Suspect:
Jeffery Downing, age 24 of Tulare

On 7-22-11, it was reported to the Tulare Police Department that suspect Downing assaulted his estranged girlfriend by biting and stabbing her.  Her injuries were reported as non-life threatening.

On 8-14-11, at approximately 1745 hours the suspect broke into his parent's residence while they were home and threatened them at knife point, demanding money.  He fled the Visalia residence with cash, a television and their vehicle.

On 08-15-11, at 1122 hours, a Visalia CHP TRATT Officer in an unmarked vehicle, observed the suspect and vehicle northbound on Road 204 south of Avenue 256.  A pursuit ensued, where the suspect traveled westbound toward Visalia on Avenue 256 with speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.  Due to the potential hazards to the community, CHP terminated the pursuit when he entered the City of Visalia.  Within minutes, the suspect vehicle was located abandoned in the 3400 block of Chatham, Visalia.  A perimeter was established with the assistance of the following agencies; CHP ground and air units, Visalia PD, Tulare PD, Farmersville PD and canine, State Parole and the Tulare County Sheriff's Office.  Two hours later, the suspect was located in the backyard of a vacant residence in the 3200 block of Loyola, Visalia. The suspect resisted arrest and a Taser was deployed by Visalia PD, and was taken into custody.

After medical clearance, the suspect was booked into the Tulare County Main Jail with the following charges; armed robbery, home invasion, carjacking, felony evading, resisting arrest and vandalism.  His bail is currently set at $135,000.00.  Additional charges from other agencies are pending further investigation.

Narrative:

On 8-12-2011 at approx. 1400hrs the victim observed the suspect back up to his garage and remove a Lincoln arc welder from inside the garage. Responding deputies located the vehicle near the City of Porterville and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle stopped and three suspects fled the from the vehicle into an orange orchard. Adan Garcia 19 YOA was located inside the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident. The stolen welder was located inside the vehicle. Adan Garcia was subsequently booked into the Porterville substation for burglary and possession of stolen property.

The case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Agricultural Crimes Unit.

Any information contact Detective Mike Hallum 733-6218.

********* MISSING PERSON LOCATED***********

MISSING PERSON-Picture available


NAME:           Edgar Ivan Munoz
Age:             18 years old
HEIGHT:        5'7"
WEIGHT:       140 lbs
EYES:            Brown
HAIR:            Black
TATTOOS:     Of a cross on the right hand
LAST SEEN WEARING:    A white t-shirt, red shorts and brown shoes


On 8/12/11 Edgar Munoz was reported missing by his family members.  He was last seen walking away from his home located at the 1700 block of East Crabtree in the city of Porterville, Ca.  According to family members it is unlikely for him to not return or contact family and they are concerned for his well being.   

Anybody with information regarding the whereabouts of Edgar Munoz is encouraged to contact Detective Maria Lomeli of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Violent Crimes Unit at (559) 733-6218.

During a patrol check and Orosi Station Deputy observed a suspicious vehicle and checked the license plate.  The vehicle was identified as stolen.  The driver of the vehicle was also identified as a possible suspect Deputies were attempting to locate for other crimes of the past few months.  A traffic stop was initiated at 1257 hours and the driver, male adult, failed to yeild.  The pursuit continued into Fresno County, Reedly City, Orange Cove and Kings County.  All agencies were notified and assisted with support vehicle and helicopter.  Reedly Police took over the pursuit in their city, with CHP taking over when it returned back into county area.  California Highway Patrol was able to apprehend the driver and a female passenger at approximately 1424 hours. 

Please contact the California Highway Patrol for arrest information and identification.

Suspect: Flores, Esau Age: 30 yrs.

Arriaga, David Juvenal Age: 22 yrs.

On 8-10-11 the Tulare County Inter Agency Enforcement Team (I.N.E.T) consisting of personnel from Exeter P.D., Farmersville P. D., Lindsay P.D., Visalia P.D. Tulare County Probation and the Tulare County Sheriff Department concluded a month long investigation by serving a search warrant in the 100 Block of South "H" Street in the City of Exeter.

Detectives detained several subjects at the residence including a suspect, who had run from the house at the time of the service of the warrant. Detectives located several bindles of methamphetamine and packaging material in the house. Suspect Flores, Esau was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sales and maintaining a location for sale/use of a narcotic. Suspect Flores was the original suspect that had run from the residence. Suspect Arriaga, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Both suspects were transported and booked into the Tulare County Main Jail.

This case is still under investigation.

SUSPECT: MARK BOGGESS AGE 46
On the above date and time, Deputies responded to the above listed location in regards to a neighbor problem. After contacting the original complainant, deputies contacted Mark Boggess at his residence. During the contact with Boggess,  deputies discovered an illegal marijuana grow at the location. Boggess was not in compliance with the terms of his medicinal marijuana and deputies attempted to detain Boggess for the violation and further investigation. Boggess resisted arrest and was tased in order for him to be taken into custody.  Boggess was also found to be in possession of .4 grams of methamphetamine on his person when he was taken into custody.

Boggess was booked at the Porterville Substation for HS 11358 (Cultivation of Marijuana), HS 11377 (Possession of a controlled substance), PC 148(a)(1) (Resisting arrest), HS 11364 (Possession of drug paraphernalia).

Case is under investigation by T.C.S.O.

On 08-10-11 at 0245 hours, Deputies were dispatched to a residence located in the 15200 block of Road 208 in Porterville in regards to a shooting.  The (V) stated that an unknown subject(s) fired 12 shots from an unknown type of firearm at the residence.  The (V) stated no one was injured during the incident.
     This case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department.

Suspect: Stephen Parham age 54

On the above date and time, Deputies contacted Stephen Parham at Plano/Corona. Stephen was found to have two active warrants for his arrest. A search of Stephen’s person incident to arrest revealed .3 grams of a white crystal substance which presumptivly tested positive for methamphetamine and clear glass pipe with an off white powdery residue (Meth pipe). Stephen was booked into Tulare County Jail on his active warrants and drug possession charges.

Suspects:

Johnny Hurst  age 43

Paul Knight age 44

On 8-8-11, at approximately 2225 hours, Deputies with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office were conducting a patrol check at Success Lake Trailer Park and observed a suspicious vehicle parked in front of a residence.  Deputies contacted two adult males at the residence, Johnny Hurst and Paul Knight. 

During the investigation related to the suspicious vehicle, Deputies located a small amount of methamphetamine, as well as narcotic paraphernalia.  Both suspects were subsequently arrested for drug related charges.  Knight was found to be a CDCR Parolee At Large, both subjects were later booked into the Tulare County Jail. Case still under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff Department.

Suspect: 
Dana Gray 
Age: 28

A Deputy was patrolling the Terra Bella area in a marked Tulare County Sheriff’s Department vehicle. The Deputy observed a subject trying to hide behind a vehicle. Upon contacting the subject she fled the scene. A short foot pursuit, then a physical altercation occurred. The female detained and was later identified. Upon searching the female's purse illegal weapons were found, illegal narcotics and a false identification card. Case is under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department.

On 8/2/11 members of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department S.T.E.P. Unit responded to various locations around the county for medical marijuana compliance checks. Upon arrival at two locations officers found subjects with excessive numbers of plants and other crimes.

#1      5800 blk of Rd. 42, Alpaugh
 S1- Sergio Rivera, 29 yoa, Lompoc, Ca
 S2- Luis Aleman, 21 yoa, Aberdeen, Wa

Detectives responded to the above listed address after local citizens reported a possible marijuana grow at this location. Upon arrival the above listed subjects were observed with what appeared to be a rifle. Upon seeing the officers they attempted to flee from the scene. Upon being contacted it was found that the rifle was in fact a BB gun. Subsequent investigation found that S-Aleman had a medical recommendation, however it was found he was over his allowed amount by approx. 500 plants. S-Rivera was assisting in cultivating the marijuana but had no recommendation for marijuana at that location. It was also discovered that S-Rivera is a previously deported felon. 600 marijuana plants were eradicated from the site. If allowed to mature these plants would have produced in excess of 600 pounds of processed marijuana bud. Immigration holds were placed on both subjects.

#2 25300 blk of Ave 102
 S1- Fidel Rosales, 40 yrs, Bakersfield,Ca.

In early June Detectives received complaints from local citizens about a suspect marijuana garden at this location. Detectives conducted an overflight and observed a large marijuana grow in a football sized field which was surrounded by a eight foot high dirt berm.  Detectives obtained a search warrant for the property. On 8/2/11 the warrant was served, S-Rosales was contacted at the scene. Subsequent investigation found that Rosales had a medical marijuana recommendation allowing him to have 99 plants another subject not present at the time had a recommendation at the property allowing 12 plants. Detectives inspected the marijuana in the dirt pit and counted 296 mature marijuana plants, a number clearly in excess of Rosales medical needs. Detectives then searched the residence, they found that four rooms had been turned into indoor grow rooms with an additional 607 healthy mature plants. Also located inside residence were four loaded firearms, including two illegal Assault Weapons, high capacity magazines, Camouflage clothing, a large amount of ammunition for the firearms, scales, packaging and a large amount of U.S. Currency. The grow site was covered with a video surveillance system and several large dogs. S-Rosales was also found to have a captive Owl which was turned over to Fish and Game personnel. A total of 903 marijuana plants were eradicated, the above listed items were seized as evidence. If allowed to mature the plants in this case would produce in excess of 903 pounds of marijuana bud.

All three of the above listed subjects were arrested and charged with cultivation of marijuana and possession for sales. The marijuana, if allowed to mature would have a street value in excess of $3,000 per plant.

It is an ongoing problem that persons are obtaining medical marijuana recommends from doctors who allow them to grow plants in excess of their medical needs. Growers then sell their excess marijuana to dispensaries or directly to buyers on the street. 

This case is still under investigation by the TCSO STEP Unit.

Photos from scene are on the “Tulare County Sheriff” Flikr page at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/sets/

Follow our news blog on twitter at TulareSheriff  http://twitter.com/#!/tularesheriff

You can now submit information anonymously on non-emergency cases through TipNow.  Call or text your anonymous tip to 559-725-4194 or e-mail tcso@tipnow.com.

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating over 15 altered/counterfeit checks from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Inmate Account.  Detectives from the Sheriff’s Property Crimes unit are working three different cases.

“We have discovered a number of these checks are being cashed using identification cards from people who were also prior victims of theft.  It makes it more complicated to determine who the suspect is.” Stated Det. Joe Rodriguez, who is working the majority of these cases.

The Sheriff’s Office also received information from the Visalia Police Department who recovered an altered Inmate Account check prior to being cashed.

The Sheriff’s Office is working a number of leads but would like to ask the assistance of Tulare County residents in locating Rayleen Mejia for questioning.  Rayleen Majia is a Hispanic female, age 23 who is known to the Visalia and Woodlake areas.  She has brown hair that is sometimes died a lighter shade, brown eyes, dark complexion and medium build, at 5’7” and approximately 180 pounds.  A photograph and flyer are available on the “Tulare County Sheriff” Flickr account (see below for link).

A plea to merchants who are presented a Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Imamate Account check for cashing:

Merchants are being asked to please assist in deterring the cashing of fraudulent checks by taking the following steps to assist the department:

Please make note of the following ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER, NOT ONLY ON THE CHECK ITSELF:

• Date and time check is cashed (this may vary from the date the bank processes and provided the investigator dates to check video footage, witnesses etc.)
• Name of clerk cashing the check (may be able to identify suspect or provide other information about the subject in question)
• Name and location of merchant (for case use only)
• Photocopy of Identification card used (will provide useful information about the suspect or give victim information on identity theft)
• Photocopy of check (provides information quickly about the specific check rather than waiting for the digital version from the financial institution)
• Thumbprint from subject cashing check – make sure thumbprint is not smudged and included the center pattern of the thumb, preferably right thumb. (the financial institutions usually only provide scanned copies of the checks which do not provide clear version of the thumb prints for processing through fingerprint databases)
• Keep this information on file for a minimum of one month if your deposit cycles are weekly.  This will allow time for the financial institutions to process the checks and notify the Sherriff’s Department.

The Sheriff’s Office would also like to promote the TipNow program.  If you have information regarding the location of Rayleen Mejia, information on these cases or others, you can call, text or e-mail the information anonymously through the TipNow number or e-mail.  The information is routed through a server that removes your identifying information and sends it to the Sheriff’s Office.  Your tip could help solve a case.

Call or text (559) 725-4194.  You can also e-mail tcso@tipnow.com .

Photo, wanted flyer are available under this case # on the “Tulare County Sheriff” Flikr page at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/sets/

Narrative:

On 8-2-11 at 2245 hrs, Deputies responded to a shots fired call in the 22900 block of Ave 196 in Strathmore. Upon arrival Deputies located a single victim with a gunshot wound to the lower back. The victim was transported to the Kaweah Delta Medical Center where he underwent surgery for non-life threatening wounds and subsequently admitted for observation.

The case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Victor Bonilla at 559-733-6218

UPDATE,  8-4-2011:
An autopsy was conducted today and the cause of death was determined to be a penetrating gun shot wound to the chest.

During the investigation family also revealed the victim changed her name back to Flor Sanchez.

Photo of Suspect, Emigdio Ojeda, is now available for release through the Jail Facility Booking Sergeant.

UPDATE, 08-02-2011:
The Suspect has been identified as Emigdio Guzman Ojeda, age 48 of Porterville.  He was apprehended at approximately 1418 hrs, at his home at the 400 block of Henderson by the Porterville Police Department and released to the custody of the Sheriff's Office for further investigation.

The victim has been identified as Flor Ojeda, age 48 of Porterville.  The victim and suspect are divorced.  The shooting occurred at the victim's residence.  It appears the victim may have suffered from more than one gunshot wound.  An autopsy will be conducted to verify.

PRIOR RELEASE:
08-02-11 / 1233 hrs  The Tulare County Sheriff's Office received information regarding a possible shooting at the 400 block of Mulberry in Porterville.  Deputies responded to the area.  A female subject was injured and transported to a local hospital where she passed away.  The male suspect fled the area and barricaded himself in a nearby residence within Porterville City limits.  Porterville Police Department SWAT and K9 assisted the Sheriff's Office and were able to apprehend the suspect who is now in custody and being questioned regarding the incident.  The Sheriff's Office Violent Crimes unit is investigating the case as a homicide.  As more information is made available and update will be issued.

 
Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call the Sheriff's Office at 800-808-0488.
 
You may also remain anonymous and call or text your information to 559-725-4194 or e-mail tcso@tipnow.com

Videointerview with Sgt. Chris Douglass is posted on Sheriff's YouTube Channel at  http://youtu.be/0RFTPdXLuJ0

During the week of July 27th through July 30th 2011, personnel from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department North End Gang Violence Suppression Unit, conducted enforcement patrol throughout the communities of Cutler, Orosi, London, Sultana and Ivanhoe.  Probation and Parole checks were also done throughout the above communities.

For that period, they arrested (14) subjects for various felonies, misdemeanors, civil gang injunction violations and arrest warrants.  The below listed subjects were subsequently booked into the Tulare County Main Jail and the Bob Wiley Detention Facility without incident.

Enrique Ortiz (22 years) possession of a sawed off shotgun, criminal street gang activity and violation of a preliminary civil gang injunction.
Ashley Moreno (19 years) under the influence of a controlled substance
Sergio Salinas Jr. (26 years) under the influence of a controlled substance
William Sears (28 years) violation of a preliminary civil gang injunction
Francine Muniz (25 years) violation of a preliminary civil gang injunction
Alvaro Murguia (21 years) felony arrest warrant
John Frescas (36 years) under the influence of a controlled substance
Alex Monzo (19 years) obstruction of justice/disobeying lawful orders
Netzhualcoytl Cerna (32 years) two felony arrest warrants
Armando Garcia (39 years) driving while under the influence of alcohol
Samantha Peovich (19 years) misdemeanor arrest warrant
Roberto Nemecio (21 years) misdemeanor arrest warrant
Paul Barnett (49 years) misdemeanor arrest warrant
Joey Chimienti (20 years) misdemeanor arrest warrant

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Department at 559-733-6218 or you can remain anonymous by sending your information to tcso@tipnow.com or by texting to (559) 725-4194.