(May 01 2008) - Porterville Police Dept - Press Release
by Sgt Mike Blaine - Porterville Police Dept :
On Thursday, May 1, 2008, Officers of the Porterville Police Department received information of a possible vehicle burglary in progress in the 100 block of North Balmoral Street.
The witness reported two males had been seen breaking into a neighbor’s vehicle. The two male suspects were seen driving away in an older model gold Honda.
Officers responding to the address, found a vehicle matching the description traveling North on Westwood Street across Henderson Avenue. Officer Meier made an attempt to stop the vehicle which resulted in a short vehicle pursuit, ending when the occupants abandoned the vehicle in 2400 block of West Wall. Officers were able to immediately locate one suspect, Michael Torres hiding in a nearby yard. The four other suspects avoided capture.
The Honda driven by the suspects had been reported stolen to the Porterville Police Department the day prior to the incident. Officers located stolen property taken other vehicle burglaries inside the Honda. Suspect Torres was charged with possession of stolen property, grand theft auto and resisting arrest.
The investigation is on going and additional arrests are anticipated. Please contact ...
Investigating Officer Robert Meier
Sergeant Larry M. Rodriguez at (559) 782-7400
