Crime blotter 1/12/13

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.

Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013

Warrant Arrest
Officers responded to the area of Westwood Estates regarding a vehicle that was driving through the neighborhood and subjects were soliciting residents for yard service. Officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The subjects appeared to be legitimate in seeking work for lawn service. A passenger in the vehicle, Ruben Isaac Sanchez, 23, had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest. Sanchez was transported to the PD and cited and released.

Identity Theft
Officers contacted a victim in the lobby of the PD. The victim received a letter from a collections agency regarding a debt owed to AT&T internet service. AT&T advised an account for internet service was opened in 2011 with the victim’s name to an address in Inglewood. Porterville PD and Inglewood PD are investigating the case.

Burglary
Officers responded to Vandalia Elementary regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim advised between 12:05 p.m. and 1:50 p.m., someone had broken into her 1999 Chevrolet Suburban. The door handles on both sides of the vehicle had been pried and the door locks punched to gain access. The items taken included a Pioneer stereo, two jackets, iPod and miscellaneous other small property.

Attempt Burglary
Officers responded to Burgos Tile shop regarding a commercial burglary. Officers located a broken window to the business and it appeared the suspect was able to unlock the door to the business. Officers cleared the business and did not locate anyone inside. The victim advised no items were missing and he did not believe entry was made. Physical evidence was located at the scene and the case remains under investigation.

Auto Theft
Officers responded to Galaxy 9 Theater regarding an auto theft report. A 1998 Chevy Silverado was taken from the parking lot between 9:30 p.m. and the time of the report.

Public Intoxication
Officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of East Oak Avenue regarding a verbal altercation. Jose Barajas, 45, was contacted outside the residence and determined to be intoxicated. He was taken into custody and booked at TCSO.

Assist Other Agency
Officers assisted CHP regarding a driver who fled from a traffic stop in the area of Main Street and Orange Avenue. Porterville Police SIU detectives later observed the subject walking in the area of Villa Street and Union Avenue. He again fled on foot once he observed police units arriving in the area. A perimeter was established and a PPD K-9 unit was utilized in tracking Bustos behind a residence on South Villa Street. The subject attempted to run again; however, he was quickly surrounded by officers and detained without incident. CHP responded to the scene and identified Manuel Bustos as the driver from their traffic stop. Bustos was subsequently turned over to CHP for their investigation.

Public Intoxication
Officers responded to Denny’s on West Montgomery Avenue regarding a verbal altercation between three subjects. Michael Deleone, 26, and Danny Erives, 24, were contacted and determined to be intoxicated. They were taken into custody and transported to TCSO where they were booked and housed.

Warrant Arrest
Officers contacted Jorge Estrada, 29, on East Putnam Avenue during a call for service. He had a warrant for his arrest and was booked at PPD.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
Officers responded to 450 West Springville Avenue regarding a verbal altercation. Rebecca Wessels, 31, was contacted at the residence and determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance. She was taken into custody and later transported to Bob Wiley where she was booked and housed.

Reckless Discharge of a Firearm
Officers responded to the 700 block of West Date Avenue after hearing several gunshots. Four spent shell casings were located on the dirt extension of Date Avenue. Four to five subjects were seen on the dirt area before officers’ arrival and one subject was seen shooting a gun into the air. Witnesses stated there was no sign of an altercation and all subjects walked casually away toward a residence on South Jaye Street. Officers responded to the residence and contacted several subjects celebrating a birthday party. The subjects were uncooperative and denied hearing the gunshots or having any involvement. The residence was searched; however, there was no evidence of a gun located at the scene.

DUI
Officers contacted Adel Alhaj, 29, during a traffic stop at 1704 West Olive Ave. He was determined to be DUI and was taken into custody. He was booked at PPD.

You can follow police activity on the public safety scanner on The Porterville Recorder’s website: www.recorderonline.com.