UPDATE 4-13-11: The decedent has been identified as Elias Santillian, age 18 of Exeter.  An autopsy was performed on the victim and the cause of death was determined to be exhanquination due to single gunshot wound to the torso.  This case is still listed as an active investigation.  Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at (800)808-0488.

UPDATE 4-12-11: Detectives have learned that four teens were in an alley in the area of Morgan in Spurce when they heard shots fired in their direction and fled.  Three of the four teens were unharmed and left the area.  The fourth teen, a hispanic, male age 18 was injured from an apparent gunshot and is deceased.  The three tees who fled the area are all hispanic males, (2) are age 17, (1) is age 18.
Detectives are currently still investigating the case and attempting to determine if the case is gang related.  Anyone with information is urged to please contact the Sheriff's Office at (800) 808-0488. 

Media questions referred to Sgt. Douglass at cdouglass@co.tulare.ca.us or (559) 735-1825.

Prior Release: On 4-12-2011 at 2223 hours Deputies of the Tulare County Sheriff Department responded to a report of shots being fired in the area of Morgan and Spruce outside of Exeter.  Upon arrival units located a unresponsive male subject who was subsequently pronounced deceased from a gunshot wound.  Tulare County Violent Crimes Unit is currently investigating the incident.  Any one with information is ask to contact the Tulare County Sheriff Department. (800) 808-048

On 1121 hours the Tulare County Sheriff's Office received a call regarding a woman screaming.  Deputies responded to the location along with medical personnel.  Deputies learned a  one year and four month old boy was located by his parent in the family pool, unresponsive.  The boy was medically treated and transported to the local hospital where he was pronounced deceased at 1225 hrs.

Narrative:

Victim #1: 80 year old female   Delano, Ca.

Victim #2: 37 year old female   Richgrove, Ca.

Victim #3: 19 year old male   Richgrove, Ca.

 On the above date and time Detectives from the North End Investigations Unit were dispatched to the 12700 block of Alta Ave in Cutler regarding a report of an interrupted burglary. Upon arrival Detectives contacted the victim who reported a known person had made entry into her residence and removed miscellaneous items valued at approximately $300.00. Detectives and Deputies from the Orosi Substation responded to the 12700 block of Avenue 413 in Orosi and contacted the suspect and were able to take him into custody without incident.

The case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Gary Marks at (559)735-1856.
 
 

Taken into custody:

1)    Marroquin, George   age 47,  Male, Resident of Orosi 

Charges 459 pc (Burglary)

Suspects in Custody:
#1 Douglas Keith Stillwell   45 yo Goshen, Ca 11378 H&S/ 11377 H&S/ 11366 H&S/ 273(a) PC
#2 Kristina Darlene Stillwell 42 yo Goshen, Ca.11378 H&S/ 11377 H&S 11366 H&S/ 273(a)PC

Over the last thirty days Investigators from the Sheriff’s Departments Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Unit have been conducting investigations into the illicit narcotic sales in the Goshen area. These investigations led to the service of a search warrant in the 6800 blk of Ave 306.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Departments Tactical Enforcement Unit made a forced entry, detained the occupants and secured the residence. The residence was turned over to the Narcotics detectives, who with the assistance of the Inter Agency Narcotic Enforcement Team, subsequently located approximately 5.6 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 11.1 grams of suspected marijuana, all of which was packaged for sales.  Packaging materials used for narcotics and an amount of U.S. Currency were also located. All these items were seized as being consistent with the sales of narcotics. The combined street value of the narcotics would have been approximately $860.00.
During the service of the search warrant, a male juvenile was located at the residence. The residence was deemed uninhabitable as it had no electricity or food. The child was released into the custody of Child Welfare services.

Both Suspects were booked at their respective facilities and are being held on the listed charges.

Photos available from the Mail Jail.

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris Announces Partnership With Local Law Enforcement to Fight Gang Violence in the Central Valley

WHAT:  Attorney General Kamala D. Harris announces creation of a major new partnership with local law enforcement agencies to combat dangerous drug gangs in the Central Valley.

WHEN: Thursday, April 7, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
 
WHERE:  International Agri Center (IAC)
        4450 South Laspina Street
        Tulare, CA
 
SCHEDULE:

12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Arrival and set-up.

12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.: Presentation of Attorney General Awards to valiant law enforcement officers and meritorious private citizens.

12:55 p.m. – 1 :15 p.m.: Press conference with Attorney General Harris, Tulare County Sheriff Bill Wittman,  and experts from the Department of Justice to answer questions on gangs, the role of DNA in tracking down dangerous criminals, and a special
DOJ program called APPS to take guns away from felons, the mentally unstable and others not entitled to possess firearms.

1:15 – 2:00 p.m.: DOJ experts available for interviews.

NOTES:  The International Agri Center is a one-hour drive from Fresno.
 
Please RSVP at agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov or 510.622.4500 by close of business on Wednesday, April 6.

You may view all News & Alerts on our website at: http://ag.ca.gov/newsalerts/

Please visit the remainder of the Attorney General's site at: http://ag.ca.gov/

On 4-3-11 at approximately 4:09 pm, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, Porterville Substation, received a 911 call for assistance regarding an elderly Hispanic female who had been car-jacked at gun point while driving in the area of Road 192 near Ave 64.  The victim was then driven to a remote area where she was robbed of her possessions.

Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau responded to the scene and took over the investigation.  Due to the nature of the crime and the early stages of the investigation, no further details are being released at this time.  The suspects are still at-large. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident or similar incidents is encouraged to contact Det. Zaragoza or Sgt. Parker at toll free 1-800-808-0488.

    

NEWS  ITEM
Case Number: 11-80092, 80093, 80094, 80095, 80096, 80097, 04077, 90038, etc.
Crime- 664-187 PC, 186.22 PC, 2800.1 VC, 11550 H&S, 11377 H&S, 23152 VC and multiple arrest warrants

Area Occurred: Earlimart, Richgrove, Pixley, Terra Bella, Cutler, Orosi and London
Date and Time Occurred: 3-29-11 through 4-02-11
Victim: State of California
 
For the week of 3-29-11 through 4-02-11, personnel from the sheriff’s departments Gang Violence Suppression Unit assisted with an attempt homicide investigation, coupled with suppression efforts throughout the communities of Terra Bella, Earlimart, Richgrove, Pixley, Cutler, Orosi and London, Ca.

Overall, (11) subjects were arrested and booked into the sheriff’s Porterville substation, the Tulare County Main Jail and Juvenile Justice Center for various felony and misdemeanor charges;

Jorge Hernandez (20 years) attempt homicide and criminal street gang activity
Crismund Comendador (45 years) evading a peace officer and driving unlicensed
Ramiro Gonzalez (30 years) evading a peace officer and driving under the influence
Jose Becerda (30 years) two misdemeanor arrest warrants
Jose Trivino (34 years) misdemeanor arrest warrant
Felipe Alvarado (23 years) driving under the influence
Male Juvenile (17 years) public intoxication and resisting / delaying a peace officer
Luis Garibay (29 years) public intoxication
Jose Vasquez (26 years) possession of a controlled substance & driving under the influence
Eric Bravo (25 years) public intoxication & a misdemeanor arrest warrant
Eduardo Gutierrez (27 years) under the influence of a controlled substance & a misdemeanor arrest warrant

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.


Prepared by: Sgt. Gist  #G1943

**Update**

The Sheriff's Office was able to locate next of kin to notify and identify the victims of the collison.  They have been identified as;

Ruben Mendoza, 52 from Visalia

Gloria Mendoza, 54 from Visalia

Ruben Mendoza Jr., 17 from Visalia

Autopsies are pending. 

Further information will be released as it becomes available.

Previously Released

On 3-28-11 members of the Rural Crime Task Force responded to the 18900 blk of Rd 24 (Waukena) to serve an arrest warrant. Upon arrival a stolen vehicle and stolen quad were located on the property and members of T-RATT (Tulare-Regional Auto Theft Task Force) responded to assist. The stolen vehicles were recovered and the wanted subject was not located at that time. On 3-31-11 Detectives returned to suspect's residence and located suspect in the yard area. Suspect attempted to flee on a quad and then on foot and was quickly apprehended. Suspect was found to be in possession of illegal narcotics and is currently in custody on charges of grand theft, possession of stolen property, possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest. Arrested was Javier Martin, 40 yrs. Waukena.

If you have any information in regards to this investigation please call 559-735-1853.

Suspect In Custody:

Head, Erick Joel, 32 years, Visalia

On 03-31-11, at approximately 2143 hours, a Deputy from the Tulare County Sheriff's Office was traveling north on Highway 99 south of Avenue 280 and attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation.  The vehicle exited the highway and continued East on Aveune 280 (Caldwell) in Visalia at a high rate of speed.  The suspect vehicle continued eastbound and entered the intersection of Caldwell at Akers where a collision occurred with other vehicles.  The Sheriff's Deputy was not involved in the collision.  The driver of the suspect vehicle attempted to flee the scene on foot following the collision, but was apprehended by the deputy following a short foot chase.

Visalia Police was contacted and responded to investigate the collision.

The collision resulted in three fatalities.  The Coroner's Office was contacted and responded to investigate the fatalities.  Release of the names of the victims are pending the notification of the next of kin.

Suspect Head was arrested and booked into the Tulare County Jail for 2800.2 CVC (Evading -Failure to Yield) and 3056 PC (Parole Violation).

Suspects:
Delatorre, Miguel Santibanes               58 yrs. 
 
On 03-31-11 the Inter Agency Narcotic Enforcement Team (I.N.E.T.) consisting of personnel from Visalia Police Department, Farmersville Police Department, Lindsay Police Department, Exeter Police Department, Tulare County Probation, Tulare County Sheriff’s Department was assisted by the Dinuba Police Department, where they concluded a three week narcotic investigation by serving a search warrant in the 1300 Block of East Elizabeth Way in the City of Dinuba.
Detectives detained three adults at the residence. Two suspects were found to be in possession of methamphetamine on their persons. During the search of the residence detectives located a small amount of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia inside the residence.

Suspects Marquez, Paul was arrested and booked into the Tulare County Jail for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sales and possession of drug paraphernalia where his bail was set at $ 20,000.00.

Suspect Sanchez, Jim and Suspect Delatorre, Miguel were arrested and booked into the Tulare County Jail for possession of a controlled substance where their bail was set at $ 20,000.00.


This case is still under investigation.


Case #'s 11-40081, 11-40095, 11-40096












Case Agent: Det. Stephanie Franco        Supervisor:  Sgt. John Gonzalez

Suspects:

Ellington, Michelle Denise   42 yrs.
Deal, Kenneth     52 yrs.   

On 03-31-11 the Inter Agency Narcotic Enforcement Team (I.N.E.T.) consisting of personnel from Visalia Police Department, 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 North Manzanita in the City of Visalia.
Detectives detained four adults in the residence and one juvenile. During the search of the residence detectives located a small amount of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a firearm in the house. Detectives discovered a marijuana grow in a bedroom and several starter plants in the garage and backyard.
Suspects Jerry Phillips and Thomas, Leta were arrested for possession of a controlled substance, illegal cultivation of marijuana plants, possession of drug paraphernalia, under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm during a commission of a felony. Suspect Phillips was transported and booked into the Tulare County Jail with his bail set at $ 50,000.00. Suspect Thomas was transported and booked into the Tulare County Bob Wiley Detention Facility with her bail set at $ 20,000.00.
Suspect Michelle Ellington was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of hashish,  being under the influence of a controlled substance and  possession of drug paraphernalia. Suspect Ellington was arrested on two arrest warrants for possession of drug paraphernalia and under the influence of a controlled substance. Suspect Ellington was booked into the Tulare County Bob Wiley Detention Facility with her bail set a $80,000.00.
Suspect Ken Deal was arrested for 11550 H&S and two arrest warrants for under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance. Suspect Deal was booked into the Tulare county Jail with his bail set at $ 25,000.00.

The female juvenile was turned over to Child Welfare Services.

This case is still under investigation.

Sheriff Bill Wittman announced the retirement of Captain David Wayne Williams after a 35 year long career in law enforcement.

"David has been an integral part of this department since 1981. We wish him the best in his retirement" stated Sheriff Wittman.

Captain David Williams was originally hired as a Cadet by Sunnyvale Public Safety Department. Soon after, he attended and graduated from a California POST Basic Police Academy in October of 1975 which allowed him to be hired as a Public Safety Officer for Sunnyvale Police and Fire. On March 31, 1981 David Williams joined the ranks of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy II assigned to the Jail Division. He worked his way through a variety of assignments including Orosi and Headquarters Patrol, the Sheriff’s Tactical Enforcement Personnel Unit (STEP) and Detectives Unit.

In July of 1986 David was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and remained in the Detectives Unit. He later spent time in assignments at the Correctional Center, Personnel and Training Units.

Within one year and eight months, David was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. David’s assignments varied from Administration, Personnel and Training, Crimes Against Persons, Narcotics, Pixley Substation and Court Services.

David Williams was promoted to his current rank in December of 1998. He has spent the last twelve and one half years managing various divisions of the Department including Detentions Administration, Operations Administration and Investigations.

During David’s career with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, he has received numerous commendations and awards. He has shown dedication not only through his work but also through his extracurricular activities. David has been a member of the Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay Team since the Department’s second year of participation and has been a runner every year. He also attended flight school where he obtained his Commercial Instrument Multi-Engine Pilot’s License and has assisted with the purchase and utilization of the Sheriff’s Office planes. Captain David Williams will remain a Reserve Officer with the Department and assist with the Sheriff’s Aviation Unit as needed.

"We just don’t want to let him go. We are very lucky to have someone with the training and experience he has that wants to continue his involvement with this Department. We will keep him as long as we can." Said Sheriff Wittman.

Captain Williams will retire with a career that spanned three decades. His training includes aviation, Cal-ID, court security, investigation in homicides, officer involved shootings, sexual assaults, narcotics, and internal affairs. He has also attended specialized schools such as Flight School, FBI Academy, Tactical Command School, Command College, Human Resource Management, Financial and Training Managers seminars. He has obtained his POST Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory and Management Certificates. His expertise and training allowed him to coordinate several statewide Jail Managers Training Conferences and Statewide Narcotics Officer Update Conferences. David Williams is also a force behind the technological advances implemented throughout the department.

Captain David Williams is supported in his retirement by his wife Brenda, son Alex and his wife Virgina, son Mathew and his wife Amber and son Jess. He is also grandfather to Aliyah, Charlotte Nathan and Sadie.

Sheriff’ Bill Wittman offers his sincere congratulations and appreciation to the hard work and dedication Captain David Williams has given in his years of service to Tulare County.