Cattle hijacked on Highway 395. Suspect wanted $20K to return them

A 46-year-old man forced a semi truck off Highway 395 last week and stole a trailer full of cattle, say police.

Clemente G. Esquivel of Pasco then allegedly sent a video demanding $20,000 to return the livestock, court documents said.

Prosecutors charged Esquivel with first-degree theft, second-degree extortion and reckless driving in connection with the May 27 incident. He has been released after posting the $10,000 bond.

Esquivel was heading north on Highway 395 when he swerved across the median in his Ford F-150 about 9:30 a.m. to head south on the divided highway, according to court documents.

He pulled in front of a semi hauling a load of cattle and began stepping on his brakes to get the truck to pull over.

Police reported that the semi driver “detailed his panic” and “attempted to make defensive maneuvers while keeping the cattle in mind.”

The cattle truck driver eventually pulled onto Eltopia West Road and stopped near Booker Auction, about 20 miles north of Pasco.

He got out of his truck and was confronted by Esquivel who was cussing and yelling, said the documents. Esquivel allegedly demanded $20,000 to give back the cattle.

When the semi driver tried to get back into cab, Esquivel allegedly forced him back and got into the driver’s seat, court documents said. The semi driver then backed off and let Esquivel drive away.

Police said Esquivel later made a video that was sent to the semi driver’s friend, repeatedly demanding $20,000 to return the livestock.

While police were talking to the semi driver, Esquivel showed up and approached investigators, said the documents.

Esquivel’s wife owns the truck cab, and he told police that he saw it on the highway, made a U-turn and signaled for it to pull over.

He also admitted the semi driver has been allowed to use the semi truck in the past, but it’s unclear what the current dispute was about.

This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 12:22 PM.