Arrest made in armed robbery of market

A man was arrested in connection to the armed robbery of Porta Villa Market, the Porterville Police Department reported.

A man was arrested in connection to the armed robbery of Porta Villa Market, the Porterville Police Department reported.

At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Monday, PPD officers responded to Porta Villa Market, 34 E. Henderson Ave. in Porterville, regarding the theft of beer involving three suspects. An employee chased the suspects outside and as the suspects entered an awaiting vehicle one suspect pulled out a handgun, threatening the employee, PPD reported. The suspects then fled in the vehicle and were not located at that time.

On Tuesday, officers developed information that Leonardo Torres, 25, of Porterville, was involved in the robbery. At about 5:45 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of North Murry Street in Porterville where they contacted and arrested Torres without incident. Evidence was also located at the residence that linked Torres to the robbery.

Torres was arrested on suspicion of robbery and conspiracy, along with two active misdemeanor arrest warrants, and later booked into the Tulare County Jail where he is being held in lieu of $140,000 bail.

Officers are still activating investigating this incident and anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Porterville Police Department at 782-7400.