On 02-28-2011 the Inter Agency Narcotic Enforcement Team (I.N.E.T.) consisting of personnel from Farmersville Police Department, Lindsay Police Department, Exeter Police Department, Tulare County Probation and the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department concluded a three week narcotic investigation by serving a search warrant in the 1000 block of East Ash in the City of Farmersville. Suspect Luis Cervantes was arrested and booked into the Tulare County Main Jail for the following charges:

11359 H&S        Possession of marijuana for sales.

12316 b 1 P.C.   Convicted felon in possession of ammunition.

12021 b P.C.      Convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

11353.6 H&S     Possession of a controlled substance for sales with 1000 feet of a                           

                           school.

 Suspect Cervantes’s bail is set at $ 50,000.00.

This case is still under investigation.

Narrative:

Through further investigation, personnel from the North End Gang Violence Suppression Unit were able to identify, locate and apprehend the second suspect involved in a robbery that occurred on 2-24-11 near the intersection of Ave. 378 and Rd. 57 London, Ca.  The second suspect taken into custody was a 17 year old male juvenile.  He was booked into the Juvenile Justice Center for robbery without incident.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Department at 559-733-6218 or 1-(888)-End-Gang.  Persons who call can remain anonymous.

Taken into custody were:

Male juvenile (17 years) 37600 block of Rd. 60 London, Ca.

  Charges:  211 PC robbery  

Narrative:

Case Number- 11-80066, 11-80067, 11-80068

Crime- 166.4 gang injunction violations, 11378 HS, 11377 HS and a felony warrant for drug sales cited out to Fresno County.

On 2-26-11, during the evening hours, personnel from the North End Gang Violence Suppression Unit concentrated their efforts in the Cutler-Orosi communities of Tulare County and arrested four subjects.  Two were arrested for gang injunction violations, one for possession of a controlled substance for sale, and one for a felony warrant which was cited out to Fresno County on drug charges.

 Taken into custody were:

Raul Gomez (18 years) Cutler-Orosi  Charges: 166.4 PC – violation of court order / gang injunction (no bail)  

 Christopher Carreon (18 years) Cutler-Orosi Charges: 166.4 PC – violation of court order / gang injunction (no bail)

Salvador Guevara-Soto (33 years) Charges: 11378 HS – possession of a controlled substance for sale (bail $20,000)

Desirae Garza (23 years) Charges: Felony arrest warrant for drug sales and transportation in Fresno County.  Subject was cited to Fresno County on $50,000 bail.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Department at 559-733-6218 or 1-(888)-End-Gang.  Persons who call can remain anonymous.

UPDATE:  Violent Crimes Unit responded to the case as the death was listed as undetermined and VC staff was on duty and available.  This unit is under the same supervision as the Coroner Unit.  There were no visble signs of trauma nor is the death listed as suspicious.  The death is currently listed as undetermined until the autopsy is completed next week.

PRIOR RELEASE:  On 2/24/11 at approximately 2228 hours, Tulare County Sheriff’s Patrol Deputies responded to the 12600 Block of Miller Rd in Orosi in regards to an unresponsive infant. Deputies and Medical personnel arrived on scene and found the child not breathing. The child was later transported to a local area hospital where she was later pronounced dead. Violent Crimes Detectives responded to the scene and took over the investigation.

The incident is being investigated by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department.  Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Jose Torres from the Violent Crimes Unit at (559)733-6218.  

   On 2-24-11 at about 1455 hours, a 22 year old male was riding his bicycle near the intersection of Ave. 378 and Rd. 57 in the community of London, Ca.  At that time, he was approached by two suspects east of the intersection and physically assaulted.  The suspects then took possession of the bicycle by force and the victim fled the scene to report the incident.

Through further investigation, suspect Alejandro Perez (23 years) was arrested and booked into the Tulare County Main Jail for robbery and criminal street gang activity.  The bicycle was recovered by law enforcement and returned to the victim.  The second suspect is still at large and personnel from Patrol and the Gang Violence Suppression Unit are continuing their efforts to identify and apprehend this person.

Anyone with information can remain anonymous and is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Department at 559-733-6218 or 1-(888)-End-Gang. 

Taken into custody were:

1. Alejandro Perez (23 years) resides in London, Ca.

 Charges : 211 PC & 186.22 PC

UPDATE:

Rey Robert Avellanoza was also booked on four outstanding warrants in Tulare County:

PC 529 $20,000 Warrant
PC 664/187, 459 and 246 $500,000 Warrant
PC 496 $10,000 Warrant
PC 459 $50,000 Warrant

The motel room did not contain any items of interest in the case upon search. 

Please see below for additional information regarding the incident.

BAKERSFIELD POLICE

DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

                                                      Greg Williamson, Chief of Police

________________________________________________________________________
Contact: Sergeant Mary Degeare

                Public Information Officer

                661-326-3803

                mdegeare@bakersfieldpd.us

For Immediate Release                                               Monday, February 21, 2011

On 2/20/11, at approximately 11:00 p.m. Bakersfield Police received information that subjects, possibly associated with the homicide which occurred on 2/19/11, at approximately 1:37 a.m., in the 200 blk of 22^nd Street, were at the Togas Motel 99 Inn & Suites, 26442 North Highway 99, Tulare, Ca.

Bakersfield Police officers went to the motel and attempted to contact the subjects.  Officers confirmed that the room was occupied but received no response from the occupants.  The Tulare County Sheriff Department responded to assist and a SWAT operation was initiated.  The SWAT operation was conducted by the Tulare County Sheriff Department which resulted in the surrender of the four occupants in the room.  For details on the SWAT operation contact the Tulare County Sheriff Department.

The subjects were transported to the Tulare County Sheriff Investigations Bureau where they were interviewed by Bakersfield Police detectives.  Following the interviews all four were arrested. 

Arrested:

Rey Robert Avellanoza, H/M, 22, of Earlimart, Ca. for violation of PC 187, Murder, PC 148, Resisting an officer, and PC 186.22, Gang participation.

Semein Cruz, H/M, 18, of Earlimart, Ca. was arrested for violation of PC 32 Accessory after the fact, PC 182, Conspiracy, PC 148, Resisting an officer and PC 186.22, Gang participation.

Francisco Delgado, H/M, 18, of Earlimart, Ca. was arrested for violation of PC 32, Accessory after the fact, PC 182, Conspiracy, and PC 186.22, Gang participation.

Alejandro Amariz Navarro, H/M, 20, of Earlimart, Ca. was arrested for violation of PC 148, Resisting an officer, and PC 186.22, Gang participation.

Avellanoza, Cruz, and Delgado were arrested on charges related to the homicide.  Navarro was arrested on unrelated charges.

All four subjects were booked into the Tulare County Main Jail.

The investigation is continuing.

The Bakersfield Police Department would like to thank the Tulare County Sheriff Department and the Visalia Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Bakersfield Police at 661-327-7111.

UPDATE: At approximately 1035 hours, the Tulare County Sheriff's SWAT team and hostage negotiators deployed a communication devise into the Motel 99 Room in an attemp to communicate with the subjects inside.  At that time, the room door opened and four hispanic males exited the room with the hands in the air.  The four subjects were detained without incident.  The Bakersfield Police Deprtement advised they were actively seeking three of the four subjects as part of a homicide investigation that occurred on 2-18-2011.  All four subjects were taken to the Tulare County Sheriff's Investigations Office where Bakersfield Police Department can speak with the subjects.  Bakersfield Police Department advised they will provide a press release regarding their investigation.  The identities of the subjects are pending the outcome of the questioning.  Additional information will be posted as it is ready to be released.

The Sheriff's Office utilized approximately 35 staff members including detectives from STEP, Narcotics, Gang, Patrol and support staff.  The Tualre County Mobile Command Center was utilized on scene.  Visalia Police Department also responded to assist with equipment and staffing.  Approximately 45 civilians were evactuated from the area including patrons of Motel 99 and workers from the neighboring plant.

PRIOR RELASE:Tulare County Sheriff's Office SWAT team was called to assist the Bakersfield Police Department in ragards to a homicide investigation that led them to subjects located in the area.  Bakersfield Police Department advised Tulare County they were in the area doing follow up on their homicide investigation.  Tulare County Sheriff's Office offered assistance if needed. 

The Sheriff's Department SWAT team and hostage negotiators responded to the location and are currenlty working on communication with three possible subjects who are barracaded in one of the Motel 99 rooms.

All civilians have been evacuated as well as workers from the neighboring plant A&P Growers.  A team of approximately 25 personnel from the Tulare County Sheriff's Office are currently on scene with equipment such as the Urban Rescue Vehicle, robot and mobile command center. 

PIO is currently on scene and updates will be posted. 

During the week of 2/16/11 through 2/19/11, personnel from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Gang Violence Suppression Unit made suppression efforts throughout the rural communities of the county as a means to curb violence and other related nuisances.

Overall, there were 14 arrests, five citations and more than 40 field interviews.
Those arrested were;

1.    Stephanie Sheppard (25 years) under the influence of a controlled       
        substance and two misdemeanor arrest warrants.

2.    Sergio Pugo (31 years) out of county misdemeanor arrest warrant.

3.    Male Juvenile (16 years) violation of court order – gang injunction.

4.    Alejandro Millares (25 years) false information to peace officer and parole hold.

5.    Erick Sherrill (22 years) felony warrant out of New Mexico.

6.    Anthony Shirk (45 years) under the influence of a controlled substance.

7.    Jacqueline Leal (27 years) possession of a controlled substance and driving while unlicensed to           operate a motor vehicle.

8.    Conception Rangel (34 years) under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of     narcotic paraphernalia.

9.    Eduardo Abundis (18 years) under the influence of a controlled substance.

10.    Juan Gutierrez (21 years) under the influence of a controlled substance.

11.    Eddy Luna (47 years) felony arrest warrant.

12.    Daniel Ramos (19 years) under the influence of a controlled substance.

13.    Ulysis Jimenez (24 years) driving while intoxicated.

14.    Arturo Mesa (50 years) public intoxication.

On 2/14/11 at approximately 2011 hours, Tulare County Sheriff’s Patrol Deputies responded to a report of gunshot wound victims in the town of Traver. 

Violent Crimes Detectives responded and the investigation revealed the victims were home when three unknown suspects forcefully entered their home and shot V1 and V2 while demanding money.  The suspects then approached V3 and V4 and took their personal property.  The suspects fled the scene by unknown means with approximately $180 in US currency.   

V1 and V2 sustained gunshot wounds as a result of the incident and were transported to local hospitals for treatment to their injuries and are in stable condition at this time.  

This case is under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s, Violent Crimes Unit.  Anyone with information in regards to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Maria Garcia at (559)733-6218.

On Thurs. / 02-10-11 / 2325 Hrs., Tulare County Sheriffs Sergeant was conducting a patrol check in the area of Road 33 and Ave. 396, in Kingsburg.  Deputy noticed a green VW Bug, traveling Northbound on Road 33, with no lights on.  Deputy attempted a traffic stop, and suspect vehicle accelerated and fled. Suspect turned Eastbound onto Avenue 400 from Road 33 and did not yield.

Suspect vehicle then crashed into an orange orchard at Road 40 and Avenue 400, when the suspect driver failed to negotiate the turn, due to his unsafe speed.  Tulare County Sheriffs Department unit then struck the driver side door of the suspect vehicle.  Two occupants of the suspect vehicle fled on foot. Passenger ran into orange orchard south of Avenue 400.  Driver fled on foot into North orange orchard.  Deputy gave foot chase, suspect was arrested after a brief struggle in orchard. No one injured.

Suspect:  Jose Francisco Guadalupe Ibarra    DOB: 06-20-91 - 19 yrs., of Traver, on active Tulare County Probation for Burglary.

Inside of suspect Ibarra's vehicle, a  set of Fresno County Sheriffs Department tactical equipment and duty gear, was located inside the vehicle.  Further investigation revealed a Fresno County Deputy, who lives in Tulare County, just outside of Kingsburg, was found to be the victim of a fresh vehicle burglary, where her Fresno County Sheriffs Department vehicle was broken into and the items stolen.   The items were recovered and turned over to the victim.

Assisting units from the Tulare County Sheriffs Department - Orosi Substation, and Dinuba PD, responded to check the orchard for the second suspect, with negative results.

Passenger suspect not identified.

Suspect Ibarra booked into Tulare County Main jail for Burglary, Possession of Stolen Property, wreck less driving, DUI,

                                               Tulare County Sheriff’s Department

                                                            NEWS   RELEASE

                                                 Gang Violence Suppression Unit


Time Period: 2-6-11 through 2-12-11
Location: North and South County Communities
Suspects: See below narrative

During the week of Sunday, February 6 through Saturday, February 12, 2011, the Tulare County Gang Violence Suppression Unit along with The Tulare County Sheriff’s Tactical Enforcement Personnel, joined forces on the fight against gang violence in Tulare County.  These efforts included Parole and Probation compliance checks, arrest warrant services and zero tolerance patrol, suppression and saturation enforcement.  This type of enforcement is greatly due to a recent spike in criminal gang violence in Tulare County.  Assisting agencies consisted of State Parole and Tulare County Probation.

During the week long detail, investigators recovered and seized more than (8) grams of crystal methamphetamine, approximately (28) grams of marijuana, as well as packaging materials, a small amount of Cocaine, (5) firearms with associated ammunition. (9) Traffic citations issued and (134) Field Interviews were also completed most of which are suspected or known gang members. (10) Vehicles were also towed as the result of traffic violations. 

1.    Miguel Saragosa Adult male, (6) Misdemeanor warrants
2.    Luis Cortez Adult male, violation of probation
3.    Karen Bautista Adult female, Possession of marijuana
4.    Miguel Toscano Adult male, public intoxication
5.    Joshua Byers, Adult male, Parolee at large
6.    Alfredo Quiroz Adult male, (5) Felony warrants
7.    Samuel Hernandez Adult male, Driving while intoxicated
8.    Hilario Reyes Adult male, Driving while Intoxicated
9.    Carla Lane Adult female, Felon in possession of firearms, marijuana and       ammunition
10.   Jesus Rogelio Maldonado Adult male, Public intoxication
11.   Nicolas Marroquin Adult male, Possession of a loaded and stolen firearm
12.   Jesus Jara Adult male, Driving while intoxicated
13.   Nicholas Chavez, Adult male, violation of restraining order, under the influence of a controlled    substance
14.   Lisa Pena Loza Adult female, possession of loaded firearm in vehicle
15.   Hailey Hobbs Adult female, under the influence of a controlled substance
16.   Ramon Garcia Esquivas Adult male, possession of burglary tools and       Marijuana
17.   Richard Campos Adult male, False info to police, (4) Felony warrants
18.   Ealdomero Areola Adult male, possession of Cocaine
19.   Neto Epps Adult male, Misdemeanor warrant
20.   Arthur Valero Adult male, Misdemeanor warrant
21.   Richard Reyna Adult male, Misdemeanor warrant
22.   Alex Manzo Adult male, Misdemeanor warrant
23.   Matthew Hawkins Adult male, possession of a dangerous weapon
24.   Whitney Van-Tassel Adult female, (4) Misdemeanor warrants
25.   Jose Collardo Adult male, driving while intoxicated
26.   Juvenile Male, Violation of court order, Gang Injunction
27.   Juvenile Male, Violation of court order, Gang Injunction
28.   Juvenile Male, Robbery and Criminal Gang activity
29.   Juvenile Male, Violation of court order, Gang Injunction
30.   Emmanuel Urtiz Adult male, Possession of dangerous weapon
31.   Stephanie Carmona Adult female, Misdemeanor warrant    


Our Tulare County Communities can expect this type of enforcement to continue, as the Tulare County Sheriff's Office with the support of our communities are making it known to gang members, that we will not tolerate this type of Gang Violence. 


Anyone with information regarding any type of gang activity in Tulare County is urged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit at the toll free number of: 1-(888)-363-4264 or 1-(888)-END-GANG.  Persons who provide information can remain anonymous. 


Prepared by: Sgt. Rob Moore #M1386
            Sgt. Mark Gist #G1943        

On 02/10/11, at approximately 1615 hours, Deputies responded to the 500 block of S. Reservation Road on the Tule River Indian Reservation. It was learned that the victim and suspect had been in a physical confrontation. The suspect produced a knife and cut the victim on his neck area. The victim was air lifted to Fresno Regional Medical Center where he was treated and released with non life threatening injuries. The suspect had fled the scene prior to Deputies arrival. He was later contacted on the Reservation and arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.

Anyone with any further information on this case should contact Det. Jesse Cox of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department.

Suspect :  Marroquin, Nicolas 19 yoa

On Wednesday 02-09-2011, Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff's Department South County Gang Unit assisted the Tulare County Regional Auto Theft Task Force in attempting to locate the suspect(s) of a recent auto theft. Deputies contacted the suspect, who was in possession of a loaded handgun. The suspect was taken into custody and was later booked in at the Tulare County Main Jail without incident.

This case has bee forwarded to the Tulare County DA’s Office.

.

On the above date and time, deputies responded to the 14000 block of Imperial Road in Poplar to serve (2) active arrest warrants on James Michael Cline (46 Years).  Deputies contacted Cline at the residence and placed him under arrest for the warrants.  Cline was found to have a small amount of methamphetamine on his person.  A methamphetamine pipe and prescription medication were also found in Cline’s room.  Cline was evaluated and found to be under the influence of a controlled substance.  Cline was transported to the Porterville substation and booked for the above charges.

            This case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department.