeing police caused a crash involving another vehicle.
Officials said all five occupants of the vehicle that was struck sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
Police stated that the pursuit began shortly before 2 PM when officers attempted to locate a blue Chevrolet Cobalt associated with 39-year-old Frankie Tapia, who had an active felony warrant. Officers reported observing the vehicle leave a business location in what was said to be a reckless manner.
Investigators said Tapia refused requests to stop, leading to a pursuit through nearby roadways. During the pursuit, authorities reported the suspect apparently lost control of the vehicle. He was said to have struck two trash bins before attempting to collide with a pursuing patrol vehicle, leading to the crash that injured the five occupants.
Following the collision, officials said Tapia fled on foot into a nearby business, where he was apprehended. A passenger in the suspect vehicle, identified as 36-year-old Mario Cedeno, was also taken into custody after allegedly attempting to flee the area.
According to investigators, Tapia was booked on multiple charges, including reckless evading causing injury, hit and run with injury, and aggravated assault on a peace officer. Cedeno was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance for sale and on an outstanding misdemeanor no-bail warrant.
The Lindsay Department of Public Safety said the investigation remains ongoing.
Personal Injury Claims
When the actions of reckless drivers cause others to be injured, the cost of recovery should not fall on their victims. Filing a Personal Injury Claim with the at-fault party’s insurance can provide compensation for medical bills and lost wages during recovery.
Ongoing Investigations
Victims of traffic accidents and their families should be aware that authorities may fail to note or even misinterpret critical evidence at a crash site. One of the services that a Personal Injury Attorney can provide is to pursue follow-up investigations, which can reveal additional evidence to correct any errors made by previous investigators.
California Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Car Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
