(Sept 13 2008) - Porterville Police Dept - Press Release
by Sgt. Larry Rodriguez - Porterville Police Dept :
On September 13, 2008, at approximately 10:18 p.m., officers from the Porterville Police Department’s Patrol Division responded to a report of a disturbance in the 1400 block of West Forest Lane. When officers arrived they found a 34 year old male laying in the roadway with visible injuries the result of having been assaulted.
The victim was subsequently transported to Sierra View District Hospital to be treated for these injuries. Investigation identified Abel Hanson, Joe Hanson, and Jose Ruiz, as the primary assailants in the assault. All three subjects were also identified as known gang members.
As a result of the investigation officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of north Sunnyside where they located Abel Hanson and took him into custody without incident. Abel Hanson, who was on active parole for weapon violations, was also arrested for violating conditions of his parole.
While at this residence officers contacted Valeri Barajas and determined her to be under the influence of a controlled substanceand was also taken into custody.
Officers also responded to a residence in the 700 block of west Oakmont where they located Jose Ruiz. Jose Ruiz was also taken into custody without incident.
Then -- On September 15, 2008, at approximately 11:22 a.m., Detective Chris Contreras from the Porterville Police Department’s General Investigations Unit, was conducting additional investigation into this incident.
Detective Contreras observed Joe Hanson in a vehicle traveling in the area of Jaye Street and Olive Avenue. Knowing of Joe Hanson’s involvement in this matter Detective Contreras conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and took Joe Hanson into custody.
All four subjects have been booked with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department on charges stemming from this investigation.
For more information regarding this case contact ...
Investigating Officer(s) Detective Chris Contreras and Supervisor Sgt. John Hall at 782-7409.
