MADERA – A Madera Superior Court jury has convicted Matthew Edwards on four felony counts of attempted murder, four felony counts of assault with a firearm on a peace officer, a felony count for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and auto theft.On Wednesday, Feb. 20, the jury also found that Edwards, 26, of Fresno, used and discharged a firearm during the commission of his crimes, according to Madera County District Attorney Michael R. Keitz.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Mary Thornton presented evidence at trial that on Dec. 28, 2008, Edwards was a passenger in a stolen vehicle leaving a convenience store in Madera. After noticing several vehicle code violations, a Madera Police officer attempted to stop the car. It sped away and Edwards leaned out of the vehicle and began shooting at the pursuing officers.
The driver refused to pull over and accelerated to speeds over 100 mph as the chase moved into Madera County, then Fresno County, and finally into the City of Fresno, while Edwards continued to shoot at the officers.
The chase ultimately ended when Edwards’ vehicle crashed at Cedar and Shepard Avenues in Fresno, and he was apprehended by a Fresno police officer.
Edwards is scheduled to be sentenced on Mar. 20 in the Madera Superior Court. He faces up to 141 years to life in state prison for his convictions.
