UPDATED TO HOMICIDE:
INCIDENT TYPE: 187 PC Murder
LOCATION:  900 block N. Laurel CITY: Lindsay DATE:  9-14-12     TIME:  0714 hrs CASE NUMBER:  12-12101 VICTIM:  Michael Avalos, 20 years old, Lindsay

On the above date and time Deputies responded to a call of a suspicious missing person. The victim, Michael Avalos, was last seen on his front porch on 9/14/2012 at 0130 hours. At 0714 hours Avalos’ mother called the Sheriff’s Department and reported Avalos was not home and blood and the victim’s cell phone were found in the front yard of his residence. Violent Crimes detectives were called to investigate.

During the investigation, it was discovered the victim was last with S- Joshua Stepp, 23 years old, from Lindsay, and S-Nathan Hunt, 22 years old from Lindsay, next door at Hunt’s residence until about 0230 hours. There was blood located in Hunt’s front yard as well.

As the missing person investigation was underway, at 1245 hours, a rancher reported he had located a burnt vehicle with burnt human remains in his orchard at Ave 224 and Road 236, several miles southeast of Lindsay.  The vehicle came back registered to S-Stepp. The body was later identified as that of the victim, Michael Avalos.

Avalos had been stabbed in front of Hunt’s residence and transported to the orchard where and the vehicle had been set on fire. The stabbing is believed to be gang related. Avalos was a former gang member.

Hunt was arrested at his residence without incident. He was booked at the Main Jail for murder and accessory to murder after the fact. Stepp is also a former gang member. He is currently wanted for investigation of murder and should be considered armed and dangerous. 

Search warrants were served in the 19700 block of Road 231 in Strathmore and in the 600 block of N. Homassel in Lindsay. Stepp’s mother, Sandra Stepp, 58 years old, Lindsay was arrested without incident at her residence in the 600 block of  N. Homassel for accessory to murder after the fact and arson.

Anyone information should call Detective Frank Zaragoza at (559) 733-6211 or send anonymous information by calling, emailing or sending a text message to TCSO@tipnow.com or 1-800-TIPNOW.

Mugshots available on Sheriff' Flickr page at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/sets/72157631544204808/

PRIOR:
On 09-14-2012, at 1245 hours, the Tulare County Sheriff's Department was notified by a rancher he had located the burnt out remains of a vehicle with possible human remains inside.  Sheriff's Department personnel responded and located the unidentified remains of a male victim within the vehicle. 

Violent Crimes detectives are investigating the case.  Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Frank Zaragoza at 559-733-6218, 1-800-808-0488, or tcso@tipnow.com.

On 9-12-12 at approximately 2000hrs. Tulare County Sheriff Deputies responded to an address in the 40500 block of Rd. 40 in Kingsburg regarding a Marijuana grow. Upon arrival Deputies observed two large marijuana trees near the front of the residence visible from the roadway. 

Deputies contacted the home occupant a 30 year old Hispanic male. The subject advised the marijuana plants belonged to him and he cultivated them for medical purposes. However the subject did not have a medical marijuana license for the plants. 

The plants were eradicated. The plants were capable of producing 5 to 10 pounds of processed marijuana once cultivated, with an estimated street value of $15,000 to $25,000 dollars.   

Suspect: 30 year old Hispanic male adult not in custody pending further investigation. 

The case remains under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff Department. 

On 09-13-12 at 0430 hours, deputies responded to the intersection of Ave 144 & Road 208, Porterville to the North West corner for two subjects who were in the process of removing copper wire from a private property power pole which belonged to the victim. After contacting the victim by telephone, he stated nobody had permission to be removing copper wire from his property. 

During the investigation, it was learned that both suspects in this case, Ricky Hauk and Daniel Wilson are currently out on bail for previous crimes. Both suspects are being charged with Grand Theft, Felony Vandalism and for committing a crime while out on bail. Both suspects were booked at the Porterville substation with bail set at $45,000.

Taken into custody were:

S1: Hauk, Ricky 35 yrs, Porterville

S2: Wilson, Daniel 37 yrs, Porterville

On 09-12-12 at approximately 1930 hours, deputies responded to the area of 20100 block of Road 244 Strathmore, where the victim had located 240 bales of stolen hay which belonged to him. The victim reported the hay bales were taken from his property, located in the 23500 block of Ave 178, Porterville on property he currently farms. The victim estimated the loss to be $2,880. The victim told the investigating deputy, he was able to identify who had transported the hay to the location on Road 244 due to the close knit community of the hay industry.

During the investigation, the subject who originally purchased the hay was contacted at his residence, in the 20100 block of Road 244, Strathmore.  The subject was cooperative and stated he contacted the resident nearest the hay bales on Ave 178, to find out if they were for sale or who the rightful owner was. The occupant of the residence, Chris Barker claimed ownership of the hay and sold the subject the bales for $5 per bale, when the hay is currently selling for $12 per bale. Chris Barker did not own the hay and did not have permission to sale the hay. Chris Barker was taken into custody at his residence after being positively identified by the buyer, for Grand Theft and for being in possession of a sawed off rifle, which was located at his residence during a search. Chris Barker was arrested and booked at the Porterville substation.

All of the hay was accounted for at the site and will be returned to the victim on 09-13-12. 

If you have any further information in regards to this crime or any other crime, please contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department or the anonymous tip line at tcso.tipnow.com. This case is still under further investigation by Tulare County Sheriff’s Department. 

Taken into custody were:

Chris Barker 35 yrs, Porterville

On the above date and time Deputies responded to a call of a gun shot victim in the 900 block of E. Orange, Porterville. Deputies arrived on scene and found 2 victims suffering from gun shot wounds to the upper body.

During the investigation it was discovered that the victim #1 was visiting V #2. They were in the front yard when a group of male subjects approached on foot. Two of the suspects began firing at the victims. Both were struck in the upper body with shot gun rounds. Both victims were transported to area hospitals. Victim #1 underwent surgery and is currently in stable condition. Vitim #2 was treated and released. One of the victims is associated with a gang and the shooting does appear to be gang related. The case remains under investigation.

Anyone information should call Detective Joe Torres at (559) 733-6211 or send anonymous information by sending a text message or email to TCSO@tipnow.com or call 1-800-TIPNOW.  

(S) Anthony Ramirez 5-31-78
245 PC, 2800.2 PC 148 PC

On 9-10-12 at about 2030 hrs, Tulare County Deputies responded to an address in the 32400 block of Rd 156 regarding a subject requesting assistance. Investigation revealed the suspect was hallucinating and under the influence of narcotics. The suspect was inside a large SUV vehicle and rammed a fence to escape the area. The suspect was pursued to the area of Rd 160 and Walter Ave in Ivanhoe where the vehicle collided with a light pole a tree and fence. The suspect was apprehended without additional incident.
Case is under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriffs Department.

Due to the high number of thefts involving copper wire throughout Tulare County, The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office conducted a three week long special detail.  This detail involved detectives and personnel from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Agricultural Crimes Unit, Kern County Agricultural Crimes Unit, Tulare County Sheriff’s Community Based Officers, Tulare County Sheriff’s Tactical Enforcement Personnel and the Tulare County District Attorney’s office.

This detail focused on those rural areas hardest hit by thieves targeting local farmers and costing thousands of dollars in damage and repairs, as well as the recycling centers where the stolen material is being sold. The rural area was within Avenue 96 to Avenue 200 and Road 192 to the Kings County Line.  This area was chosen based on crime statistics mapping for the month of June, July and August of 2012.

During this detail three operational phases were conducted.  Phase one consisted of saturation details, patrolling the areas and making contacts and traffic stops in these areas.  Phase two consisted of undercover details and intelligence gathering.  Phase three consisted of compliance checks of the recycling centers.

The following statistics are the results of this detail:
15 people were arrested on fresh charges,
9 people were arrested for misdemeanor warrants,
1 person was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant,
5 people were issued citations for various offenses,
9 vehicles were towed,
130 people were contacted and field interviewed,
56 suspicious vehicles were checked,
Over 150 traffic stops were conducted,
And approximately 20 recycle centers were contacted.

Of those subjects arrested:
5 people were arrested for being under the influence of narcotics,
1 person was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol,
2 people were arrested for felony possession of narcotics,
6 recycle business owners or employees were arrested for felony and misdemeanor charges relating to illegally purchasing copper wire belonging to a Public Utility company, failure to maintain proper record of transactions, failure to maintain certified scale, and failure to have required Weigh-Master license to purchase specified materials.

Arrested:
Michael Murch, age 59 of Pixley, HS 11377 (Possession of a controlled substance).
Rafael Carranza, age 31 Tipton, HS 11550 (Under the influence of a controlled substance).
Mary Rocha, age55 of Porterville, HS 11550 (Under the influence of a controlled substance).
Jesus Venegas, age 22 of Earlimart, HS 11550 (Under the influence of a controlled substance).
Luis Orduno Torres, age 23 of Pixley, HS 11378 (Possession of a controlled substance for sale).
Manuel Garcia, age 47 of Porterville, PC 496a(a) (Illegal purchase of public utility wire).
Armie Agustin, age 40 of Porterville, PC 496a(a) (Illegal purchase of public utility wire).
Jose Baltazar, age 46 of Porterville, PC 496a(a) (Illegal purchase of public utility wire).
Jose Hernandez, age 44 of Porterville, PC 496a(a) (Illegal purchase of public utility wire).
Arturo Cabrera, age 45 of Porterville, PC 496a(a) (Illegal purchase of public utility wire).
Jimmy Ansiel, age 42 of Visalia, HS 11550 (Under the influence of a controlled substance).
Ismael Romero, age 36 of Porterville, HS 11550 (Under the influence of a controlled substance).
Jose Carranza, age 33 of Teviston, HS 11550 (Under the influence of a controlled substance).
Juan Silva, age 39 of Tipton, HS 11550 (Under the influence of a controlled substance).
*Henry Sagastome, 27 yrs, Porterville, PC 496a(a) (Illegal purchase of public utility wire). Booked and released due to medical issues

Booking photos are available on the Sheriff’s Flickr page at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/sets/72157631469481768/

The following businesses were cited for Building and professions code violations:
Cosecha Recycling, Porterville, BP 21608 (A), 21601
AG Recycling, Porterville, BP 21608
Gutierrez Recycling, Porterville, BP 21606. BP 12702, BP 21608.5 x2
Lucas Recycling, Pixley, BP 21608, BP 21608.5
J’s Recycling, Pixley, BP 12703

The Sheriff’s Office urges everyone to report suspicious activity.  You can also send your information anonymously through the TipNow program.  Please text or call 559-725-4194. You can also  email your information to tcso@tipnow.com.

A press conference is being held with Sheriff Bill Wittman and members of the Agricultural Crimes Investigations Unit in regards to a large scale detail that was conducted.  Additional information regarding the detail, photos and statistics will also be provided.  Please e-mail Sgt. Chris Douglass at cdouglass@co.tulare.ca.us to confirm attendance.

On 09-08-12 at approximately 2106 hours deputies from the Orosi Substation responded to the area of the 38300 block of Rd. 140 for a report of an attempted theft of a marijuana plant. Once on scene deputies were advised of a home invasion and theft of approximately 30 marijuana plants on the day prior.  The incident occurred on Friday, 09-07-12 at approximately 0450 hrs, and the victim’s residence was invaded by 5 unknown suspects.  The victim was bound and left unharmed at the residence.  

The case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.

Taken into custody were: 

Suspects are unknown

On 9/7/12 at 1:30 PM the Sheriff's fixed-wing patrol aircraft experience an intermittent power loss, requiring a precautionary landing at the Eckert Field airport in southern Tulare County near Strathmore. After inspection of the aircraft it was determined that there was a discrepancy in the visual fuel level indicator. This inaccurate reading indicated there was more fuel than was actually in the aircraft.  This caused the intermittent power loss due to lack of fuel.

Fuel was provided and the aircraft resumed their patrol duties.

There was no damage or injuries in the landing.

On 9/07/2012 at 0945 hours deputies responded to the 1600 block of Avenue 400 in Kingsburg, regarding a report of a violation of a domestic violence restraining order. The reporting party advised (S)Gonzalez was on the premises.  (S)Gonzalez has an active domestic violence restraining order which prevents him from coming onto the property and or contacting the victim.  Upon the deputies arrival, (S)Gonzalez fled on foot and hid in an adjacent vineyard.  A sheriff’s department K9 was utilized and (S)Gonzalez surrendered with no further incident. (S)Gonzalez was arrested at the scene and booked at the Tulare County Main Jail on the above listed charges.

The case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.

Taken into custody were:     Gonzalez, Theodore  32 year old

On the 9/6/12 detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office S.T.E.P. Unit concluded a two month long investigation into the cultivation and possession for sale of marijuana. At 0700 hrs on the above date detectives responded to several locations in the Alpaugh area for the service of search warrants on several large marijuana grow sites.

Upon arrival detectives contacted the below listed suspects who were found to be growing marijuana under the guise of it being medicinal, The investigation found that the marijuana was being grown for sales to marijuana dispensaries in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas.

5500 block of McNeely Rd., Alpaugh
S-1 Arnold Mendoza Bedancura, 30 yoa,  Out of Pixley, HS 11358/ 11359/ PC 488
S-2 Rogelio Cazares Serna, 36 yoa, Out of Mcfarland, HS 11358/ 11359/ PC488
S-3 Enrique Enciso Ontiveros, 22 yoa, Out of Bend Oregon, HS 11358/ 11359/ PC 488
S-4 Isidro Ontiveros, 47 yoa, Out of Delano, HS 11358/ 11359/ PC 488
S-5 Jesus Velincia, 33 yoa, Out of Alpaugh, HS 11358/ 11359/ PC 488
S-6 Fabian Pinoca, 45 yoa, 58, out of LA area, HS 11358/ 11359/ PC 488

Detectives responded to this location and found several large plywood enclosures adjacent to a residential area. The above listed suspects were contacted and were found to be cultivating marijuana for sales. They were also found to be stealing water from a nearby irrigation canal using several water pumps to supple the grow site. Detectives eradicated 410 fully mature marijuana plants that were ready for harvest. The 410 marijuana plants weighed in excess of 1800 pounds.

 4600 block of Ave. 56, Alpaugh 
S-1 Wilson Moreno, 21 yoa, Out of Oakland, Ca.
S-2 Pedro Osorio-Villeda, 35 yoa, Out of Riverside, Ca.
S-3 Jesus Flores, 64 yoa, Out of Alpaugh
S-4 Abel Parra, 65, yoa Out of Alpaugh
S-5 Daniel Parra, 19 yoa, Out of Alpaugh
S-6 Herlindo Parra, 53 yoa, Out of Alpaugh

Detectives responded to this location and found three large plywood enclosures adjacent to a residential area. The above listed suspects were contacted and were found to be cultivating marijuana for sales. Detectives eradicated 257 fully mature marijuana plants, plants were guarded by several vicious Pit Bulls that were contained in dog runs around the actual grow sites.

It should be noted that the commonly accepted yield for an outdoor marijuana plant for court purposes is one pound per mature plant, however the plants at these locations could easily have yielded 2 to 3 pounds of marijuana of high grade marijuana bud per plant. If each plant yielded one pound the street value of the marijuana produced would be approx. $4,000 per pound, more when shipped out of state.
It has become common for Drug Trafficking Organizations to hide behind California’s poorly written medical marijuana laws which do not limit the number of plants a person can have.  Issuing doctors charge by how many plants the grower wants listed on the recommend. California does not have a central register of who is growing marijuana at what locations. Large Drug Trafficking Organizations set-up these “Plywood Grows” on farmlands around the valley. They make multiple copies of marijuana recommends, paying top dollar to have doctors endorse the recommend for 99 plants, then scatter them around many grow sites where local law enforcement officer’s investigating have no mechanism to check if the recommend might be posted in other areas. By hiding behind the loosely written California medicinal marijuana laws, officer are forced to do extensive, time consuming, investigations to get past the medical defense and prove criminal cases against suspects. Detectives have found that some large land owners are renting out 1 to 5 acre portions of their property for up to $25,000 for out of the area growers to cultivate marijuana for the Southern California market.

Due to the excessive amount of marijuana present all plants were eradicated and the above suspects arrested. All suspects were transported and booked without incident at the Tulare County Jail. Local Alpaugh residents have called in to report that large plywood fences were being put up at several locations in the area and they feared subjects growing marijuana would bring violence into the area.

This case and several others in the Alpaugh area are still under investigation by the TCSO STEP Unit.

Photos of scene are posted on Sheriff's Flickr page at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/sets/72157631459043054/

On 09-05-2012 at approximately 1413 hours, a Hispanic male adult entered the business located at the 19100 block of Ave 96, brandished a rifle and took an undetermined amount of money.  The man then left the store.  The man was described as approximately 30 years of age wearing a blue striped shirt and dark pants.  The suspect was also seen driving a dark extended cab truck, possibly and early 2000 model Ford.

This case is currently under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this case in encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 800-808-0488.  You may also provide information anonymously through the Sheriff’s TipNow Program.  You can leave a voicemail or text your information to 559-725-4194 or e-mail tcso@tipnow.com.

UPDATE:
The victim, a juvenile 16 year old male, is in stable condition.  The victim was standing in a yard on the 14500 block of Tobias, in Poplar, when a vehicle drove by and multiple shots were fired.  The victim was struck in the abdomen and was being transported by private vehicle.  The victim's transport met with an ambulance at  Road 208 and Avenue 152.  The drive by vehicle was described as a 1991/1992 red Honda Accord four door.

PRIOR:
On 09-05-2012 at approximately 1449 hours, the Tulare County Sheriff's Office received a call of a possible drive by shooting.  Deputies responded to the scene and were also advised the victim was being transported by private vehicle to a local area hospital. 

Detectives from the Violent Crimes and Forensic Invetigations Units were called to investigate the case.  Detectives have learned that the victim was standing outside when a vehicle drove by and shots were fired.  Information was also learned this shooting may be gang related.

This case is currently under investigation.  Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Office at 800-808-0488.  You may also send your information anonymously through text or voicemail to 559-725-4194 or e-mail tcso@tipnow.com.

(S) Luis Delgado 18 yrs old - Goshen

On 9-4-12 at about 1904 hrs. a Tulare County Sheriff's Community Based Deputy was in the area of Ave 308 and Rd 64 in Goshen.  As the deputy made consensual contact with  the subject, he noticed a suspicious item protruding from his waistband. The deputy conducted a cursory search based on his observations  Upon doing so, the suspect was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm. The Deputy took the suspect into custody without any further incident. The firearm was found to be a loaded .22 caliber revolver loaded with 9 rounds. The suspect was later booked at the Tulare County Main Jail on various weapons charges.  During the investigation, Delgado advised he was an active gang member during the routine booking process.