Local man suspect in Poplar shooting

A Porterville man is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred in the Poplar area on Jan. 20, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department reports.

The TCSD’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit, South County Team conducted surveillance in the 600 block of Oxford Street in Porterville on Friday afternoon.

A search warrant had been obtained for a home in the area, related to the Jan. 20 shooting.

During the investigation, authorities had identified Candelario Vargas, 20 of Porterville, as the suspect in the shooting, and during the surveillance, Vargas was seen leaving his home, was stopped, and taken into custody on suspicion of attempted homicide.

A search was conducted in the 600 block of North Oxford Street were several items of evidence were located and seized, the TCSD reports.

The shooting occurred when a man opened fire on a man in his van. The man was shot several times, but managed to drive away before more shots were fired. He drove to Sierra View District Hospital, and was later transferred to another hospital where he is recovering. His wife and daughter were in the van with him, but they were not injured.

Anyone with information pertaining to this case can call 733-6218.