TCSO gang sweep leads to nine arrests
The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Tulare Area Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team (TAGNET) conducted a gang sweep throughout Tulare County on Sunday, Dec. 31. As a result, six firearms were seized as evidence and nine people were arrested.
The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Tulare Area Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team (TAGNET) conducted a gang sweep throughout Tulare County on Sunday, Dec. 31. As a result, six firearms were seized as evidence and nine people were arrested.
At 7:49 p.m., TAGNET detectives responded to the Woodville Labor Camp at 16153 Road 192 regarding a report of gunshots fired. Upon arrival, they contacted a large group of gang members in the area and observed one holding a handgun. The subjects fled to a residence nearby and discarded three firearms.
Detectives responded to the residence and located two additional firearms. Three of the firearms were reported as stolen. During the investigation, the following subjects were arrested:
15-year-old male juvenile, suspicion of stolen firearm
Franklin Romero, 19, suspicion of child endangerment
Reynaldo Lara, 23, suspicion of child endangerment
Tony Martinez, 18, suspicion of child endangerment
Gabriela Ruiz Gonzalez, 19, suspicion of child endangerment
Jennifer Aguilar, 22, suspicion of child endangerment
Aliyah Cabeje, 22, suspicion of child endangerment Itzel Vasquez, 23, suspicion of child endangerment
At midnight, detectives responded to the Seville area for multiple gunshots being heard. While in the area, detectives identified a residence in the 15300 block of Avenue 381 as being the location of the gunshots.
Detectives contacted the occupants in the backyard of the residence and located multiple spent rounds of ammunition on the ground. A search of the backyard ultimately revealed an assault rifle with a high capacity magazine. The assault rifle was also reported as stolen.
During the investigation, the following subject was arrested:
Everardo Sarmiento, 20, booked on suspicion of possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a controlled substance, under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of an assault rifle and negligent discharge of a firearm.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at 7336218 or send anonymous information by sending a text or email to TCSO@ tipnow.com or call 7254194.
Anyone with information regarding gang activity is encouraged to call the Tulare County gang hotline at 1-888-END-GANG (1888-363-4264).