Crime blotter 1/21/13

Information below is provided to The Recorder by the Porterville Police Department. It is noted that only arrests are reported and the suspects have not been found guilty of any crime.

Monday, Jan. 21, 2013

Vehicle Burglary
Officers responded to a residence in the 1000 block of West Grand Avenue regarding a vehicle burglary that occurred sometime overnight. The victim said she left her Nissan Altima locked, but there were no signs of forced entry. A CD case, a hat and paperwork were taken.

Burglary of Vending Machines
Officers responded to Vallarta’s Market regarding burglary of three vending machines over the weekend. The first machine was burglarized on Saturday but was not reported until two more were found burglarized this morning. An unknown amount of money was taken.

Counterfeit Bill
Officers responded to Vallarta Market regarding a counterfeit $20 bill. The subject who had the bill said he didn’t realize it was counterfeit. He said he received it as change at a restaurant in the city over the weekend. The case was forwarded to the United States Secret Service.

Felony Warrant
Officers went to a residence in the 400 block of West Grand Avenue to attempt to serve two felony warrants on Darren Peralta, 45. Peralta was contacted, arrested without incident, and booked at the substation.

Domestic Violence / Violation of a Domestic Violence Restraining Order
Officers were dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of North Henrahan Street regarding a disturbance. When officers arrived, they contacted the victim who reported that her ex-boyfriend, Alonzo Ruiz, 27, came to the residence and began arguing with her. During the argument, Ruiz punched and kicked the victim while holding onto her to prevent her from escaping. A child was able to run out of the residence and summon help, at which time Ruiz fled. The victim sustained minor injuries, and officers also determined there is a restraining order against Ruiz. A search for Ruiz was conducted, but he was not located. Police are actively seeking Ruiz regarding this investigation.

Found Property
Officers found a 19-inch color TV sitting on the east sidewalk of Hockett Street. The area was checked for any signs of burglaries, which met with negative results. The TV was collected for safekeeping.

Suspicious Circumstances
Officers responded to a residence in the 100 block of North Cottage Street regarding a subject observed wearing a ski mask and trying to gain entry into an apartment. When officers arrived, they attempted contact at the apartment; however, there was no answer. The door was locked and it did not appear to have been tampered with. The reporting party was contacted and said he observed a male subject wearing a black ski mask who appeared to be trying to pick the lock, however, he fled on foot just prior to police arrival. The area was checked but the subject was not located.

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