Press Release

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims today announced that a dedication of roadway honoring slain Deputy Sheriff Joshua C. Lancaster will take place this Friday, May 29 at 10:00am. Deputy Lancaster was killed in a traffic accident on May 29, 2003, in southeast Fresno County.

District 5 Supervisor Debbie Poochigian sponsored the county resolution to name a portion of Friant Rd. between Willow Ave. and Lost Lake Park, the Deputy Sheriff Joshua C. Lancaster Memorial Freeway. The resolution was unanimously passed last week by the Board of Supervisors.

The dedication will take place on Friant Rd. just south of the entrance to Lost lake Park. Sheriff Mims will be present at the event along with Supervisor Poochigian, and family members of Deputy Lancaster.

Following the dedication, refreshments will be provided by the Fresno Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the Fresno Sheriffs Sergeant’s Association, and the Central Valley Chapter of C.O.P.S. (Concerns For Police Survivors).

For information, please contact PIO. Deputy Chris Curtice.

Luis Bernabe, 20 YOA

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims today announced the arrest of a Fresno man in connection with the sexual assault of a 13 year old Kings County girl. Arrested was 20 year old Luis Bernabe.

The incident occurred last night when deputies responded to Bernabe’s residence located in the 1000 block of N Valentine Ave regarding an assist to the Kings County Sheriff’s Office. The 13 year old, from Kettleman City, had been reported as a runaway.

When deputies arrived at the residence, they located the victim inside the home with all of her belongings. Bernabe was found a short time later hiding in another bedroom. During the investigation, it was learned that Bernabe had sexually assaulted the juvenile and detectives were called to respond.

During the ensuing investigation, detectives learned that Bernabe and the victim had met on MySpace several months ago. They continued their MySpace relationship until early yesterday morning when Bernabe drove to Kings County and picked up the 13 year old.

After reporting her missing, the victim’s mother located Bernabe’s name and address on a piece of paper in her daughter’s room. She then drove to Fresno where she contacted the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office for help.

Bernabe was arrested and later booked into the Fresno County Jail on sexual assault charges.

Sheriff Mims would like to advise parents that they can get more information on social networking and internet safety by visiting the Fresno Internet Crimes Against Children task Force website at www.fresnoicac.org.

Fresno County Sheriff’s homicide investigators are asking for the publics help in identifying the persons responsible for a shooting that occurred early this morning. The incident left one man dead.

Shortly after 1:00am, deputies responded to a residence on S. Cherry Ave regarding a noise nuisance call. While there, deputies became aware of a large party taking place on the property and several people leaving. Several of the party goers advised deputies that someone had been shot inside a barn on the property. When deputies responded to the barn, they discovered a Hispanic male adult who had been the victim of a shooting. Emergency medical personnel responded and transported the victim to Community Regional Medical Center. The 21 year old victim, a resident of Selma, later died as a result of his injuries.

The identity of the victim is not being released at this time.

With the assistance of Fresno PD officers, deputies interviewed several people at the scene of the party and learned that the shooting was possibly gang related.

The investigation revealed that the party was a “My Space” party, and that 200-300 people had been in attendance. The party, equipped with a DJ and 5 kegs of beer, had been publicized via text messages and people traveled from all over the state to attend. Several of the attendees were juveniles as young as 13 years old who had been drinking. Parents of the juveniles had to be contacted by the Sheriff’s Office, several of whom had no idea where there children were.

The Sheriff’s Office wants to advise parents that “My Space” parties are increasing and often take place at vacant or abandoned residences. Many times street gang members are present, there is underage drinking, and the party ends in violence.

Over the past several months, the Sheriff’s Office has investigated several “My Space” parties that ended in shootings. On one occasion, four persons were shot, one of whom died as a result of his injuries. On another occasion, a subject was shot and paralyzed as a result.

Although detectives have received several leads, they are asking anyone who was present at the party to please contact Detective Sergio Toscano at 448-6358, or the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office at 488-3111.

Fresno County Sheriff Sexual assault detectives have submitted a complaint to the District Attorney’s Office on a 16 year old mother whose 15 month old son ingested a large amount of methamphetamine.

The incident occurred on the evening of May 6th at a home located in the 700 block of 3rd St in the City of Orange Cove.

On that evening, the mother noticed that the child was chewing on a small plastic baggie. When she retrieved the baggie from the toddler’s mouth, she found it to contain meth. A short time later, the toddler became very agitated and started crying uncontrollably. The mother then took the toddler to Sierra Kings Hospital in Reedley. The mother failed to advise the hospital staff that the toddler may had ingested meth. Hospital staff diagnosed the toddler as having flu like symptoms and released him back to the care of his mother.

The following morning, the toddler had not gotten any better and the mother, along with other family members decided to take him to Kaweah Delta Hospital in Visalia. The mother again failed to tell hospital staff of the toddler’s meth ingestion. Hospital staff was able to determine that the toddler had in fact ingested meth through blood tests. Hospital staff advised that, as a result of the ingestion, the child may have sustained some permanent health issues.

While at the hospital, the child was placed with Child Protective Services.

During their subsequent investigation, detectives discovered that a family member may have left the meth in plain view for the toddler to grab.

No arrests have been made as of this time. However, the investigation is continuing.

Stanley Sanders

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims today announced the arrest of a 19 year old Fresno man in connection with a shooting incident this past Saturday. Arrested was Stanley Sanders.

Shortly after 1:30 am, deputies responded to a residence located in the 4000 block of E Weldon Ave regarding a disturbance call with shots fired.

Upon their arrival, deputies learned that a large party had been taking place at the residence when a fight broke out in the front yard between a partygoer and another female who arrived in a burgundy colored Honda Accord. During the fight, Sanders got out of the Honda armed with a large caliber handgun. He fired several rounds into the air before putting the gun to the head of the partygoer involved in the fight and threatening to kill her. After a short time, Sanders and the other female got back in the Honda and drove out of the area.

While en route to the call, a deputy observed the Honda driving westbound on Freeway 180 at 85-90 mph. The deputy started after the vehicle and eventually pulled it over in the area of Olive & Hughes.

Sanders, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was positively identified as the person who had earlier fired the handgun and threatened the partygoer at the Weldon address. He was later booked into the Fresno County Jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, terrorists threats, and negligently discharging a firearm.

Brandon Thomas Story, 22 years of age

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims today announced the arrest of a Friant man in connection with the assault and battery of two women and one female teenager. Arrested was 22 year old Brandon Thomas Story.

This past Saturday, shortly after 4:30pm, deputies responded to the area of Sky Harbor Rd near Millerton Lake regarding a 911 call. While en route to the call, deputies were getting updates regarding a male subject that had assaulted the three victims and was possibly still in the area.

Upon their arrival, deputies learned that the victims had spent the day at the lake during which time Story had walked up and started talking with them. After a few hours of talking and sharing food, Story asked if he could get a ride home. The victims agreed and all got into their car and started home.

After driving a short distance, Story, who was seated in the back with the 15 year old victim, grabbed her around the neck and put a knife to her throat. The teenager immediately started to fight back during which time the other victims stopped the car and assist their friend. The teenager was able to break free of Story and get out of the car. The other two victims were also able to get out of the car. Story then got out of the car and ran into the nearby woods. The victims drove back to the day use area where they had spent the day and called 911.

The victims were able to provide deputies with a good description of Story and it was broadcast to all assisting deputies.

While canvassing homes in the area, deputies located Story who lived at a residence on Sky Harbor Rd. He was later positively identified as the suspect in the assault.

During the ensuing investigation, detectives learned that Story had been stalking the three victims earlier in the day and had fully intended to rape them. He was later booked into the Fresno County Jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and assault with the intent to commit rape.

Of the three victims, only the 15 year old sustained a cut to her hand while fighting off Story. The injury did not require medical assistance.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, along with other valley law enforcement agencies, will be on hand at the Fresno Grizzlies game this coming Saturday night to support Cops for Kids with Special Needs. The event starts at 5:30pm, before the Grizzlies baseball game.

Proceeds derived from this event will benefit special needs children through Cops for Kids, and at risk youth through the Fresno Sheriff’s Foundation for Public Safety.

Throughout the stadium, several law enforcement vehicles including patrol vehicles, SWAT vehicles, trucks, snow cats, boats, and off road dirt bikes will be on display. In addition mounted officers and canines will also be on hand with other law enforcement personnel.

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims will throw out the first pitch before the baseball game begins. Department members from CHP, Fresno PD, Madera SO, and Fresno Fire will also be on hand.

Fans can also try to see how well State Assemblyman Mike Villines can swim as he has made himself available to be in a dunk tank from 5:45pm to 6:30pm.

There will also be a silent auction with several items to bid on including an autographed Ladanian Tomlinson Chargers jersey, an autographed Fresno State World Series poster, and a day of SWAT training with the Fresno County Sheriff’s SWAT team.

For further information, contact PIO, Deputy Chris Curtice at 488-2699, or Ted Janusse at 355-1844.

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims today announced the arrest of a Mendota man in connection with stealing jail clothing upon his release from jail. Arrested was 20 year old Israel Ramirez Jr.

This past Thursday, shortly before 1:00pm, Ramirez was stopped by deputies for traffic violations while riding his bicycle near the intersection of Eleventh St & Oller, after almost causing an accident.

During the investigation, deputies noticed that Ramirez was wearing a white colored T-shirt with the word “Prisoner” printed on the back. Recognizing the shirt as one issued to inmates upon their being booked into jail, deputies dug a little further and discovered that Ramirez had been booked into the jail on April 26th on charges of child abuse and possession of marijuana. When he was being release three days later, he concealed the jail T-shirt under his clothing.

As a result, Ramirez was arrested on charges of possession of stolen property and booked into the Fresno County Jail… where he was issued a new set of jail clothing… including a T-shirt.

Michael Simpson, 30 yoa

Fresno County Sheriff homicide detectives are requesting the publics help regarding a murder investigation that began last Friday afternoon.

At approximately 3:45 pm, deputies responded to the area of Shields & Bishop regarding a possible injured person call. Arriving deputies discovered a person seated inside a car who was the obvious victim of homicide. The manner in which he was killed is not being released at this time.

The victim has been positively identified as 30 year old Michael Simpson of Fresno.

Simpson was found inside his vehicle described as a teal green colored 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe. The vehicle has thin purple pinstripe designs painted on the sides, rear side and back tinted windows, wide tires, chrome wheels, and the word “Planet audio” on the side-rear windows, and “Dynamite” on the rear window.

Detectives are seeking information about why Simpson would be in the area where he was found and have learned that this location is out of character for him to frequent.

Detectives are trying to learn Simpson’s actions just prior to the homicide. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Detective Mark Chapman at 488-6754, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office at 488-3111, or Crime Stoppers 498-STOP(7867).

Sheriff’s canine ‘Gevin’ assisted Reedley PD officers in locating and arresting a hit & run suspect this past Saturday morning.

A short time before 1:00am, Reedley PD officers became involved in a vehicle pursuit inside the city limits of Reedley. During the pursuit, the driver, later identified as Fidencio Flores Padilla, crashed his 1988 Honda into the Taco Bell sign located at the intersection of Manning and Buttonwillow. After the crash, Padilla got out of the car and ran into a nearby field Reedley PD officers lost sight of Padilla and requested the Sheriff’s Canine to assist.

Canine Gevin, who was recently brought on to the Sheriff’s Office and graduated Canine school this past March, immediately alerted on the driver and tracked him to a nearby packing shed facility. After an approximately 10 minute search, Gevin located Padilla hiding under a flatbed trailer. Padilla came out from hiding after being ordered to do so by deputies. He was taken into custody without further incident, and without further urging by Gevin.

Gevin is one of four new German Shepherds the were recently obtained by the Sheriff’s Office. He was also recently certified by the North America Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA), as an explosive detection dog.