Press Release

On December 30th 2009 at about 6:45 pm, 3 subjects, one armed with a gun went into the Riverdale Food Mart 20937 Malsbary, and committed a robbery. During the robbery a couple hundred dollars was taken from the cash register, no one was hurt. The Fresno Sheriff’s Office released the surveillance video to the public and asked for help in identifying the suspects.

Thanks to tips from the public two of the suspects were identified. Suspect Mario Mercado (19 years old) and suspect Daniel Rios (20 years old) were identified as being involved in the robbery. Both subjects were arrested in Kings County. They have been booked into the Fresno County Jail on robbery charges. The third suspect, (wearing the black sweater with a hood) is still outstanding and the investigation is continuing.

The Fresno Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information on the third suspect to contact dispatch at (559)488-3111, or crime stoppers.

Original Press Release.

We need the public’s assistance with identifying the suspects in the below described armed robbery.

On December 30, 2009 at about 1845 hours, an Armed Robbery occurred at the Riverdale Food Center 20937 Malsbary Street in Riverdale. Three Hispanic Male suspects walked into the store through the front door. One suspect was wearing blue jeans, a black and white checkered flannel coat, and a hat was carrying a handgun and yelling orders to the employees of the store. Two other suspects, one wearing a black hoodie, gray shirt and blue jeans, and one wearing a gray jacket, black shorts a white shirt with a black beanie, took money from the register. All subjects left together out of the front door of the business. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s assistance with identifying the suspects involved. If you have any information, please call the Fresno County Sheriff’s Dept. at (559) 488-3111.

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims today announced the arrest of two self proclaimed street gang members on several gun related charges. Arrested were 27 year old Edward Enriquez and 30 year old Victor Sanchez, both of Fresno.

Yesterday afternoon, at about 1:00pm, detectives from the MAGEC Rural Investigative Team were conducting an undercover operation in the area of First & Olive in the City of Fresno. The operation involved a wanted parolee.

During the operation, detectives saw two Hispanic males, later identified as Enriquez and Sanchez, leave the area in a car. Believing the subjects were possibly related to their investigation, detectives followed the two to the Jack in the Box restaurant located at Tulare & First. There, both Enriquez and Sanchez went inside the restaurant.

A short time later, Fresno PD dispatch received a 911 call from an employee of the Jack in the Box advising that there was a subject inside the restaurant armed with a handgun. The description given by the employee matched the Enriquez and Sanchez.

The undercover detectives entered the restaurant and, with the assistance of FPD officers, arrested both Enriquez and Sanchez without incident.
Detectives recovered two handguns that Enriquez and Sanchez had apparently hidden in the restaurant.

As a result, Enriquez and Sanchez were both charged with being a felon in possession of a handgun and ammunition, carrying a concealed handgun, and being an armed gang member. Enriquez was also charged with parole violations. Sanchez was also charged with probation violations.

A 16 year old juvenile was arrested yesterday on charges of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery while he watched his older brother’s preliminary hearing for the same crime.

Yesterday, shortly after 2:00pm, a preliminary hearing for 18 year old Maurice Graves was taking place in Department 31 of the Fresno County Courthouse. The hearing was in connection with an armed robbery that occurred last month at Victoria Park located near Clinton & Brawley in the City of Fresno.

During the 20 year old victim’s testimony, he advised that Maurice Graves was not the person who had robbed him. He then pointed to Grave’s 16 year old brother who was seated in the audience watching the proceedings, and implicated him as being responsible for the robbery.

Further investigation revealed that the juvenile was responsible for the robbery. He was immediately taken into custody by Sheriff’s deputies and later transported to the Fresno County Juvenile Justice Campus where he was booked on the charges.

Maurice Graves was released from custody.

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims and members of the Sheriff’s Office’s Search And Rescue Team want to remind the public to be prepared when driving into the foothills and mountains of Fresno County.

The National Weather Service has forecast a change in our current weather pattern and expects winter storms to hit Fresno County in the upcoming days.

The Search And Rescue Team conducts several winter rescues each year and would like to offer the following tips for the public.

If you don’t need to travel in the mountains during the upcoming storm… don’t.

If you need to travel to the mountains during the upcoming storm, be prepared and tell someone where you are going. A timetable, itinerary, vehicle description, and a copy of a map of where you are going should be left with a friend. Many times, a search will start at the missing person’s vehicle.

Check the most recent weather reports.

Wear the correct clothing for the weather conditions and have more on hand. Have extra food, fuel, and blankets. Also have water as people can dehydrate faster in the cold weather.

Take a cell phone or GPS but don’t rely on them as batteries will drain faster in the cold weather.

If you do become lost, stay put and be prepared to wait a significant amount of time. Weather conditions and other incidents may slow rescue efforts.

Don’t overextend yourself! Know your limitations!

More information regarding mountain preparedness can be found on the Sheriff’s Office’s website, www.fresnosheriff.org.

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims today announced the arrest of two Fresno men on charges of burglary and possession of stolen property, after being caught by the victim. Arrested were 53 year old Clarence Leon Dews and 45 year old Archie Anthony Dews.

Last night, shortly before 10:30pm, the victim had just returned home to his residence located in the 5000 block of W Belmont Ave, when he saw that the front door was ajar and the inside lights were on. As he looked through the open door, the victim saw Archie Dews in the living room, rummaging through items of his property.

The victim pulled out his handgun, entered the residence, and confronted Dews. Dews raised his hands but then started moving towards the victim. Fearing for his life, the victim fired a warning shot next to Dews and ordered him to lie on the ground. As Dews complied, Clarence Dews walked out from the hallway. The victim ordered him to the ground and he also complied.

While the victim held both suspects at gunpoint, he called the Sheriff’s Office from his cell phone. A short time later, deputies arrived and took both suspects into custody.

Several items of the victim’s property were found in the pockets of both men. Deputies also located more of the victim’s stolen property in the suspect’s white Volvo that was parked in front of the house. It was learned that some of the recovered stolen property had been taken last month during a prior burglary of the house.

In addition to the above charges, Archie Dews was found to have 3 outstanding arrest warrants for traffic related crimes. Clarence Dews was found to be on felony parole. He was also charged with parole violations.

No one was injured during the incident.

Thomas David Campbell, 47 years old

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims today announced the arrest of a Fresno man in connection with several thefts in Fresno and Madera counties. Arrested was 47 year old Thomas David Campbell.

Detectives with the Ag Task Force began their investigation this past Monday when they were contacted by Madera SO detectives with information regarding possible stolen property at a residence in Fresno County. Detectives responded to the residence located in the 2000 block of W. Dinuba Ave.

With the assistance of Madera SO, detectives discovered several items of stolen property including light towers, generators, and electronic message boards. Detectives also seized several firearms including two assault rifles, and a large amount of ammunition. The stolen property was tied to several theft cases in both Fresno and Madera counties.

Much of the stolen property had been dismantled. Detectives learned that Campbell had removed the solar equipment on the property and intended to use it to power his home.

Campbell was arrested at the residence and booked into the Fresno County Jail on several counts of grand theft, vehicle theft, operating a chop shop, possession of stolen property, felony vandalism, and being a felon in possession of guns and ammunition.

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims will host the first in a series of town hall meetings on Monday, December 14th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Wawona Middle School. The school is located at 4524 N. Thorne, between Gettysburg and Ashlan.

This meeting is open to the public and will include information about the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the services we provide. Crime information updates will be provided and well as emerging crime trends. Sheriff Margaret Mims and staff from the Sheriff’s Office will be there to give presentations as well as answer questions from the public.

Sheriff Mims says, “These town hall meetings will give residents the opportunity to meet with me and share any concerns they may have. This will also give them the chance to learn about the Sheriff’s Office and the opportunities they have to partner with us in our crime fighting efforts”.

Citizens wishing to attend may also bring non perishable food that will be given to the Community Food Bank to help those less fortunate.

Expected topics to be covered include:
Volunteer Opportunities
County Islands
State and County Budget Issues
Crime Stats

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims is pleased to announce the Sheriff’s Office’s Annual “Holiday Heroes” Blood Drive.

In partnership with the Central California Blood Center, the blood drive will take place at different locations starting this Friday.

“During these tough economic times, donating blood is an inexpensive way to give the gift of life during this holiday season” said Sheriff Mims. “We welcome everyone to one of the blood drive locations.”

The blood drive is an effort to increase blood supplies before the holiday season when usage rises. “The need for blood increases during the holiday months, and yet finding time to donate often becomes a challenge for even our most dedicated donors” says Chris Sorensen, Director of Community Relations & Development for the CCBC. “Before folks gather with family and friends to celebrate the season, we hope they can find an hour to give the greatest gift of all to patients in valley hospitals.”

The blood drive locations are as follows:

Dec 4 & 5: Clovis Sierra Vista Mall, 1050 Shaw Ave, Community Room #1039, from 10:00am - 4:00pm

Dec 5: Prather CVS Pharmacy, from 3:00pm – 7:00pm

Dec 7: Fresno County Main Jail (rear parking lot), from 10:00am – 4:00pm

Dec 7: Caruthers Fairgrounds from 3:30pm – 7:30pm

Dec 12: Squaw Valley Bear Mountain Library, from 10:00am – 2:00pm.

The CCBC is the sole provider for blood and blood products for the 31 hospitals in Fresno, Tulare, Madera, Kings, and Mariposa Counties and must collect between 5000 to 6000 pints of blood each month to meet the needs of the valley community.

All donors will receive a “Holiday Heroes” T-shirt and donor reward coupons.

Mark Anthony Cruz, 19 years old

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims today announced the arrest of an Auberry man in connection with the stabbing of a 22 year old woman. Arrested was 19 year old Mark Anthony Cruz.

This past Friday morning, shortly before 9:00am, deputies responded to an assault call at a residence located in the 37000 block of Rancheria Lane. When they arrived, they located the victim who had been stabbed in the back and was having difficulty breathing.

Emergency Medical personnel, who had also responded, determined that the victim’s injuries were critical and life threatening. She was immediately transported to Community Regional Medical Center for treatment. Her current condition is unknown at this time.

Deputies learned that earlier, the victim had been walking with Cruz on a dirt road near Auberry. Cruz became very mad at the victim and she started to run away. Cruz chased her down and stabbed her before she could get away. Cruz then fled the area.

The following night, deputies developed information that Cruz was hiding out at a friend’s house located in the 32000 block of Tollhouse. At approximately 11:00pm, deputies located and arrested Cruz at the residence without incident.

Cruz was later booked into the Fresno County Jail on a single charge of attempted murder.

Jose Loya, 30 years old

Fresno County Sheriff’s detectives have just released details surrounding an officer involved shooting that occurred early this morning.

At approximately 1:55am, a Parlier PD officer called in a vehicle check on a black colored Chevy Tahoe on Smith north of Manning.

The officer contacted the sole occupant of the vehicle, later identified as 30 year old Jose Loya, who was seated in the driver’s seat. Loya was reportedly uncooperative with the officer and refused to provide identification. Loya was ordered out of the vehicle at which time he started to reach towards his waistband area. Fearing that he might be trying to grab a weapon, the officer grabbed Loya and a struggle ensued.

During the struggle, Loya produced a handgun and fired at the officer, missing him. As he attempted to flee into a nearby orchard, Loya again turned towards the officer. The officer then fired more than one round at Loya who escaped into the orchard.

Several deputies and officers assisted in the search for Loya. A short time after 3:00am, the CHP helicopter located Loya hiding near the intersection of Manning & Lac Jac. He was taken into custody without further incident. A check of Loya found that he had not been injured during the incident.

Loya, a resident of Parlier, was subsequently booked into the Fresno County Jail on charges of attempted murder of a peace officer, assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, and weapons related charges including being a felon in possession of a handgun. It was also learned that Loya is a previously deported alien.

Due to the shooting occurring in the county area outside of the City of Parlier, the Sheriff’s Office was called to handle the investigation.

The officer was uninjured during the incident. His identity is not being released at this time.