(Nov 19 2008) - Porterville Police Dept - Press Release
by Sgt. Larry Rodriguez - Porterville Police Dept :
On November 19, 2008, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Porterville Police Officers responded to a report of repeated gunfire in the area of Date Avenue and Newcomb Street.
Upon checking the area, Officers observed vehicles in the area of River Springs Avenue and the Tule River. Additional officers arrived and both vehicles were stopped.
Through the investigation and witness statements, it was determined that Ricky Manley and Austin Ladrigan had been drinking alcohol and began shooting a handgun during a party at the river.
Officers checked the area and located Ladrigan in the river area by his vehicle. He was detained and officers located a Springfield Armory 9mm handgun, ammunition, and spent shell casings.
A short time later, Officers located Manley and detained him as well. Both suspects admitted to firing the handgun a total of 10 times in the area of the river. Both suspects were also under the influence of alcohol.
Due to the close proximity to residences when they fired the weapon and their intoxication, both Ladrigan and Manley were arrested for negligent discharge of a firearm. They were booked at The Tulare County Main Jail.
For more info regarding this case contact Investigating Officer(s)
Officer(s) M. Knox #124 and or Supervisor Sgt. D. Barteau at 782-7400.
