(Mar 01 2009) - Porterville Police Dept - Press Release
by Sgt. Larry Rodriguez - Porterville Police Dept :
On March 1, 2009 at 1:46 A.M., Officer Orique was driving in the 100 Block of North Main Street, when he heard the sound of gunshots coming from the immediate area.
Additional Officers of the Porterville Police Department responded to the scene to assist Officer Orique and began contacting numerous persons and initiated an investigation.
During the investigation, Officers discovered that Bill Martinez, a convicted felon, fired a handgun into the air, during an altercation, where numerous patrons of a nearby business were present.
It was also reported that Bill Martinez was seen striking one of the victims in the head with the handgun and pointing the firearm at another victim, while threatening acts of violence.
Manual Martinez, in an effort to dissuade witnesses from providing statements to the Police, also threatened physical harm toward several witnesses.
Bill Martinez, who was found to be on active CDC Parole, was subsequently located on scene, along with Manuel Martinez, and both were taken into custody without incident.
Investigating Officers also located and recovered a loaded handgun at the scene, which was determined to be the weapon used by Bill Martinez.
The victim was treated and released from Sierra View District Hospital for injuries sustained as a result of the occurrence.
Bill Martinez was booked into the custody of the Tulare County Sheriffs Department on charges of unlawful discharge of a firearm, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, a felon in possession of ammunition, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, and a parole violation.
Manuel Martinez was also booked into the custody of the Tulare County Sheriffs Office on charges of witness intimidation.
For more info regarding this case contact Investigating Officer(s)
M. Orique # 179, W. Martin # 160, M. Knox # 124 and Supervising OIC J. Maniss # 121 at (559) 782-7400.
