(Jan 12 2009) - Porterville Police Dept - Press Release
by Sgt. Larry Rodriguez - Porterville Police Dept :
On Monday, January 12, 2009, at approximately 3:54 p.m. Officers responded to a local motel in Porterville regarding the discovery of a possible explosive device. The device was discovered during a motel room cleaning.
Cruz Valles had just been arrested from the same room a short time earlier and booked at the Tulare County Sheriff Department, Porterville Sub-Station, on other charges.
Mr. Cruz was re-contacted at the Sub-Station and admitted to possessing an explosive device in the room. Mr. Cruz denied making the device or intending to use it in a dangerous manner.
The Tulare County Bomb Squad was called out and safely diffused the device. The Bomb Squad confirmed it was a small explosive device commonly known as a “pipe bomb.”
Mr. Cruz was already in custody on other charges and was charged with an additional crime of 12303.2 PC-Possession of an Explosive Device.
For more info regarding this case contact Investigating Officer(s)
Officer M. Powers or Supervising Officer C. Jordan at (559) 782-7400.
