Tulare County Sheriff's Detectives served a search warrant on the above date and time that lead to the arrest of:

Travis Dodd, caucasian, male, age 32 of Sultana

In January of 2010, Tulare County Fire Officials requested the assistance of the Sheriff's Office regarding a subject inpersonating a firefighter / arson investigator.  Sheriff's Detectives concluded a two month investigation with the search warrant that lead to the arrest.  Various items were seazed during the execution of the search warrant, including radio equipment, uniform equipment and miscelaneous weapons.

The subject was taken into custody without incident.

On 3/18/10 at approximately 2031 hours, Tulare County Sheriff's Patrol Deputies responded to a drive by shooting and assault report in the town of Earlimart.

Violent Crimes Detectives responded and the investigation revealed a drive by shooting occurred and two victims were injured as a result of the incident.  (V-1) and (V-2) were transported to hospitals in the area for treatment, (V-3) did not sustain any injuries.  (V-1) is in critical condition, (V-2) was treated and released. 

On 3/18/10 at approximately 2031 hours, Tulare County Sheriff's Patrol Deputies responded to a drive by shooting and assault report in the town of Earlimart.

Violent Crimes Detectives responded and the investigation revealed a drive by shooting occurred and two victims were injured as a result of the incident.  (V-1) and (V-2) were transported to hospitals in the area for treatment, (V-3) did not sustain any injuries.  (V-1) is in critical condition, (V-2) was treated and released. 

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

Suspect #1:

Dicochea, Jesse 21 years

Orosi, Ca

Suspect #2:

Dicochea, Gabriel 18 years

Orosi, Ca

On 3-17-09 at 1145 hours, Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Gang Task Force responded to investigate a shooting which had occurred on the 12400 block of Ave 419 in Orosi.

The victim (Confidential) had suffered at least one gunshot wound. The victim was treated at Kaweah Delta Hospital for the gunshot wound(s) and was later released.

Upon further investigation, detectives identified two suspects involved in this shooting. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Department Gang Suppression Unit conducted a search warrant at the suspect’s residence. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident. Both suspects were later transported to the Tulare County Main Jail for booking on charges of attempted homicide.

The Second annual Central Valley Law Enforcement Explorer Competition will be held at the Tulare County Fairgrounds located in Tulare, South of Visalia on March 19-21, 2010.  The Event Center is conveniently located just off Highway 99.

The Central Valley Law Enforcement Competition started in the year 2009 with approximately 22 Law Enforcement agencies participating in daytime and nighttime events.  The competition is designed to be very demanding on the physical and mental capabilities of each Explorer.  Events are designed to test the strengths and limitations of a person's intelligence, personality, demeanor and physical abilities, as well as dedication and conviction to the Explorer Program.  Explorers are given the opportunity to test their skills in real life situations including Felony Stops, DUI Stops, Vehicle Searches, Building Searches, and a Domestic Violence situation, just to name a few. These events will be held both in daylight and night time scenarios.  The competition will test the Explorers physical abilities and teamwork through obstacle courses, relay races, and a tug of war.  Mental abilities are tested through a variety of events including a Medical Scenario, a Law Enforcement Entry Level Written Exam and an Oral Board Panel. 

Up to 10 scholarships will be awarded to successful applicants and competition participants.  Scholarship interviews will be conducted of the top ten qualifiers to determine who and in what order the scholarships will be awarded.

Trophies are awarded for 1^st through 5^th place in each event with 1^st through 5^th place for overall scores.  Participants are encouraged to participate in every event as points are earned for each event toward the overall trophies. 

The Coordinators, Sponsors and all volunteers hope to make our 2^nd event a special one for everyone.  Please help us in this endeavor and pass the word to all Explorer POST’s in your specific areas.

For more information or media contact during the event, please contact :

Deputy J. Howell
Community Based Officer & Explorer Advisor
(559) 528-5810 Office
(559) 972-1631 Cell

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.