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Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 4:30 AM

Fernley man charged with stealing CalFire utility vehicle, leading deputies on high-speed chase

Fernley man charged with stealing CalFire utility vehicle, leading deputies on high-speed chase

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

A man from Fernley was arrested on Aug. 26 in Yreka, Calif. and charged with stealing a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection vehicle and leading sheriff’s deputies on a high-speed chase on Interstate 5.

According to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, at about 1:11 p.m. on Aug. 26, they were notified by CalFire Law Enforcement personnel they were following a CalFire utility vehicle that had recently been stolen from Highway 89 in the McCloud area. They reported they were northbound on Interstate 5 coming through the Yreka area. Siskiyou County deputies responded to Interstate 5 near the Miner St. exit where they located the stolen vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The deputies said the vehicle failed to yield and rapidly accelerated reaching speeds of about 100 mph in an attempt to evade them.

During the pursuit the driver, who was later identified as 35-year-old Jeremy Austin Estep of Fernley, continued his erratic driving where he crossed over the center medium and continued southbound on Interstate 5 before leaving the freeway and entering Yreka. The pursuit continued into the area of North View Drive in Yreka where the driver stopped and fled the vehicle on foot. Deputies continued their pursuit on foot where the suspect was soon apprehended.

Estep was arrested and transported to the Siskiyou County Jail where he was booked for felony evading, felony auto theft, and misdemeanor resisting arrest.


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Comment author: Christopher Walsh Comment text: Could you look into the strong recurring smell around Fernley? It smells like sewage and it can be bad enough that people don’t want to be outside or open their windows. It would be helpful to get an investigative journalist help the Fernley residents get a clear answer from the City, NDEP, and any involved facilities. I was really disappointed that the smell was not disclosed by my realtor when I moved here. I enjoy Fernley and am seeing the improvements that are being made. With Appreciation Comment publication date: 9/12/26, 2:49 PM Comment source: Sewage spill near City of Fernley Municipal Well 9 Comment author: Alicia Euresti Comment text: We are all so blessed to have Pastor Matt and Mrs. Regina in this town. They have become a major part of pur family and our children adore them. Thank you both for all you do for qll of us. We love you!!!! Comment publication date: 9/6/26, 9:24 PM Comment source: Fascinating Fernley: Meet Your Neighbors at Living Faith Food Pantry Comment author: R Conley Comment text: Is the deputy receiving any additional training or reinforcing prior training? Comment publication date: 9/5/26, 10:08 AM Comment source: Inmate escapes from Fernley substation Comment author: Kayla Allen Comment text: Suzie was a wonderful woman. I was pleased to call her my "godmother" as she helped me to become a better version of myself. I think about her a lot. Comment publication date: 7/10/26, 8:31 PM Comment source: Susanne Lynn Foster Comment author: Sheena Nash Comment text: After the trivia night is over, I would love for you to print the questions. I grew up in Fernley and would be interested to see how many answers I know. The coin is beautiful. Congrats on 25 years as a city! Comment publication date: 6/22/26, 1:38 PM Comment source: City of Fernley planning 25th anniversary celebration with three days of community events C Comment author: Carl C. Hagen Comment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion. Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AM Comment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-ramp