A Wasco couple was arrested after police say they sped through an active work zone in McFarland, threatened workers with a knife, and pepper-sprayed two Public Works employees Monday morning.
The McFarland Police Department said that on February 3, 2026, around 10:45 a.m., two City of McFarland Public Works employees were performing street maintenance near the intersection of Browning Road and Glenwood Avenue.
Police said a white Chevrolet SUV occupied by a man and a woman allegedly drove through the active work zone at a high rate of speed while the employees were working. The workers warned the occupants to slow down.
According to police, the vehicle then turned around and parked nearby, and the occupants confronted the employees in a threatening manner.
During the confrontation, the driver, identified as 33-year-old Francisco Romero Jr. of Wasco, allegedly brandished a knife toward the workers.
Police said the passenger, identified as 33-year-old Danielle Respicio of Wasco, exited the vehicle and allegedly pepper-sprayed both employees. The suspects then fled the area in the SUV.
Following an investigation, McFarland Police Department officers determined the suspects were from Wasco. Romero and Respicio were later located and arrested in the 900 block of Oak Avenue in Wasco.
Both suspects were booked into the Lerdo Justice Facility on the following charges:
-
Use of a tear gas weapon
-
Use of a caustic chemical with intent to injure
-
Assault on a city worker performing maintenance on a city street
Police said no serious injuries were reported.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the McFarland Police Department at 661-792-2121.