On 3-14-2010, at approximately 1200 hrs., deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff's Dept. Orosi Substation were dispatched to a call of shots being fired.  Upon arrival in the area deputies noted damage to a vehicle in the area and upon closer examination determined this vehicle to be stolen.  Pedro Pinedo was standing at a residence close to this vehicle and upon contact deputies noted injuries to his arms and hands.  Pinedo's residence was checked and a female there advised she and Pinedo had argued.  Northend Investigations Unit detectives were contacted and responded to assist with the investigation. 

The female was contacted by Northend Detectives and she advised that Pinedo had physically assaulted her inside the residence, outside the residence, and inside the stolen vehicle.  During this physical altercation a weapon was fired.  The victim and suspect sustained minor injuries not requiring medical aid. 

Pinedo was arrested for spousal abuse and booked into the Tulare County Main Jail.

Suspect:

Pedro Pinedo 29 yrs

Seville, CA

Suspect arrested:

Gerardo Cazares Alvares 43 years of age

Ivanhoe area

On the above date and time the suspect was contacted during a suspicious vehicle investigation.  Subsequent to the investigation (1) plastic zip lock bag containing a white crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine was located outside the suspects vehicle.  The suspect was booked into the Tulare County Main Jail for HS 11377, Possession of a Controlled Substance.

This case is currently under review by the Tulare County D.A.'s Office. 

Narrative:

Taken into custody were:

Name; Jimenez, Manuel Age; 19 years old Resident; Dinuba

Date of arrest:3-10-10

Charges: 12031 PC

On Wednesday, March 10, at 1100 hrs, Orosi Patrol Deputies and Detectives from the Gang Violence Suppression Unit conducted a traffic stop in the 12600 block of Avenue 424 in Orosi. A passenger in the vehicle fled on foot but was detained a short time later. The suspect was discovered to be in possession of a loaded handgun. The suspect, a 19 year old resident of Dinuba, was arrested and booked at the Tulare County Main Jail in Visalia.

This case remains under investigation by the Tulare County sheriff’ departments Gang Violence Suppression Unit.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or any type of gang activity in Tulare County is urged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’ Department’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit at the toll free number of :

1-888-END-GANG (1-888-363-4264)

Sheriff Bill Wittman will be holding a ceremony to promote two Operations and two Corrections Sergeants Monday, March 15, 2010 at 10:00 AM. The ceremony will be held at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Headquarter’s Lobby. Friends and family will also be present to show their support.

Photos:  http://www.tularesheriff.info/promotions_031210.html

Operations Sergeant Larry Camacho, age 39 of Visalia, started in law enforcement as a teen volunteering in the Sheriff’s Explorer program from 1984 through 1988. After attending the police academy, Larry Camacho started working for the Woodlake Police Department from 1995 through 2000. He held assignments in patrol, undercover narcotics investigations and general detectives and was also a field training officer. In March of 2000, he came to the Sheriff’s Office where he worked in patrol services at the Pixley and Porterville Substations and was a field training officer. Larry Camacho became a detective working in North County Investigations in 2005, then in Violent Crimes since 2008. He has received letters of commendation and appreciation from agencies such as Bakersfield Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office and received a Purple Heart and Medal of Valor from the Sheriff’s Office. He is supported by his friends, family and co-workers in his new assignment returning to the Pixley Substation.

Operations Sergeant Kevin Kemmerling became a volunteer for the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team and provided his assistance as an EMT from 1999 through 2004. At that time, he decided to attend the police academy and apply for a sworn position with the Sheriff’s Office. Kevin Kemmerling was hired by the Sheriff in October of 2004 and began working at the Men’s Correctional Facility. In February of 2006, he became the Springville Resident Deputy then moved to his most recent assignment in the Sheriff’s Tactical Enforcement Personnel Team in July of 2008. He has had specialized training and assignments as the SWAT team leader, Dive team, Rope Rescue, Armorer/Gunsmith, Tactical Repelling Instructor, Aerial Observation, Rifle and Quad (ATV) certifications. Kevin Kemmerling will be assigned to supervise deputies at the Porterville Substation and is supported by his Wife of six years, Jill, his 19 year old step-son Josh, his family, friends and co-workers.

Correctional Sergeant Javier Elizaldi, age 28 from Woodlake, became a first responder in 2000 while working as an emergency medical technician. In February of 2005 the Tulare County Probation Office hired him as a Correctional Deputy. A year later he transferred to the Sheriff’s Office as a Correctional Deputy and began working at the Bob Wiley Detention Facility. As he gained experience in the division, he became a Jail Training Officer and began training new employees on the policy and procedures in the adult custody division. Javier Elizaldi was also part of the Sheriff’s Security Emergency Response Team and Classification Team. He is also currently in the process to re-certify as an emergency medical technician. His response and knowledge of medical emergencies earned him a letter of commendation in regards to his assistance in a situation that saved an inmate from taking his own life. Sergeant Javier Elizaldi is supported in his new assignment at the Main Jail by his family, friends and co-workers.

Correctional Sergeant Joe Landin, age 28 of Visalia, began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in August of 2005. He was hires as a Deputy Trainee where he worked at the Main Jail. In September of 2007 he reclassified to the position of Correctional Deputy. He has assisted the department in a variety of details such as Operation LOCCUST, which received national recognition, and numerous local warrant details. He has served as the Main Jail Facility Administrative Deputy for over two years and has overseen a variety pf projects including the refurbishing of the facility. He is a member of the Sheriff’s Honor Guard, Sheriff’s Security Emergency Response Team, Detentions Gang Unit and is a Terrorism Liaison Officer. In 2008, the members of the Tulare County Deputy Sheriff’s Association voted him the Detentions Officer of the Year for his hard work and dedication. He is supported in his new assignment as Correctional Sergeant at the Adult Pre-Trial Facility by his Fiancé Amanda, son Joe, daughters Jenna and Lauren, his brother Christopher who is also a Deputy, his mother and numerous other family, friends and co-workers.

The Sheriff would like to offer his congratulations and wishes the men the best of luck in their new assignments. Please join us in the promotion ceremony. Photographs are available on request.

On 3-9-10 at approx. 2256 hrs. Deputies patrolling the Orosi area were contacted by a male juvenile who advised that he had been shot.  Detectives with the Violent Crimes division were called to assist in the investigation.  The juvenile was treated at a local area hospital for a non-life threatening gunshot wound.

    This case is under investigation by TCSO.   Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Det. Molyneux at (559) 735-1965 or (559) 733-6218.

Victims:
State of California 

Suspects:
Melba Redmon (52 years) 24800 block of Ave. 236 Lindsay, Ca.
Vincent Nino (46 years) 24800 block of Ave. 236 Lindsay, Ca.
Thomas Yarbro (23 years) 24800 block of Ave. 236 Lindsay, Ca.

     On 3-09-10 at about 1:00 p.m., detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division, along with personnel from the Interagency Narcotic Enforcement Team concluded an investigation by serving a search warrant upon suspect Melba Redmon (52 years) and her residence in the 24800 block of Avenue 236 Lindsay, Ca.
     During the search, detectives located crystal methamphetamine, processed marijuana and other controlled substances in pill form.  Suspect Redmon was arrested for possession and possession for sale of methamphetamine, marijuana and other controlled substances that were in pill form.  Redmon was transported and booked into the Bob Wiley Detention Facility with bail set at $30,000.00.
     Suspect Vincent Nino (46 years) was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and booked into the sheriff’s Porterville substation with bail set at $5,000.00.
     Suspect Thomas Yarbro (23 years) was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and for two outstanding arrest warrants.  He was also booked into the sheriff’s Porterville substation with bail set at $25,000.00.

Suspect Joseph Lee Mills (36) Tulare

On 3/7/2010 at 0814 hours a Tulare County Sheriff's Deputy conducted a traffic stop in the area of Rd 140 and Ave 228 in Tulare for a California Vehicle Code violation.  Subsequent to investigation the driver and lone occupant of the vehicle identified as Joseph Lee Mills (36) from Tulare was found to be in possession of a crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine.  Joseph Mills was transported and booked at the TCSO Main Jail for violating H&S 11377(A)  possession of a controlled substance and for violating CVC 14601.1(A) driving with a suspended license. 

Case under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff's Department

On Saturday, 03-06-10 at approximately 1253 Hrs, Deputies were dispatched to the 12700 Block of Ave 416 in regards to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon. Upon arrival Deputies contacted the victim who stated an unknown male suspect attempted to rob him at gun point and struck him over the head with the firearm during the incident. Suspect fled from the scene and his identity is unknown.  


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

Suspect: Howard Raydean Brown (24), Exeter

    On 3/6/10 at approximately 1432 hsr a Tulare County Sheriffs Deputy conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation in the area of Ave 264 and Highway 99.  Subsequent to investigation the driver and lone occupant of the vehicle identified as Howard Raydean Brown (24), Exeter, was found to be in possession of a controlled substance.  Howard was arrested and booked at the Tulare County Main Jail for violating H&S 11377(a), possession of a controlled substance.

Case under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriffs Department.

On Saturday, March 06, 2010 at approximately 2112 hrs. The victim, a 15 years old male, was walking home in the area of the 12200 block of Avenue 408. He was confronted by an unknown subject in a vehicle. The victim claims the subject in the vehicle fired at least one round from an unknown type of firearm at him, striking him once in the abdomen. The subject in the vehicle then fled the area.

The victim flagged down another vehicle and got a ride home to his residence in Orosi. The victims family then notified the Sheriff’s Department. Orosi Patrol deputies and Detectives from the Gang Violence Suppression unit responded to investigate the incident.

The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment. His condition is unknown at this time. It is also unknown if this incident is gang related or not. No suspect information is available at this time.



This case remains under investigation by the Tulare County sheriff’ departments Gang Violence Suppression Unit.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation or any type of gang activity in Tulare County is urged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’ Department’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit at the toll free number of :
1-888-END-GANG (1-888-363-4264).
Persons giving information can remain anonymous.                        Prepared by: Sgt. E. Villalobos

On the above date and time deputies responded to a residence in Poplar to contact suspect Monica Rivera (37 years) regarding confirmed active warrants for her arrest.  Rivera was contacted at the residence and arrested on the warrants.  After Rivera's arrest, bindles of a clear crystal-like substance were located on her person.  The crystal-like substance later tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine.  Rivera was evaluated and found to be under the influence of a controlled substance.  Rivera was booked at Bob Wiley Detention Facility on the above charges as well as the warrants.

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

SUSPECT:        Ramirez, Julio Mosqueda    DOB:        45 yrs.                
   
   

    On 03-05-10 at approximately 1035 hrs., the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division, along with personnel from the Interagency Narcotic Enforcement Team concluded an investigation by serving a search warrant in the 12800 Block of Ave. 412, Orosi.
    During the search of the residence, detectives located approximately 2.4 ounces of crystal methamphetamine packaged for sale, packaging material, a digital weight scale and $ 3,100.00 of Illicit drug proceeds and a stolen firearm.
    Suspect Ramirez was arrested for possession and possession for sale of a controlled, maintaining a place of narcotic use/sales, Possession of a firearm in a commission of a felony, possession of a stolen firearm and booked into the Tulare County Sheriff’s Main Jail with bail set at $30,000.00.

Suspect Russel Havner, age 43 or Exeter, has been located in Flagstaff Arizona and arrested.  Tulare County Sheriff's Detectives contacted the Arizona Highway Patrol with an investigative lead regarding Russel Havner's possible direction of travel.  Arizona Highway Patrol Officers identified the suspect and attempted to detain.  A pursuit of the suspect ended with the suspect being taken into custody.

Tulare County Sheriff's Office has obtained a warrant for the suspects arrest.  Bail is listed at $2,000,000 with charges of Robery and Buglary. The suspect is pending extradition process.

Media questions:  TCSO 735-1825 Sgt. Douglass,  Arizona Highway Patrol (602)223-2743  Sgt. Kevin Wood

PIOR RELEASE:

Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff's Dept. Headquarters Patrol Unit were dispatched to the Exeter area in regards to a armed robbery.  Upon arrival in the area the deputies contacted the victim and were advised that a subject had robbed him of US Currency.  Tulare County Sheriff's Dept. Northend Investigations was contacted and requested to respond and assist.  Upon their arrival the suspect was identified and is currently being sought for questioning.  Anyone with information in regards to this investigation is asked to contact Det. Mark Wallace at 559-735-1877.    


This case currently under investigation by TCSO Northend Investigation Detectives. 

Suspect: James Sellers 37 yrs of age, of Tulare

On 03/05/2010 : Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Agricultural Crimes Unit were assigned the follow up investigation regarding a robbery of two dairy employees. The robbery had occurred during the evening hours of 03/04/10. During the initial investigation by the responding deputies they were able to determine the identity of the suspect.

During the follow up investigation information was developed that the same subject was also wanted by the Tulare Police Department for investigation of some incidents which had occurred in the City of Tulare.

Detectives from the Agricultural Unit were contacted by the Tulare Police Department and informed Sellers had been located and arrested.

Sellers was subsequently booked into the Tulare County Jail for Robbery on the Tulare County Sheriff’s Departments case.

Any one with information regarding this case is asked to contacted Detective Michael Rubalcaba at (24 hours) 559-733-6218 or (730 AM to 5 PM) 559-735-1853.

Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff's Dept. Headquarters Patrol Unit were dispatched to the Exeter area in regards to a armed robbery.  Upon arrival in the area the deputies contacted the victim and were advised that a subject had robbed him of US Currency.  Tulare County Sheriff's Dept. Northend Investigations was contacted and requested to respond and assist.  Upon their arrival the suspect was identified and is currently being sought for questioning.  Anyone with information in regards to this investigation is asked to contact Det. Mark Wallace at 559-735-1877.    


This case currently under investigation by TCSO Northend Investigation Detectives.