On November 3, 2022, at approximately 12:28 p.m., deputies from the Kern County Sheriff's Office, Frazier Park Substation were dispatched to the 15800 block of Edgewood Way to check the welfare of Kris Souza. The reporting party stated Souza made bizarre statements and fled in a white Volvo semi-truck prior to deputies’ arrival. A records check on Souza revealed he had several warrants for his arrest, including a felony warrant for Arson and Burglary. A short time later, The California Highway Patrol (CHP) broadcasted information that a Volvo semi-truck, stolen from Nevada, was seen in the area of the Flying J Travel Center on Frazier Mountain Park Road.
Deputies saw Souza driving the stolen semi eastbound on Frazier Mountain Park Road, east of the Flying J Travel Center. Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop but Souza refused to stop. Souza failed to stop at the the stop sign at Lebec Road and continued onto the southbound Interstate 5 onramp. Deputies pursued Souza on the freeway at slow speeds of approximately ten miles per hour. Deputies requested CHP take over the pursuit as it was leaving Kern County. CHP took over the pursuit in the area of Smokey Bear Road. As the pursuit approached Templin Highway, CHP officers successfully deployed a spike strip on the semi. Souza continued to drive for a short distance until the semi caught fire. Souza then stopped the truck and surrendered to officers.
Souza was not injured during the incident. Deputies met with CHP officers and took custody of Souza. Souza was arrested and booked into the Kern County Jail for Felony Evading an Officer, Resisting Arrest, Vehicle Theft, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, and his warrants.
