Washington man accused of brake checking semi truck to steal cattle, demanding $20K for their return

A man was recently arrested and charged in connection with an on-highway cattle hijacking incident in Franklin County, Washington.

Clemente G. Esquivel of Pasco, Washington, has been charged with first-degree theft, second-degree extortion, and reckless driving.

The charges stem from a May 27 incident that took place on Highway 395.

According to court documents obtained by the Tri-City Herald, Esquivel was driving a Ford F-150 north on Highway 395 when he swerved across the median to the southbound lanes, where he pulled in front of a semi truck hauling cattle.

Esquivel reportedly brake checked the truck to get the driver to pull over.

The cattle truck driver “attempted to make defensive maneuvers while keeping the cattle in mind,” authorities said.

The truck driver eventually pulled off the road about 20 miles north of Pasco, Washington.

The driver exited the truck and was reportedly confronted by a combative Esquivel, who police say demanded $20,000 for the cattle.

When the truck driver tried to get back in the cab, he was forced out of the driver’s seat by Esquivel, who then drove off with the truck and trailer loaded with livestock, according to court documents.

Later, Esquivel sent a video to a friend of the truck driver demanding $20,000 for the load of cattle, police said.

While the truck driver was speaking to police, Esquivel approached them and told police that his wife owned the semi truck. He admitted that the truck driver had received permission to use the semi truck in the past.