On 05-17-13, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the Terra Bella area. A passenger in the vehicle, who was identified as Larry Norrod, was wanted on two active felony warrants. Norrod was also found to be in possession of a small quantity of a controlled substance, packaging material and a scale. Norrod was arrested for the warrants and the fresh charges of possession of a controlled substance for sales and booked at the Porterville Substation. 

Taken into custody were: Norrod, Larry 38 yrs

Suspect:  Diaz, Jose Lopez    Age:    41

After an approximate three (3) week investigation into the sales of illegal narcotics in the Lindsay area, Investigators from the Inter Agency Narcotics Enforcement Team (INET) and the Sheriff’s Department’s Narcotics Division were led to a residence in the 21100 Block of Ave 245. The ensuing investigation and search revealed approximately 4 grams of Methamphetamine, 254 grams of marijuana (36) marijuana plants, glass smoking pipes, packaging materials and a bullet proof vest. The suspect was also wanted for spousal abuse.

 Lopez was booked at the Porterville Sheriff’s Substation for the listed charges. The investigation is continuing. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division (559) 713-2950.

Booking photos available through the Main Jail.

From Sgt. Chris Douglass, PIO:

I will be out of the office beginning Friday May,10 and return on Tuesday, May 28, 2013.

For media requests during business hours you may call Personnel at 735-1825 and leave a detailed message including the case number or news item you are referring to. The message will be forwarded to the appropriate station commander.

For media requests after business hours please call our non-emergency dispatch line at 733-6218 and leave a detailed message including the case number or news item you are referring to. The message will be forwarded to the appropriate station commander.

For booking photos please contact the on duty Sergeant at the jail facilities.

For Personnel & Training Division issues please contact the main office at 735-1825. Please note the Personnel & Training Office is only open Monday through Friday from 8 am - 5 pm and is closed for holidays.

All other requests will be reviewed upon return.

Email non urgent information to cdouglass@co.tulare.ca.us.

UPDATE 5-8-13:

A photograph of the victim has been posted. 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/8722037256/in/photostream

Due to the fact there were a number of people at the park during the incident the Sheriff's Office is asking for any information that can assist investigators in the case.

The public can utilize the anonymous TipNow program by sending a text or voicemail to 559-725-4194 or email tcso@tipnow.com.  The information is routed through a server so no identifying information from the tipster is relayed, only the message.

UPDATE 5-6-13/1600 hrs:
The deceased victim has been identified as Jorge Sanchez, age 18, of Pixley.  The case appears to possibly be gang related.

An autopsy was conducted and the cause of death is listed as exanguination due to multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body.

The suspect vehicle was described as a dark green Honda Accord '90's model.

Due to the fact there were a number of people at the park during the incident the Sheriff's Office is asking for any information that can assist investigators in the case.

The public can utilize the anonymous TipNow program by sending a text or voicemail to 559-725-4194 or email tcso@tipnow.com.  The information is routed through a server so no identifying information from the tipster is relayed, only the message.

PRIOR RELEASE:
Date 5/4/2013 - 1951 hours
(v-1) Identification not being released at this time (deceased)
(v-2) Juvenile (confidential)
(v-3) Juvenile (confidential)
Location:  Pixley Park

Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a shots fired call at the Pixley Park.  Two unknown Hispanic men drove to the Pixley park exited their vehicle and walked up to the victims who were seated at a picnic table.  Without warning one of the suspects pulled out a handgun and shot all three victims killing one and wounding the other two.  The suspects then returned to their vehicle and fled the area.  There were several people from the Pixley community at the park during this incident and the Sheriff's department is asking for your assistance in solving this case. 

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sheriff's Department TIP NOW hot line at 559-725-4194 or online at tcso@tipnow.com.  You can also contact Detective Rodney Klassen or Sergeant Rodney Parker at the Violent Crimes Unit at 735-1970 or 733-6218.

Over the past seven months, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office has received calls for service on approximately 17 home invasions in the south county areas.  Some of these cases involved suspects forcing entry into homes dressed in police style looking gear, attempting to maneuver and impersonate law enforcement.  Some victims were detained in a variety of methods.  Fortunately, none of the victims were critically injured.

These crimes occurred predominately in southern Tulare County.  During the investigation of these crimes, Sheriff’s Detectives were able to determine similar cases may have occurred in Kern County.  Detectives were also able to determine gang members were involved.  Detectives from the South County Property Crimes and Gang Violence Suppression Units were able to identify several gang members and locations associated with them. 

In January, in response to these crimes, Sheriff Bill Wittman formed a task force comprised of investigators from the Sheriff’s Property Crimes Investigations and Gang Violence Suppression Units with support from the Department’s Crime Analyst and Narcotics Units. In February, the task force made the first two arrests in relation to these cases.

Once the scale of the investigation reached a point that numerous search warrants would be served, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office began to request the assistance of numerous law enforcement agencies for a large scale operation.  During the morning of May 7, 2013, thirteen law enforcement agencies with over 166 combined personnel, joined forces conducting numerous probation searches and served numerous search warrants in the Earlimart and Pixley areas. Due to the manner in which these crimes were committed and the firepower and gear suspects were observed with by victims of these crimes, the Sheriff’s Tactical Enforcement Personnel (STEP) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams  requested additional SWAT teams from Visalia, Tulare and Porterville Police Departments.  Additional Canine Units from Porterville and Probation were also made available to supplement the Sheriff’s Office team.

This unified task force made eight arrests and seized evidence of crimes that tied some of the suspects to specific cases.  Numerous firearms were seized as well as camouflage clothing, ballistic vests, masks, police scanners, over 100 cell phones, and a handheld radio and set of handcuffs stolen from Kern County Sheriff’s Office. 

Suspects arrested on May 7, 2013 are listed as follows:

Jose Ontiveros, age 22 of Tipton
PC 30605(a)---Possession of Assault weapon
PC 148--Resist Arrest
PC 496--Possession Stolen Property
Bail ---$35K

Edgar Montero, age 21 of Earlimart
PC 30605(a)--Possession of Assault Weapon
HS 11358--Cultivation Marijuana
HS 11359--Possess Marijuana for Sale
PC 496--Receiving Stolen Property
BAIL--$35k

Gonzalo Gomez Rivera, age 22 of Earlimart
PC 460—Burglary
PC 215—Carjacking
BAIL--$350K

Efrain Carrillo Soto, age 27 of Earlimart
VC 14601.5 (a)--Drive suspended / revoked
BAIL----$5K
PC 496--Receive Stolen Property
BAIL--$20K

Manuel Hernandez Chavez, age 26 of Earlimart
PC 29800(b)--Ex-Felon in possession of Firearm
BAIL--$10K

Daniel Gonzalez Ontiveros, age 22 of Earlimart
PC 466--Possession Burglary tools
PC 166.4--Disobey Court Order
PC 1203.2(A)--Violation of Probation
BAIL ---$40K
HS 11366--Maintain Place for Sell / Use Control substance
HS 11357(A)-- Possess Concentrated Cannabis
PC 30305---Unlawful Possession Ammo
BAIL-- $25K       
VC 14601.2(A)--Drive suspended privilege (prior DUI)
VC 23247(E)-- Unlawful Vehicle Operation
VC 16028(A)-- Failure to provide financial responsibility
VC 4000(A)--Unregistered Motor Vehicle
BAIL---$10K

Roberto Lopez Tapia, age 19 of Earlimart
PC 3455(A)--Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) Warrant  
BAIL---$ NO BAIL

Zachary Wiley, age 19 of Pixley
HS 11378--Possession for Sale of Controlled Substance
PC12022(C) Special Allegation armed/ firearm Controlled Substance
HS 11359--Possession Marijuana for Sale
PC 186.22--Special Allegation Aggravated
BAIL-- $50K

The locations of the probation searches and search warrants are listed as follows:

(2) Locations in the 6900 block of Road 136, Earlimart
7800 block of Bishop, Earlimart
1800 block of W. Sierra, Earlimart
500 block of E. Bobbi, Earlimart
600 block of S. State, Earlimart
900 block of S. Ash, Pixley
100 block of S. Ash, Earlimart
200 block of N. Front, Earlimart

Agencies assisting in the detail are listed as follows, total of (166) personnel:
Tulare County Sheriff’s Office
Visalia Police Department
Tulare Police Department
Kern County Sheriff’s Department
Exeter Police Department
Porterville Police Department
Tulare County Probation
California Highway Patrol
United States Marshals Service
Homeland Security Investigations
Delano Police Department
Dinuba Police Department
Tulare County Reduce Auto Theft Task Force (T-RATT)

Location, case number and dates of the 17 home invasion cases being investigated:
13400 block of Avenue 72, Teviston #12-13687, 10/17/2012
13100 block of Williams Ave, Teviston #12-14834, 11/13/2012
13100 block of Avenue 76, Teviston #12-14875, 11/14/2012
800 block of E. Teapot Dome Ave, Porterville #12-15148, 11/20/2012
15000 block of Avenue 84, Pixley #12-15780, 12/4/2012
10700 block of Avenue 72, Teviston #12-16120, 12/11/2012
19400 block of Avenue 120, Terra Bella #12-16309, 12/15/2012
900 block of Mentz Avenue, Porterville #12-16573, 12/21/2012
7400 block of Road 232, Tulare #13-960, 1/23/2013
100 block of S. Adams Road, Tipton #13-1050, 1/25/2013
16200 block of Avenue 88, Pixley #13-1218, 1/29/2013
1500 block of E. Washington Avenue, Earlimart #13-1375, 2/1/2013 (two arrests made prior)
22100 block of Avenue 88, Terra Bella #13-2818, 3/6/2013
9500 block of Avenue 96, Pixley #13-2964, 3/9/2013
14500 block of Avenue 88, Pixley #13-3392, 3/18/2013
8600 block of Road 84, Pixley #13-5204, 4/24/2013
8500 block of Road 120, Pixley #13-5385, 4/28/2013


The Sheriffs’ Office continues to investigate these crimes and is seeking public assistance for any additional information they can provide. 

The Sheriff’s Office does have an anonymous TipNow Program that allows people to send a text or voice message to 559-725-4194 or email tcso@tipnow.com.  The information is routed through a server, sending only the message to the department without the tipsters identifying information. 

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all of the community members who assisted in making these arrests possible as well as all of the staff and allied agencies.

Prior arrests on 2-1-13 included:

Tony Rodarte, age 18, Earlimart
PC25850(A)-LOADED FIREARM IN PUBLIC (PERSON OR VEHICLE)   
PC25400(A)(1)-CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM - VEHICLE DRIVER      
PC30305(A)(1)-PERSON UNLAWFULLY POSSESSING AMMO 
PC487(A)-GRAND THEFT OF PERSONAL PROPERTY      
PC242-BATTERY: SIMPLE      
PC148-RESISTING ARREST   
VC10851-DRIVING CAR W/OUT CONSENT   
VC2800.2-EVADING AN OFFICER, WILLFUL DISREGARD  
PC243.2(A)-BATTERY ON SCHOOL , PARK, OR HOSPITAL PROPERTY      
PC12020(A)-POSSESS/MANUFACTURE/SELL DANGEROUS WEAPON 
PC209.5(A)-KIDNAPPING DURING A CARJACKING   
PC12022.53(B)-SPEC ALLEG-PERSONAL USE OF A FIREARM     
PC182(A)(1)-CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT A CRIME      
PC459-CUSTODIAL INSTITUTION BURGLARY     
PC25850(A)-LOADED FIREARM IN PUBLIC (PERSON OR VEHICLE)

17 year old juvenile of Earlimart also arrested

Photos, video and audio will be posted on the following pages under the title of “Home Invasions”:
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/sets/72157633450417444/
YouTube http://www.youtube.com/TulareCountySheriff

Sheriff Bill Wittman will be holding a press conference on Wednesday, May 8th, 2013 at 2:00 PM in the Headquarters Lobby located at 2404 W. Burrel, in Visalia.
 
Media outlets may contact Sgt. Chris Douglass for additional embargoed information if you have not already received by email.

cdouglass@co.tulare.ca.us

You are cordially invited to attend the
2013
Tulare County Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony

Hosted by
Sheriff Bill Wittman

Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Nine o'clock am

Peace Officer Memorial Grounds
Corner of Burrel and Woodland
Visalia, CA

Master of Ceremonies
UnderSheriff Mike Boudreaux

Guest Speaker
Senator Jean Fuller

End of Watch Roll Call
Chief Cliff Bush, Exeter Police Department

On 05/06/13 at approximately 2040 hrs, an unknown suspect entered the store armed with a handgun. The suspect demanded money from the victim and while the victim was complying, the suspect shot one round from his handgun at the wall. No injuries were reported. The suspect was wearing a mask and is approximately 5'7" tall weighing approximately 170 lbs to 180 lbs. The suspect was last seen wearing blue shorts and a white t-shirt. The victim advised he observed a blue four door sedan leaving the area after the robbery.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff's Office at 559-733-6218 or TCSO@TIPNOW.NET,txt or voicemail at 559-725-4194

Suspect: Diana Ramos 
Age: 24
City: Pixley

On 5-5-13 at 2159 hours, deputies responded to a residence in the area of Spani Way in Pixley regarding a physical altercation.  Upon arrival it was determined the victim had been stabbed by the suspect with an unknown instrument.  The suspect fled the scene prior to deputies arrival.  The victim was transported to a local hospital and later released.  Detectives responded and located (S) Diana Ramos who was arrested without incident on 5/6/13 and booked for 245 PC at Bob Wiley Detention Facility.

On 05/04/13 Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Porterville Substation were checking on a suspicious vehicle at a vacant residence in the 1800 Blk of W. Thurman in Porterville.

The vehicle had indicators of possibly transporting illegal narcotics and a narcotics detection K9 was called in.

The Narcotics K9 alerted to the vehicle and Investigators from the Sheriff’s Departments Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement unit were called in to take over the investigation.

The investigation revealed the vehicle was transporting 25 pounds of Methamphetamine which was seized.
 
The investigation is continuing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Departments Narcotics Division at (559) 713-2950.

Photograph of seized narcotics is available on the Sheriff's Flickr page at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/8716052450/in/photostream

Deputies from the Orosi substation were checking the welfare of a subject in the 36600 Blk of Bowhay Dr, in Traver. Ca when they noted the following items in a duffel bag on the floor of the residence, “Zip Lock” baggies for packaging, batteries, miscellaneous chemicals, glassware and tubing. Suspect Thompson also had a number of pseudoephedrine pills on his person which is a precursor in the manufacturing of Methamphetamine. The deputies secured the residence and contacted investigators from the Sheriff’s Departments Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Unit (CLEU).

The investigators responded and the ensuing search and investigation revealed that the suspects had the chemicals and precursors to manufacture methamphetamine using the “One Pot Method” or the “Birch Method”. The suspects would have been able to manufacture approximately one ounce of methamphetamine which would have had an estimated street value of $600.00. There was also a short barreled shotgun located in the residence. Both suspects were wanted Parolees from CDCR.

Investigators from the South Tri-Counties High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (STC-HIDTA) assisted in the processing and clean up of the clandestine laboratory. 

The suspects were booked at the Tulare County Main Jail on the listed charges. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Departments Narcotics Division at (559)713-2950. The investigation is continuing.

Suspect:#1 ) Ira Keith Thompson Age: 54  

Charges: 11379.6 11383 H&S 148.9 33215 PC 3056 PC

Suspect:#2) Kenneth Dwayne Choate Age: 48

Charges: 11379.6 H&S 33215 PC 3056 PC

Suspects photos available through the Main Jail.

Case Agent:  Det. J. Howser Supervisor:  S. Kennedy, Sgt.

UPDATE 5-6-13/1600 hrs:
The deceased victim has been identified as Jorge Sanchez, age 18, of Pixley.  The case appears to possibly be gang related. 

An autopsy was conducted and the cause of death is listed as exanguination due to multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body.

The suspect vehicle was described as a dark green Honda Accord '90's model.

Due to the fact there were a number of people at the park during the incident the Sheriff's Office is asking for any information that can assist investigators in the case.

The public can utilize the anonymous TipNow program by sending a text or voicemail to 559-725-4194 or email tcso@tipnow.com.  The information is routed through a server so no identifying information from the tipster is relayed, only the message.

PRIOR RELEASE:
Date 5/4/2013 - 1951 hours
(v-1) Identification not being released at this time (deceased)
(v-2) Juvenile (confidential)
(v-3) Juvenile (confidential)
Location:  Pixley Park

Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a shots fired call at the Pixley Park.  Two unknown Hispanic men drove to the Pixley park exited their vehicle and walked up to the victims who were seated at a picnic table.  Without warning one of the suspects pulled out a handgun and shot all three victims killing one and wounding the other two.  The suspects then returned to their vehicle and fled the area.  There were several people from the Pixley community at the park during this incident and the Sheriff's department is asking for your assistance in solving this case.  

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sheriff's Department TIP NOW hot line at 559-725-4194 or online at tcso@tipnow.com.  You can also contact Detective Rodney Klassen or Sergeant Rodney Parker at the Violent Crimes Unit at 735-1970 or 733-6218.

Tulare County Sheriff’s Department               Juvenile Crimes Unit

Case #: 13-5544

Crime: 288(a) PC

Definition: Child Molestation

Date Occ’d: Over the past 1 ½ years

Location Occ’d: Poplar area

Victim: 10 year old female juvenile

Suspect: Mario Navarro

DOB: 10/05/82

Address: Poplar Area

Synopsis:

On 5/1/13 the victim, a 10 year old female, reported to school staff that she had been molested several times over the past 1 ½ years by her 30 year old uncle in the Poplar area. 

The suspect was contacted and after further investigation and questioning by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Juvenile Crimes Unit Detectives it was determined the accusations were true. The suspect, Mario Navarro, was arrested and booked at the Porterville Substation on charges of child molestation.

On the above date and time, Deputies with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department responded to the area of Tobias Rd and Hwy 190 in Poplar for a report of shots fired. While en-route to the call, Deputies received an additional call of a gunshot wound victim. Deputies arrived on scene and contacted a 21 year old male who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The victim was transported to a local hospital and was listed in stable condition.

During the investigation, it was determined an unknown subject confronted the victim and used a firearm to assault him. Detectives with the Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene and took over the investigation.

This case remains under investigation and anyone with information regarding the shooting is encouraged to call Detectives of the Violent Crimes Division at (559) 733-6211 or send anonymous information by sending a text message or email to TCSO@tipnow.com or call 1-800-TIPNOW   

On 5-2-13, at approx. 1445 hrs, deputies were despatched to the area of Ave 124 and Road 248 Porterville, regarding a possible deceased person found.

Deputies responded and located the person laying in an orange grove. upon checking the person for signs of life, none were located.  Notification of next to kin is pending identification of the decedent. Cause of death is pending autopsy results.



Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Detectives of Tulare County Sheriff Violent Crimes unit at 559-733-6218. Anonymous information about this crime can be reported via Tipnow email tcso@tipnow.net