Suspect In Custody:
Miguel Lua, age 28 from the Visalia area

On the above date and time Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 31800 block of Rd. 124, Visalia regarding a vehicle burglary in progress.  Upon arrival Deputies contacted the reporting party who stated the suspect was seen breaking into a vehicle and took a car stereo.  A description of suspect was provided and he was contacted approximately ½ mile from the scene.  The the victim's property was recovered.  The estimated loss and recovered items totaled approximately $400.00.  The suspect was arrested at the scene and booked at the Tulare County Main Jail on the above listed charges.   

Case currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.

S-1 Orlando Gonzalez , 29 years old, Alpaugh  Ca

On the above date and time deputies from the Pixley Substation were dispatched to Rd 84 north of Ave 32 in Allensworth for a report of a female who had been physically forced into a vehicle and taken away by the suspect.

Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit and South End Investigations were called. During the investigation it was discovered the female victim and a friend arrived at a relative’s residence in Allensworth, when the suspect also arrived. The suspect knew the victim and forcibly removed her from the vehicle she was in. The victim was yelling and attempting to flee from the male subject as he threw her into the vehicle and sped away.

A search was underway when at approximately 0830 hours (8-2-12), the victim called from her residence where she had been dropped off by the suspect. She received minor bruises from the incident. The suspect reportedly forcibly took her purse, took her access card, and removed several hundred dollars in cash from an ATM machine.

At 0922 hours the suspect was located returning to his residence and taken into custody without incident. The cash was recovered and the suspect was booked at the Porterville Substation on charges of kidnapping and robbery. 

The case remains under investigation.

Anyone with information should call Detective Richard Ramirez at (559) 733-6218 or send anonymous information by sending a text message or email to TCSO@tipnow.com or call 1-800-TIPNOW.  

The overdue hikers LInda and David Donohoe have been located.  Sheriff's Office personnel had seen the couple driving their green Jeep in the California Hot Springs Area.  Staff made contact with them at approximately 1335 hours on 08-01-2012.  The couple then made contact with our detectives and verified they were ok and were not aware they had been listed as overdue.

The Sheriff's Office would to thank the communty for their assistance in this case.

UPDATE 08-02-12:
On 08/02/2012 an autopsy was conducted. The cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound to the upper body.

Anyone information should call Detective Richard Ramirez at (559) 733-6211 or send anonymous information by sending a text message or email to TCSO@tipnow.com or call 1-800-TIPNOW.

PRIOR RELEASE:
On the above date and time Deputies responded to a call of a gunshot victim in the 100 block of Mountain 99, Johnsondale. Deputies arrived on scene and found the victim deceased with an apparent gunshot wound to the upper body. The suspect, Ralph Zinck was still on scene and had attempted to give first aid to the victim.

During the investigation it was discovered that the victim and suspect were friends and in-laws and were drinking together at the victim’s residence throughout the evening. The victim was also showing the suspect a new handgun he had recently purchased. As they were handling the gun, Zinck shot Slenka, not knowing the gun was loaded. Zinck was arrested for manslaughter and was booked at the Porterville Substation.

Anyone information should call Detective Richard Ramirez 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 08/01/2012 deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to the 30000 block of Juniper in Goshen.  Regarding a 45 year old male who had been intentionally struck by a vehicle.   The victim sustained non life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
During the investigation information was developed which led to the arrest of  Martin Parraz  of  Goshen for 245 PC assault with a deadly weapon.   Parraz was subsequently booked into the Tulare County jail on the above charge.

    
Any one with information is asked to call the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office  (559) 733-6218.

Over the past 5 days Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department S.T.E.P. Unit completed several months of investigations by conducting marijuana Raid/Eradication operations on Public and Private lands throughout the foothill and valley areas of Tulare County. Several of these operations were conducted with the assistance of Federal Officers from the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s C.E.R.T. program (Cannabis Eradication & Reclamation Teams).  The C.E.R.T. program has replaced the state run C.A.M.P. program.

7/20/12 - Eshom Area
STEP detectives and the C.E.R.T. team conducted eradication operations in the area of the Eshom Towers on U.S. Forest service lands. Officers entered into the garden site and seized1, 443 marijuana plants. The marijuana plants were mature and appeared to have been harvested several times. A large camp and trash pile was located. It appeared the suspect had fled the garden site just before officers were flown into the location. Detectives and Federal officers removed trash, water hose, pesticides and fertilizers from the location and restored as much as possible, natural streams and creeks which had been diverted by growers (a process known as reclamation.) Additional work will be done on this areas to restore it to a natural state after the marijuana season, to lessen the danger to workers on those projects.

7/20/12 – Three Rivers area.
STEP detectives and the C.E.R.T. team conducted eradication operations in the area of the Three River Flume. This site had just been reported to the Sheriff’s department by area residents who routinely hike in the area. Due to the danger of conflict between the armed growers and local residents it was determined to eradicate this site as soon as possible rather than set-up for a long term investigation. On Friday afternoon officers were flown into the large garden using a technique known as Short-Haul. Upon arrival detectives found a large spread-out grow site of over 20,000 marijuana plants which was within sight of several houses. Investigation found that the suspects had fled into the heavy brush as the helicopter came into the area. A handgun and several types of ammunition, including assault weapon calibers were seized from several camp/processing areas which were located. The marijuana plants were in various stages from seedlings to mature, the site was set up as a multi-stage grow and appeared to have been harvested several times. Suspects had been diverting water from the flume into several large man-made reservoirs to disperse water to the grow site.

An extensive campsite and firearms were found and processed for evidence. A total of 21,620 marijuana plants and 250 pounds of processed marijuana was seized and removed from the site. If allowed to grow to maturity these plants would have produced in excess of 21,600 pounds of processed bud. If sold to dispensaries or on the streets the total value of the crop would be in excess of $64,860,000. However it needs to be noted that all parts of a mature marijuana plant can be utilized to produce a marijuana concentrate, known as Honey Oil, this process and the ability to use the entire plant greatly increases the value of the marijuana at the site. Also located were rat poison, various insecticides and fertilizers used to spray the plants.

It was determined the connected grow sites were spread between private and B.L.M. lands. A reclamation project will be planned by B.L.M. for clean-up on the Federal lands after the marijuana season.

7/24/12
Three Rivers / Lindsay

Suspects arrested
Enrigue Ramos 50 yoa, Lindsay – 11358 & 11359 H&S
Pedro Alvarez, 47 yoa, Three Rivers – 273a PC

Detectives completed a several month’s long investigation by serving search warrants at two locations, the 45000 block of South Fork Dr, Three Rivers and the 22000 block of Ave. 256, Lindsay. Upon arrival at both locations detectives detained the above listed suspects and several additional subjects. Investigation showed that both locations were out of compliance with state laws and local ordinances. 242 marijuana plants were seized from a sophisticated indoor/outdoor grow at the Three Rivers residence, Also seized were (2) rifles and (4) handguns. S-Alvarez was charged with child endangerment as a (9) year old boy was staying at the residence, the guns were placed in various locations around the house for easy access and a marijuana processing area was set-up in the kitchen. All the guns and marijuana were in easy access to the child. Edison officials were contacted to check the wiring into the large indoor grow area, substandard wiring was found and power was shut off to the residence until repairs are made by the property owner.

144 marijuana plants, (3) rifles and (1) handgun were seized from the Lindsay residence. Several suspects are still being sought for questioning.

7/31/12
Bear Creek Area above SCICON / Springville

STEP Detectives conducted an eradication operation in the Bear Creek area above SCICON on U.S. Forest Service land. Officers hiked through steep terrain into the garden site and seized 4,045 marijuana plants. Upon arrival suspects fled into the surrounding area.  These plants were located on numerous plots within a .5 mile radius.  Water from Bear Creek had been diverted into numerous ponding basins with a complex watering system in place to irrigate the plants. Some marijuana plants were mature and evidence of harvesting was located. A processing center, trash piles and various chemicals were located. Detectives tore down the diverted water basins allowing it to return to the natural streams and creeks.  Additional work will be done on this area to restore it to a natural state after the marijuana season, to lessen the danger to workers on those projects.

Photos are available on the Sheriff’s Flickr page under the title Eradication Detail 07-31-12:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/sets/72157630861181494/

These cases are still under investigation by the TCSO STEP Unit.

On the above date and time Deputies responded to a call of a gunshot victim in the 100 block of Mountain 99, Johnsondale. Deputies arrived on scene and found the victim deceased with an apparent gunshot wound to the upper body. The suspect, Ralph Zinck was still on scene and had attempted to give first aid to the victim.

During the investigation it was discovered that the victim and suspect were friends and in-laws and were drinking together at the victim’s residence throughout the evening. The victim was also showing the suspect a new handgun he had recently purchased. As they were handling the gun, Zinck shot Slenka, not knowing the gun was loaded. Zinck was arrested for manslaughter and was booked at the Porterville Substation.

Anyone information should call Detective Richard Ramirez at (559) 733-6211 or send anonymous information by sending a text message or email to TCSO@tipnow.com or call 1-800-TIPNOW.

Suspect: 18 year old Rene Perez from Dinuba areaVictim reported a burglary to his residence, where cash, a portable video game system and jewelry were stolen for a total loss of approx. $513.00.  A fifteen year old male juvenile and 18 year old Rene Perez were contacted a residence located near the victim's residence.  During an interview Perez admitted to stealing the property from the victim's residence. Deputies recovered several of the victim's watches which had been reported in the burglary and returned the stolen property to the victim.  Perez was arrested and booked.

On 07/31/2012 an autopsy was conducted. The cause of death was determined to be exsanguination due to gun shot wounds to the upper body. The case remains under investigation.

Anyone with information should call Detective Steve Sanchez or Detective Joe Torres at (559) 733-6211 or send anonymous information by sending a text message or email to TCSO@tipnow.com or call 1-800-TIPNOW.

Deputies from the Sheriff’s Departments Headquarters Patrol division received an anonymous tip of narcotic sales in the area of Ave 264 and Harrison when they were led to a residence in the 11400 Blk of Ave 264. Deputies located a female at the residence who was subsequently arrested on two (2) felony warrants and was on felony probation, the suspect, Lowe, was also contacted at the residence and was found to be on felony probation as well. Deputies conducted a probation compliance check and located a small amount of methamphetamine and indicia related to the sales of narcotics. The Deputies contacted Investigators from the Narcotics Division who responded and took over the investigation.
Investigators served a search warrant and the ensuing investigation and search revealed that Suspect Lowe was in possession of approximately 3.8 grams of Methamphetamine, 6 grams of Cocaine, 5.4 ounces of Marijuana, prescription drugs without a prescription, indicia related to the sale of illegal narcotics, maintaining a residence for illicit narcotic sales, five (5) handguns, three (3) shotguns, two (2) rifles, ammunition for the weapons and body armor. Lowe is a previously convicted felon as well.

David Lowe : 11377/ 11378/ 11366/ 11368/ 11634/ 11357 H&S  4060 B&P 466/ 21810/ 21310/ 29800(a)(1)/ 29815/ 12370(a) PC

Suspect Lowe was booked the Tulare County Jail on the listed charges.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division (559) 713-2950.

UPDATE 07-31-12:
David and Linda Donohoe were reportedly seen at a bed and breakfast near Ponderosa on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at approximately 1327 hours.

They were also reported driving near the Ponderosa Lodge in their GREEN Jeep Wrangler on Sunday, July 29, 2012.

The Sheriff's Office has been able to make contact with the Donohoes yet and are still attempting to locate them.

Please call the Sheriff's Office if you have any information regarding the location of Linda and David Donohoe.  If anyone does come in contact with them please refer them to the Sheriff's Office regarding this case.  800-808-0488

PRIOR RELEASE:
On July 17th, Linda Donohoe and her husband David Donohoe left on a comping trip to the Ponderosa / Parker Pass area in Tulare County and have not been seen since.  They are believed to be in a 1994 Jeep Wrangler, plate number 4HQH245.

Anyone with information regrading their wherabouts is askted to contact the Tulare County Sheriff's Office.

Non-Emergency line 800-808-0488
Anonymous Voicemail or text 559-725-4194
Anonymous e-mail tcso@tipnow.com

Photos and Flyers available on the Sheriff's Flickr page at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/sets/72157630830178154/

On Sunday 7-29-12 at 0050 hours,  TCSO Deputies from Visala and Orosi SubStations were dispatched to a boating accident occurring on the Kings River near the Club Royal Oak Resort. Deputies were told the boat operator and 6 passengers jumped  out of the boat as it was sinking. The TCSO  Kings River  Boat Patrol launched to assist with locating victims.  

Within 2 hours,  all occupants had been located  and none reported any injuries.  

Preliminary investigation determined the operator,  Sikora collided into the shoreline and became lodged on the embankment.   While attempting to  reverse throttle,  the boat began taking on water over the stern (rear).  The passengers began evacuating and the boat overturned.    The boat was recovered and extracted from the river with the use of a tow truck.  

No environmental hazards occurred. 

CHP  assisted and evaluated Sikora for DUI.   Sikora was arrested for operating a vessel while intoxicated.   He was booked into Tulare County Jail 

The case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office and California Highway Patrol.

Taken into custody were:    Sikora,  Dawson 

Charges:   H&N 655(b),   H&N 655(C) 

On the above date and time a 61 year old male was assisted on the Kings River when his PWC was overturned and he was in the cold water.  Deputies towed the subjects vessel and transported the male to Royal Oaks Resort where he was treated and released by medics and fire fighters for possible Hypothermia.

After deputies cleared the scene, deputies were flagged down by a citizen who advised that a 23 year old male was injured and had possible spinal injuries while diving into the river from a vessel.  Deputies transported Paramedics and Fire Fighters on the vessel to the injured subject.  The subject had dove into the river from a beached vessel, head first, and sustained some possible head, neck and spinal injuries.  The subject was transported to Fresno Regional Hospital by Paramedics, to be treated for his injuries.

Case #'s 12-9755/12-9758

On the above date and time detectives were in the area and heard shots fired in the 12700 block of Ira Street. While enroute the check the area, reports came in of a gun shot victim at that location. Upon arrival detectives found a party breaking up and the victim on scene suffering from gun shot wounds to the upper body. The victim was air lifted to an area hospital but was pronounced decease on arrival. 

Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit responded. During the investigation it was discovered a group of apparent gang members were at the party, confronted the victim, and shot him. The case remains under investigation.

Anyone information should call Detective Steve Sanchez at (559) 733-6211 or send anonymous information by sending a text message or email to TCSO@tipnow.com or call 1-800-TIPNOW.