February 25, 2024

Trucker devastated after stolen rig is destroyed in police chase

Steve Smith

A truck owner, Edward Guardado, is facing severe financial struggle after his semi-truck was stolen and later destroyed during a police chase in Bakersfield, California on February 21st.

The theft: The incident began when Guardado took a break at a gas station, leaving his vehicle unattended. Roberto Rivera, 25, seized the opportunity to steal the semi-truck, leading to a pursuit by the California Highway Patrol across multiple counties.

The chase: Rivera refused to pull over, continuing to drive even after spike strips blew out the truck's tires, eventually causing the vehicle to burst into flames after it was driven on its rims. The pursuit ended with the flaming truck on the 210 Freeway near Rancho Cucamonga, and Rivera was apprehended following an on-foot escape attempt according to KTLA.

Now: Guardado, left without his main source of income, is desperately seeking new work. "I’m very stressed," he shared.

Support: A GoFundMe page has been established to help the Guardado family recover from this devastating loss.

Rivera is currently being held on $100,000 bail.

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