Crime blotter 1/24/13
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.
Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013
Residential Burglary
Officers were dispatched to the 300 block of North Third Street regarding a burglary. The victim stated subject(s) forced entry into his residence. Entry was made through a side door. Once inside, the subject(s) took a Vizo 32 inch television, an RCA DVD player, an ACER laptop, a red Craftsman tool box, and an antique AM radio. Physical evidence was located at the scene and was collected.
Burglary
Officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of West Tomah Avenue regarding a burglary. The victim stated subject(s) made entry into her residence. Once inside, the subject(s) took two digital cameras and jewelry. A suspect was possibly identified and officers are following up on several leads.
Traffic Unit:
The traffic unit conducted extra patrol in the areas of Olive Street Elementary, Monache High, and Porterville High Schools today. Enforcement focused on pedestrian-related violations in the area of Porterville High School after school with numerous citations issued. Traffic officers also conducted extra enforcement on Henderson Avenue from Indiana Street to Newcomb Street for pedestrian and panhandling violations with citations being issued.
Hit-and-Run Traffic Collision
Officers responded to a hit and run traffic collision at Main Street and Mill Avenue. Juan Garcia-Hernandez was northbound on Main Street when another driver started to cross Main Street westbound on Mill Avenue and struck the right side of Garcia-Hernandez’ vehicle. The unidentified female driver fled the scene in an older green Ford Taurus type vehicle. There were no injuries and the collision is still under investigation.
Burglary / Attempt Auto Theft
Officers responded to the parking lot of In-Shape City regarding a vehicle burglary. The reporting party stated suspect(s) broke into her 1999 GMC Sierra and took her Kenwood stereo. The suspect(s) also tore the entire dashboard apart in an apparent attempt to steal the vehicle.
Residential Burglary
Officers responded to a residence in the 1000 block of North Wisconsin Place regarding a residential burglary. The reporting party stated that sometime between 7:30 a.m. and 10 p.m., suspect(s) entered his unsecured garage and took a men’s Schwinn Touring bike and a home beer brewing kit. A possible suspect was named and is being sought by police for questioning.
Possession of Marijuana / Conspiracy
Officers responded to the Super 7 Market, located at 90 E. Olive Ave., regarding a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot. When officers arrived, they located the vehicle attempting to leave but were able to stop it. Officers contacted the occupants of the vehicle, who were identified as Hernan Salazar, Daniel Andrade, Gerardo Araujo, and a male juvenile. All four subjects are identified gang members and all, except Andrade, were on probation. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed over an ounce of processed marijuana in the glove compartment. None of the occupants had a medicinal marijuana permit; therefore, all four were arrested for the above-listed charges. The adult suspects were later booked into the Tulare County Jail, and the juvenile suspect was booked into the Juvenile Detention Facility.
Felony Warrant Arrest
Officers received anonymous information that wanted subject Gary Zavala, 47, was possibly staying at a residence in the 100 block of East Orange Avenue. A records check revealed that Zavala had one felony and three misdemeanor warrants for his arrest. Officers went to the Orange Avenue address and were told that Zavala was inside; however, he hid in a back room. Zavala was found hiding under a bed, was convinced to surrender and taken into custody without further incident. He was booked at the substation.
Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Resist Arrest
Officers responded to the area of Olive Avenue and Westwood Street regarding two females possibly in possession of drug paraphernalia. When officers arrived, they contacted Rebecca Wessels, 32, and Jenelle Galindo, 25. Wessels was under the influence of a controlled substance. As the officer attempted to arrest Wessels, Galindo interfered and tried to stop the officer from making the arrest. The officer was able to control both suspects and arrested Galindo for delaying a peace officer. Both suspects were transported to the PD where Wessels was cited out. Galindo was later booked at Bob Wiley Detention Facility.
You can follow police activity on the public safety scanner on The Porterville Recorder’s website: www.recorderonline.com.
