On 12-21-12 at about 7:10 pm, victim Ayala returned home and observed that there was forced entry into her residence by unknown suspects that resulted in a burglary.  Ayala heard voices coming from within the residence, so she left the scene and notified her husband Jorge Luedvano of what she observed.  At that time he phoned the sheriff’s department for assistance.  Within minutes, a patrol deputy arrived on scene and observed a suspect vehicle drive away from the residence with at least five suspects occupying it.  The suspect vehicle failed to yield for authorities and a pursuit ensued from the scene to an orange tree orchard in the area of Road 240 and Avenue 100 in rural Terra Bella.  The suspects fled on foot and managed to elude capture after a lengthy search by ground and through air support.

Detectives from the sheriff’s department were called out to assume the investigation and learned the suspect vehicle was stolen from an unrelated scene and unreported at the time of the crime.  Approximately $3,000.00 in personal items and electronic devices were stolen by the suspects and detectives ultimately recovered $1,600.00 of the items back.  The theft of the vehicle is being investigated separately by the California Highway Patrol. 
 
The case remains under investigation and 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.
 

Suspects:
George Jimenez – 18 Yrs old – Goshen
Taylor Ohlund – 20 Yrs old - Goshen

On the above date and time, Deputies with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department responded to a residence in the 30500 block of Rd 72 in Goshen regarding a gunshot wound victim. Prior to Deputies arriving, the victim was transported to a local area hospital by private vehicle and admitted. The victim was found to have multiple gunshots wounds and was listed in critical condition.

During the initial call, Deputies responded to the crime scene and detained one subject fleeing the area. The subject was identified as George Jimenez and was later booked at the Tulare County Main Jail for attempted homicide. After further investigation, Detectives with the Sheriff’s Department Violent Crimes unit were able to identify Taylor Ohlund as being involved in the shooting. Detectives believe the shooting was gang related and are currently seeking the whereabouts of Taylor Ohlund.

This case remains under investigation and anyone with information regarding Ohlund’s whereabouts is encouraged to call Detective Steve Sanchez or Detective Rod Klassen at (559) 733-6211 or send anonymous information by sending a text message or email to TCSO@tipnow.com or call 1-800-TIPNOW 

Photo of Taylor Ohlund is available on the Sheriff’s Flickr page at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/8284982149/in/photostream/

UPDATED INFORMATION:

On Monday, 12/17/2012 an autopsy was performed on Vargas. The cause of death was determined to be exsanguination due to gunshot wound to the pelvis.

The case remains under investigation and anyone with information should call Detective Steve Sanchez or Detective Rod Klassen 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 the above date and time Deputies with the Tulare County Sheriff's Department were dispatched to a residence in the 21000 block of Ave 304 in Exeter for a gunshot wound victim. Upon arrival, Deputies found a party breaking up at the residence and located the victim on scene suffering from gunshot wounds. Paramedics responded to the scene and the victim was pronounced deceased upon their arrival.

Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit responded and took over the investigation.

The case remains under investigation and anyone with information should call Detective Steve Sanchez or Detective Rod Klassen at (559) 733-6211 or send anonymous information by sending a text message or email to TCSO@tipnow.com or call 1-800-TIPNOW.

Narrative:

On 12-16-12 at about 10:11 pm, an undisclosed 18 year old male was leaving the 12900 block of Avenue 416 in Orosi by vehicle, and a suspect later identified as Alejandro Arreguin (19 years) had intentionally discharged a firearm at him. The 18 year old victim was not injured, but the vehicle sustained damage from the gunfire.

On 12-17-12 at about 12:10 pm, detectives and patrol deputies responded to Arreguin’s residence in the 12800 block of Ella in Orosi and apprehended him. The handgun that was used is still outstanding. Arreguin was booked into the Tulare County Main Jail for attempt homicide and criminal street gang activity with bail set at $550,000.00.

This case is still under investigation and 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

Suspect: Juan Manuel Hernandez                                        Age: 27

City of Residence: Woodlake, Ca.

Narrative:

After an approximate Two (2) week investigation into illegal narcotics trafficking in the unincorporated town of Poplar, Ca. investigators from the Sheriff’s Departments Narcotics Division were led to a residence in the 14300 Blk of Cook Rd. where a search warrant was served.  The ensuing investigation and search revealed approximately 7.4 grams of Methamphetamine, scales; packaging materials and indicia related to the sales of illegal narcotics, as well an active Methamphetamine conversion lab with 3 liters of Methamphetamine in solution was located.  Had this been allowed to be finished it would have yielded approximately five (5) pounds of finished methamphetamine with a wholesale value of $50,000.00.  Also located was a stolen firearm.

Juan Manuel Hernandez was booked at the Tulare County Main Jail on the above listed charges.

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

Photos available through the Main Jail.

Sheriff Bill Wittman will be holding a special gathering that will honor over 142 years of combined experience.

Undersheriff Dahl Cleek, Captain Jim Hinesly of the Patrol Division, Lieutenant Gary Chambers of the Cutler-Orosi Substation and Lieutenant Ramon Alanis of the Gang Violence Suppression Unit have all announced their official retirement on December 28, 2012.

The Board of Supervisors will also be acknowledging the Sheriff's Retirees at their regular Board meeting on Tuesday, December 18, 2012.

"I want to thank Undersheriff Dahl Cleek, Captain Jim Hinesly, Lieutenant Ramon Alanis, and Lieutenant Gary Chambers for their years of dedicated service. They have each been responsible for significant contributions throughout their careers. I will miss their loyalty and dedication to public service. I wish them each much success as they begin this new phase in their lives." - Sheriff Bill Wittman

Undersheriff Dahl A. Cleek, age 58 of Visalia, began working for the government when he enlisted in the United States Army in 1972. Upon completion of his active duty term in 1973, he became an Army Reserve Officer. In 1975 he was honorably discharged from the United States Army Reserve as a Specialist Four.

In 1974, Dahl Cleek began working as a Deputy Constable for Tulare Justice Court and a Corcoran Police Department Reserve Officer. In December of 1975 Dahl was hired as a Deputy Sheriff for the Jail services and in 1976, he was sponsored through the 30th Tulare-Kings County Police Academy. Upon graduation he was assigned to the Headquarters Patrol Division. In 1977 he was awarded Officer of the Year for both the Tulare County Sheriffs Department and Optimist Club. Through 1985, he worked a variety of assignments including detentions, investigations, dive team, Search and Rescue and was a canine handler for four years.

Dahl Cleek was promoted to Sergeant in July of 1986. As a Sergeant he supervised Detentions and Investigations units including Violent Crimes, Internal Affairs, Property and Juvenile Crimes.

In May of 1995, Dahl Cleek was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. During the next five years he commanded the Headquarters and Porterville Patrol Stations, S.T.E.P. and Crimes Against Persons Investigations Units.

In April of 2002 Dahl Cleek was promoted to the rank of Captain. At this level he spent time managing the Detentions, Investigations and his latest assignment commanding the Patrol Division. He was recently awarded Man of the Year by the Latino Peace Officers Association and had the opportunity to attend and graduate the Federal Bureau of Investigations Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Dahl A. Cleek was promoted to the rank of Undersheriff on Thursday, April 9th, 2009. Throughout his career, Undersheriff Dahl Cleek has received a variety of commendation letters from State, City and local governmant offices as well as community leaders and citizens. He has shown a strong work ethic and dedication to the community not only on the job, but off duty as well. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Pro-Youth Heart Program and Chairperson for Friends of Tulare County. He has also been active in youth programs such as Explorers, Boy Scouts and church youth activities.

Undersheriff Dahl Cleek was 58 year resident of Tulare and recently moved to the Visalia area. He is supported in his retirement by his wife LaRayne, sons Jeremy and J.D. and daughter Deanna and two grandchildren.

"It has been a marvelous career working at the Tulare County Sheriff's Office. I have made so many friends and had so many opportunities to serve the communities of Tulare County. I can only hope that I made a difference for the good. It seems as though I started with the sheriff's office yesterday... 38 years went by so very fast. I wish Sheriff Bill Wittman and his entire staff of great men and women the very best in their delivery of professional law enforcement services to all the community members they come in contact with." - Undersheriff Dahl A. Cleek

Captain Jim Hinesly, age 58 of Dinuba, began his career with the Sheriff's Office in March of 1975. Within the 38 years he has devoted to Tulare County he has had the opportunity to work in every division in department. Jim Hinesly started his career in the department as a cadet and promoted to the rank of Deputy I within eight months. He worked through the patrol and detectives divisions until his promotion to Sergeant in July of 1986. As a Sergeant he supervised staff in detentions, investigation and held a position within the Internal Affairs division. In March of 1995, Jim Hinesly was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. He held positions as the sation commander in detentions, investigations, court services, staff services. In June of 2007 he was promoted to the rank of Captain. He has managed the Detentions, Investigations Divisions and is retiring as the Division Captain for Patrol.

Jim Hinesly has held the position of President in both the Tulare County Deputy Sheriff's Association and the Professional Law Enforcement Managers Association. He has been involved with a number of community events such as the Dinuba Cancer Relay For Life and the Max Chaboian Road Race. He has served on the board for the Dinuba City Chamber of Commerce and the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Tulare County. He is also the team captain for the Sheriff's Office Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay Team. Jim Hinesly has also
had the opportunity to complete a number of training and educational seminars to benefit his law enforcement career including the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy.

"I have held this job for Tulare County for 38 years. It's a job that I have loved." - Captain Jim Hinesly

Lieutenant Gary Chambers, age 57 of Dinuba, began his career with Tulare County in the District Attorney's Office as a Special Witness Interviewer. He also began working as a Reserve Deputy for the Sheriff's Department in January of 1978. In April of 1985 Gary was hired as a full time Deputy assigned to the Tulare County Correctional Center and Main Jail. In November of 1987 he transferred to the Orosi Substation where he worked in the Patrol Division. He was assigned to the Crime Prevention Unit in August of 1990. Gary Chambers transferred into detectives in April of 1994. He worked in the Juvenile and North End Property Crimes Units before promoting to sergeant. Gary was promoted to the rank of sergeant in November of 2000. He returned to the Detentions Division and worked at the Bob Wiley Detention Facility for one year. In November of 2001 Gary was transferred to Personnel and Training. In March of 2007, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant where he is retiring from his post as Station Commander of the Cutler-Orosi Patrol Substation.

Throughout Gary's career with the Sheriff's Office he has taken the initiative to learn a variety of trades. He was a Field Training Officer for patrol and also supervised the program, took on additional duties in Search and Rescue, and was a member of and supervisor for the Sheriff's Honor Guard. Gary was trained and certified by the FBI for Computer Forensics and is also a certified Polygraph Examiner. Gary has spent twenty years working with the Tulare-Kings County Police Academy as a Senior Instructor and Evaluator. He was the department's STC and POST Training Coordinator as well as the Reserve Deputy Program Coordinator. Gary Chambers is currently working on his masters degree while being a member of the American Polygraph Association and was a past President of the Dinuba City Lions Club. Gary asl spent time as the President of Concerns of Police Survivors C.O.P.S. Program

Lieutenant Gary Chambers is entering his new retirement with the support of his wife, Elaine, daughters Carri and LeAnn, his father Junior Chambers and mother Marian.

"I would like to thank each and everyone at the Tulare County Sheriff's Department, and community of Tulare County for the opportunity of serving you for the past 32 years. It is not an easy decision to make retiring and leaving people I consider part of my family. Thank You." - Lt. Gary Chambers

Lieutenant Ramon Alanis, age 53 of Visalia, began his career with the Sheriff's Office as a Cadet in January of 1980. As a Cadet he held positions in the Sheriff's Communications and Correctional Center before being sent through the Police Academy. Upon graduation in April 1981, Ramon was assigned to work Patrol at the Orosi Substation. He was later assign to take part in the Sheriff's Department Drug Buy Program working undercover at Porterville and Monache High Schools. After the completion of the Buy Program, he worked at the Tulare County Main Jail. In 1984, he was assigned to the Patrol Division and worked at the Orosi Substation and HQ Patrol. In 1994, he was promoted to the Detectives and assigned to the Narcotic Task Force.

Ramon Alanis was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in July of 1996 and supervised teams at the Correctional Center, Orosi Patrol and various Tulare County Sheriff Narcotics Units.

In April of 2005, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Some of his assignments include station commander of the Main Jail, Bob Wiley Detention Facility, Pre-Trial Facility, Night Watch Commander and his current assignment before retirement in the Gang Violence Suppression Unit.

Lieutenant Ramon Alanis has received training in SWAT-Team Leader/Commander, Narcotics, Canine Unit Commander, Crisis Intervention, Asset Forfeiture, Secret Witness Program, and Gangs.

Ramon Alanis has held the position of Vice-President in the Tulare County Deputy Sheriff's Association and past President of Tulare County Chapter of the National Latino Peace Officers Association. Lieutenant Alanis has been a member of the Visalia Multi-Agency Gang Intervention Task Force and the Tulare County Gang Prevention Task Force.

Lieutenant Ramon Alanis is a Visalia resident, supported in his retirement by his wife Elisa, son Ray, daughters Melinda, Cynthia, Michelle, and Melissa.

"I would like to thank Sheriff Bill Wittman and the entire Sheriff Department family for providing me with a lifetime of memories and shared experiences. I have enjoyed working with many outstanding people all working together to serve Tulare County and its residents. I wish everyone at the Sheriff's Department the best." - Lieutenant Ramon Alanis

###

 On 12-12-12 thru 12-15-12 Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Gang Violence Suppression Unit continued Gang suppression efforts in the Cutler / Orosi, Dinuba and Sultana areas.  During this effort, nine people were taken into custody for Narcotics and weapons related charges as well as outstanding warrants in separate unrelated arrests.    Those arrested were:

1) Lawrence Alvarado (44yrs old from Orosi) arrested for obstruction and resisting arrest.

2) Thomas Medina (45 yrs old from Dinuba)  arrested for narcotics possession and sales related charges

3) Adrian Martinez (32 yrs old from Dinuba  arrested for narcotics possession and sales related charges

4) Lydia Orozco (21 yrs old from Dinuba) arrested for narcotics possession and sales related charges

5) Francisco Marquez (49 yrs old from Orosi) arrested for narcotics possession and weapons charges

6) Marco Guillen (25 yrs old from Orosi) arrested for outstanding warrants

7) Conception Rangel (30 yrs old from Sultana)  arrested for narcotics possession related charges

8) Stephanie Alonzo (24 yrs old from Sultana) arrested for outstanding warrants

9) Jesus Alcala (25 yrs old from Orosi) arrested for narcotics possession and sales as well as assault weapons charges. 

All subjects were booked into the Tulare County Main Jail and the cases remain under investigation by the Sheriff’s Department Gang Suppression Unit. 

On 12/15/12 1210 hours, Deputies at Bob Wiley Detention Facility responded to an inmate disturbance.  (S) Erik Lizenbery was subsequently arrested for Attempted Homicide, Mayhem, Criminal Threats, against another inmate.  The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for non life threatening injuries.  Detectives responded to the scene.  This case is under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff's Department County Sheriff's Department.

On the above date and time Deputies with the Tulare County Sheriff's Department were dispatched to a residence in the 21000 block of Ave 304 in Exeter for a gunshot wound victim. Upon arrival, Deputies found a party breaking up at the residence and located the victim on scene suffering from gunshot wounds. Paramedics responded to the scene and the victim was pronounced deceased upon their arrival.

Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit responded and took over the investigation.

The case remains under investigation and anyone with information should call Detective Steve Sanchez or Detective Rod Klassen at (559) 733-6211 or send anonymous information by sending a text message or email to TCSO@tipnow.com or call 1-800-TIPNOW.

Narrative:
On 12-14-12 the Tulare County Inter Agency Narcotic Enforcement Team, consisting of personnel from Lindsay P.D., Exeter P.D., Farmersville P.D. and the Tulare County Sheriff's Department concluded a two week narcotic investigation by serving a narcotic search warrant in the 100 block of S. Ashland, in the city of Lindsay. Detectives secured the residence and detained two adults. Detectives searched the property and located the following evidence in the suspect’s residence, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Suspect: Goodrick, Gary Jr. was arrested, transported and booked into the Tulare County Main Jail for the following charge:
11378 H&S                 Possession of a controlled substance for sales
11366 H&S                 Maintain place for unlawfully providing controlled substance
11364 H&S                 Possession of drug paraphernalia
273a(a) PC                  Child Abuse
135 PC                        Destroying evidence

Suspect: Gomez, Josephine was arrested, transported and booked into the Bob Wiley Detention Facility for the following charges:
11378 H&S                 Possession of a controlled substance for sales
11366 H&S                 Maintain place for unlawfully providing controlled substance
273a(a) PC                  Child Abuse

This case is still under investigation.

 

Suspects:
S1: De La Trinidad, Maribel age 19 of Lindsay, in custody
S2: Salazar, Oscar age 22 of Porterville, in custody
S3: male juvenile, age 15 not in custody
S4 male juvenile, age 17 not in custody

Multiple cases were reported, Victims include:
Sanchez Market, loss of Budweiser Beer
Male juvenile age 14, attempted theft of cell phone
Male, unk age, battery
Male juvenile age 15, theft of headphones and portable speakers
Female juvenile, age 12, Male juvenile, age 13, Female juvenile, age 15, Female juvenile age 15-17, Male juvenile age 15, theft of iPhone.

On Wednesday, December 12th at approximately 1549 hours, Tulare County Sheriff Deputies responded to Redwood Summit Charter Academy in Porterville for a report of a strong arm robbery. During the investigation Deputies discovered the suspect vehicle and suspect descriptions matched that of a commercial burglary and four similar robberies and assaults which had occurred in the Strathmore and Porterville areas during the same time frame. Sheriff’s Deputies along with Officers from the Porterville Police Department and California Highway Patrol actively began seeking the suspect vehicle.

At approximately 1615 hours, CHP Officers located the vehicle and attempted to perform an enforcement stop. After a short pursuit, the vehicle crashed in an orchard near Avenue 124 and Road 248 in Terra Bella. Two suspects, Maribel De La Trinidad, 19 of Lindsay and Oscar Salazar, 22 of Porterville were taken into custody at the scene without incident. Two additional known suspects fled the scene. De La Trinidad was taken into custody by Tulare County Sheriff Deputies pursuant to charges of commercial burglary, four counts of robbery, conspiracy and driving under the influence of alcohol. Salazar was also taken into custody by Deputies pursuant to the charges of commercial burglary, four counts of robbery, two counts of battery and conspiracy. Salazar was also arrested pursuant to two active warrants for armed robbery and resisting arrest.

This case is under investigation by The Tulare County Sheriff's Department, Porterville Police Department and California Highway Patrol.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Office at 800-808-0488.  You can also send your information anonymously through the SHeriff's TipNow program by sending a text or voicemail to 559-725-4194.  You can also send an anonymous email to tcso@tipnow.com.  Only your messages are forwarded to the department, not your contact information.

On 12/12/12 at approximately 1530 hours, Pixley Patrol Deputies responded to the 10000 Block of Avenue 56 in Earlimart regarding a carjacking/robbery report.

The victim reported he had been driving down an isolated dirt access road in the area of the 10000 Block of Avenue 56 pulling an inoperable pick up truck when he was flagged down by two unknown Hispanic males.  Upon the victim driving up to the two male suspects they produced handguns and at gun point ordered him out of his vehicle and physically assaulted him.  The suspects then took the victim’s personal property and drove off in his pick up truck, also taking the pick up truck he had been pulling.  

Both vehicles were located shortly after by Patrol Deputies abandoned on the side of the road approximately two miles east of the original scene.

The victim sustained minor bumps and bruises as a result of the assault.

The case is under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s South End Investigations Unit.  Anyone with information can contact Detective Maria Lomeli at (559)733-6218.       

Contact:  P.A.L. Director, Lieutenant Al Galafate
Message Phone:  (559) 757-3526

Sheriff Bill Wittman has supported the Police Activities League for over 36 years.  This year the Sheriff’s P.A.L. program has involved over 700 children in activities that unite law enforcement with youth in the communities of Tulare County. 

The Sheriff’s P.A.L. program is a non-profit chapter of the California Police Activities League.  The Sheriff’s PAL board consist of approximately 20 members ranging from community based officers to civilian volunteers.  The program targets underprivileged and at risk youth, who demonstrate good character while keeping them involved in safe activities that reduce the risk of juvenile delinquency.   PAL brings law enforcement, community volunteers and children together.  This program provides coaches, mentors role models and friends to children in a safe environment with planned activities.  P.A.L. also provides self-esteem, mutual trust and respect between children and adults while rewarding children for making good choices.

Each year the Sheriff’s P.A.L. program holds fund raisers and hosts events for hundreds of children.  Below is a list of accomplishments for this year:  (Samples)

February 2012 Each year PAL hosts a food booth at the Tulare County Farm Equipment Show.  Volunteers, explorers and Community Based Officers work at the booth giving all the proceeds to the P.A.L. Program.  The proceeds from this booth help pay for many of the events and supplies provided to the youth at the various functions throughout the year.

March -2012 Sierra K9 Trials, Children whom would not have the opportunity to attend the K9 competition are selected from the
Various communities in Tulare County. They are provided with various memorabilia from the K9 competition directors.

June  2012  Each year P.A.L. travels to the coast with a group of children for a camping trip.  Sheriff Bill Wittman is always present to participate in the activities.  This year P.A.L. hosted approximately 200 children for four days providing each with a sweatshirt, food, lodging and games. 

September 2012 The Tulare County Fair hosted AKids Day@ where they provided free entry and rides.  Deputies and volunteers escorted over 100 children in our P.A.L. program to the Fair this year

November 2012 Community Based Deputies and P.A.L. Volunteers took 140 children to see the Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker at the William Saroyan Theatre in Fresno.  Tickets were donated by Fresno Ballet.  This was the first time most of the children have ever dressed up and been to a live event.

Upcoming events:

Dec. 12, 2012 10:00 am, Sheriff’s Headquarters’ Lobby Sheriff Bill Wittman will be presenting 20 bicycles to children in the P.A.L. program with another 110 being delivered between December 13th through the 22nd.

Dec. 15, 2012  10:00 am, Tulare Fairgrounds Building, Sheriff’s P.A.L. program will be hosting a Christmas lunch for over 200 children.  Each of these children will be receiving a sweatshirt, new shoes, a toy and a stocking filled with items donated by various community businesses.  The children have already been chosen and provided their invitation to the event.

Dec. 15, 2012 The Tulare County Deputy Sheriff’s Association received a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic that was donated by Giant Chevrolet of Visalia.  The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is being raffled and the winner will be announced at the Tulare County Deputy Sheriff’s Association Annual Christmas Party on December 15, 2012.  Proceeds from this raffle will be donated to the Sheriff’s Police Activities League to help fund the 2013 events.

The children involved in the Sheriff’s P.A.L. program are selected by schools, teachers, counselors and community based officers.  The children selected are underprivileged children who demonstrate good character and need encouragement to keep making good decision.  These activities are part of a reward system that encourages youth to maintain good citizenship and decision making skills while providing supplies and activities to strengthen the bond between children and law enforcement.

The Sheriff’s P.A.L. Program is always looking for volunteers and donations that will help maintain the program while helping the youth in Tulare County.  If you would like to help please call and leave a message for the 2013 P.A.L. President, Anna Ceballos, at (559) 685-2666. The citizens of Tulare County are what make this program possible.

Photos and video of the December 12, 2012 bicycle giveaway are available on the Sheriff’s Flickr and Youtube pages at:
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/people/tularecountysheriff
YouTube http://www.youtube.com/TulareCountySheriff

###

Suspect Manuel Acosta 29 yrs

Victim Female Adult 25 yrs

Victim male juvenile 5 yrs

Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Dept. Pixley Substation were dispatched to the area of Elm and Armstrong in the city of Earlimart about a report of a female being attacked by a male.  Upon arrival the female was contacted and she advised she had been attacked by her boyfriend and he had attempted to drive her away in his vehicle.  During this the male also placed the juvenile victim in danger.  

The suspect was located a short time later at a residence in the area.  When deputies attempted to arrest the subject he resisted and a physical altercation ensued.  A taser was deployed and the suspect was handcuffed, but continued to resist.  After several minutes the suspect was finally secured inside a marked patrol unit.  

The suspect was examined by medical staff due to the taser usage.  The suspect sustained no significant injuries during the altercation and was booked into the Tulare County Sheriff’s Dept. Main Jail for Spousal Battery, Kidnapping, Child Endangerment, Felony Battery on a Peace Officer, resisting arrest, and the State of California Parole office placed a parole hold as he was on active parole.  

Three deputies sustained injuries during this altercation requiring two of them to seek medical aid at local hospitals.  Both deputies are going to be placed on medical leave at this time due to injuries sustained during this incident.  

Sgt. M.Wallace

Tulare County Sheriff’s Dept.

Victim 1: County of Tulare, Sheriff’s Department – Daily Reporting Cente

Victim 2:  Undisclosed 1 year old male Cutler, California

Victim 3:  Undisclosed 3 year old male Cutler, California

On 12-10-12 at about 1:10 am, the Daily Reporting Center of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department sustained a burglary in one of its buildings in the 36000 block of Road 112 Visalia, and lost more than $1,000.00 in tools and power equipment.

At about 2:50 am, deputies from the sheriff’s Orosi substation were dispatched to a suspicious vehicle parked in the 12700 block of Road 128 Orosi and they made contact with the occupant of the vehicle who was identified as Sarah Rodriguez (25 years). Also inside the vehicle were her two children, ages one and three. During the investigation, detectives were called out to assist patrol, because the vehicle that Rodriguez and her children were in contained the stolen items from the Daily Reporting Center. Rodriguez was also under the influence of alcohol and another controlled substance.

The children were placed into protective custody through Child Welfare Services and Rodriguez was arrested for burglary, possession of the stolen equipment and child endangerment. She was booked into the Bob Wiley Detention Facility with bail set at $50,000.00. The stolen equipment was all recovered and returned to the Daily Reporting Center.

It is believed that additional suspects were involved in the theft of the items and 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