(Feb 08 2009) - Porterville Police Dept - Press Release
by Sgt. Larry Rodriguez - Porterville Police Dept :
On February 8, 2009, at approximately 2:13 a.m., officers from the Porterville Police Department’s Patrol Division responded to the 500 block of East Putnam Avenue on a report of a prowler. When officers arrived they found a 26 year old male on the sidewalk, bleeding profusely from stab wounds to the neck.
Officers administered first aid to the victim until ambulance personnel arrived and transported the victim. The victim was taken to Sierra View District Hospital and later to the University Medical Center in Fresno where he underwent surgery. The victim is currently in stable condition.
The victim’s vehicle, a black 2008 Chevy Cobalt, was found several blocks away at Putnam and Crestview. The vehicle had been involved in a collision and abandoned. Evidence found at the collision scene suggests the victim was assaulted in his vehicle.
Investigation by Detectives with the Police Department’s General and Special Investigations Units identified Gabriel Andrade as one of the suspects responsible for the assault.
On February 10, 2009, at approximately 1230 hours Detectives developed information that Andrade was inside a residence in the 100 block of W. School Avenue. Several officers responded to this location where Andrade was taken into custody without incident.
The case remains under investigation and anyone with any information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Jeff Dowling at (559) 782-7411 or Detective Sergeant John Hall at (559) 782-7421.
