Armed-robbery suspect held in lieu of $200,000 bail

A Sanger man suspected of armed robberies, car theft and other crimes in Madera County and elsewhere has been arraigned in Madera County Superior Court and is being held in Madera County jail in lieu of $200,000 bail, according to Madera County District Attorney David Linn.

John Anthony Barajas, 35, was captured May 25 after a high-speed rush-hour pursuit through Fresno and Madera counties.

A warrant for his arrest had been issued May 9 after documents were filed naming him as a suspect in several crimes.

He was arraigned May 30 on charges including robbery; personal use of a firearm in the commission of a crime; violation of 20800.2(a) of the California Vehicle Code, operating a motor vehicle with intent to evade or flee or otherwise attempt to allude pursuing police officers; and vehicle code 10851(a), driving a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner.

Linn said more charges likely would be leveled at Barajas, who has a history of arrests.

“It is highly likely that Barajas will be charged with other offenses by Fresno County,” Linn said. “At the present time, however, he will be remaining in the Madera County jail.”

Linn thanked the California Highway Patrol for its work in both Fresno and Madera counties, and the Madera Police Department.