Crime Blotter 12/01/12

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.

Saturday, Dec. 1
Incident Report for Fire Department
Officers responded to a residence in the 1300 block of West Castle Avenue to assist the Porterville Fire Department with an arson investigation. The reporting party stated that subject(s) attempted to burn his mother’s vehicle while it was parked in their driveway at approximately 4 a.m. this morning. Fire Investigators took over the investigation.

Warrant Arrest
While assisting the fire department with the arson investigation on Castle Avenue, officers determined that Edgar Romero, 33, had a felony warrant for his arrest. Romero was taken into custody and later booked at the TCSO Porterville Substation.

Warrant Arrests / Possession of Methamphetamine / Possession of Cocaine / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
Officers responded to a residence in the 1600 block of West Mulberry Avenue to attempt warrant service on two wanted subjects. Officer Vargas contacted Nicolette Fairchild, 30, Arnold Barrios, 32, and Yaxkin Chumacero, 26, in the garage of the residence. Both Fairchild and Barrios had felony warrants for their arrest, and Barrios was also in possession of drug paraphernalia. Chumacero was in possession of methamphetamine and cocaine. All three subjects were booked into the custody of TCSO.

Burglary
Officers responded to Westfield Christian Church regarding a burglary to a locked shed. The reporting party stated that suspect(s) cut the padlock off of a locked shed on the property and stole two leaf blowers, one weed eater, and three plastic gas cans.

Warrant Arrest
Officers contacted John Arthur Chavez, 40, at Henderson Avenue and Cottage Street for a bicycle violation. Chavez had an out-of-county warrant for his arrest. He was later booked at the TCSO Porterville Substation.

Warrant Arrest
Officers contacted Jose Juan Armenta, 31 who was riding a bicycle on a sidewalk in the area of Morton Avenue and E Street. Armenta had a felony warrant for his arrest and is on active parole. Armenta was later booked at the TCSO Porterville Substation.

Burglary
Officers responded to the 300 block of South Beverly Street regarding a burglary to a residence. The property management representative reported that suspect(s) kicked in the side garage door and stole a water heater, stove and dishwasher. Physical evidence was located at the scene.

Resist Arrest / Public Intoxication
Officer Stocker initiated a stop on a vehicle that had been reported as a possible DUI. The driver fled from the stop on foot; however, the passenger, Juan Sanchez, 22, was uncooperative and was intoxicated. Sanchez was arrested for Public Intoxication and booked at the Substation.

Reckless Discharge of a Firearm / Brandish a Weapon
Several apparent gang members arrived uninvited to a party in the area of Ruth Street and Vandalia Avenue. When asked to leave, one of the subjects brandished a revolver firearm and shot it into the air as the suspect vehicle drove away. The case remains under investigation.

Residential Burglary
Officers responded to a residence in the 100 block of West River Avenue. The rear door of the residence was kicked open and a small TV and wallet was taken. Physical evidence was located at the scene.