CHP - Coalinga

06/17/2026

This morning, CHP Coalinga officers conducted an enforcement stop on a 2012 Hyundai Elantra for several vehicle code violations on Interstate 5 in Fresno County.

During the enforcement stop, the officer observed several indicators and tradecraft consistent with criminal activity. The driver consented to a search of the vehicle, which led to the discovery of six kilogram-sized packages. The driver was arrested, and the suspected narcotics were turned over to the Fresno High Impact Investigations Team (HIIT). Subsequent testing confirmed the packages contained co***ne.

Following the arrest, the driver was booked into the Fresno County Jail on the following charges:

11351 H&S – Possession of narcotics for sale
11352(a) H&S – Transportation of narcotics for sale
11352(b) H&S – Transportation of narcotics for sale across noncontiguous counties

The estimated street value of the seized co***ne is approximately $600,000.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

06/04/2026

Welcome Home!

The California Highway Patrol Coalinga Area is proud to welcome two of our newest officers, Officer Robles and Officer Pelagio, to the Coalinga Area office.

Both officers were raised right here in Coalinga and are now returning to serve and protect the community that helped shape them. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to public service have brought them full circle, and we are excited to have them serving the residents and travelers of our area.

Please join us in welcoming Officer Robles and Officer Pelagio back home and wishing them a safe and successful career with the CHP.

Committed to providing the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

06/02/2026

05/30/2026

🚔 CHP Central Division officers worked tirelessly throughout the Memorial Day Holiday Enforcement Period to help keep California’s roadways safe.

During the enforcement period, officers issued 5,009 written citations, including:

✅ 397 seatbelt violations
🚗 3,048 speeding violations
🍺 183 DUI arrests

Tragically, despite enforcement efforts, there were still 3 fatal collisions during the holiday period. Two of those crashes involved unrestrained occupants, underscoring the critical importance of wearing a seatbelt every trip, every time.

Seatbelts save lives. Slow down, drive responsibly, and never drive impaired.

05/29/2026

Today, the California Highway Patrol was proud to join the Avenal community in celebrating and sending off the Avenal High School Girls Softball Team following their incredible CIF State Playoff victory.

The team continued their remarkable season with another win and is now riding an impressive 11-0 winning streak. Their hard work, determination, and teamwork have led to one of the most successful seasons in school history and have made the entire Avenal community proud.

Congratulations to the players, coaches, families, and supporters on this outstanding accomplishment. We wish the team continued success as they advance in the CIF State Playoffs.

CHP CommunityStrong

05/26/2026

Major Fentanyl Seizure on Interstate 5🚓🚨

Today, at approximately 10:09 a.m., CHP Coalinga conducted an enforcement stop on a Kia Forte for vehicle code violations on Interstate 5.

During the enforcement stop, the officer observed several factors and tradecraft indicators consistent with criminal activity. A probable cause search of the Kia resulted in the discovery of a brown bag located on the floorboard of the right rear passenger seat containing approximately 4 kilograms of suspected fentanyl. The Officer also located a loaded G***k 23 .40 caliber pistol underneath the driver’s seat.

The driver was arrested, and the suspected fentanyl was turned over to the Fresno High Impact Investigations Team (HIIT). Following the arrest, the driver was booked into the Kings County Jail on the following charges:

• 11351 H&S – Possession of narcotics for sales
• 11352(a) H&S – Transportation of narcotics for sales
• 11352(b) H&S – Transportation for sales across noncontiguous counties
• 11370.1 H&S – Possession of a firearm while in possession of narcotics

According to the DEA, 4 kilograms of fentanyl powder has the potential to kill between 1.8 million and 3.6 million people depending on the potency of the drug.

The estimated street value of the seized fentanyl is approximately $400,000.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

05/25/2026

COALINGA CHP SEIZES APPROXIMATELY 1 KILOGRAM OF SUSPECTED CO***NE DURING I-5 ENFORCEMENT STOP

Today, at approximately 10:07 a.m., officers with the California Highway Patrol Coalinga Area conducted an enforcement stop on a 2006 Toyota Camry for vehicle code violations. The stop occurred on Interstate 5 within Fresno County.

During the enforcement stop, the officer observed several factors and indicators of criminal activity. A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, during which the officer located a brown bag concealed beneath the front passenger seat. Inside the bag, the officer discovered approximately 1 kilogram of suspected co***ne.

The driver and passenger were arrested at the scene. The narcotics were later turned over to the Fresno High Impact Investigations Team (HIIT) for further investigation.

Both suspects were booked into the Fresno County Jail on the following charges:

• 11351 H&S – Possession of narcotics for sales
• 11352(a) H&S – Transportation of narcotics for sales
• 11352(b) H&S – Transportation for sales across noncontiguous counties

The estimated street value of the narcotics is approximately $100,000.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.