9/22/15 - The Coroner’s Office has identified the man killed during Monday’s marijuana robbery attempt. He is Tomás Juarez, 32, of Parlier. A cause of death is still pending.
Juarez has an extensive criminal history. Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies are familiar with Juarez being an active gang member who went by a street name of “Diablo.”
Detectives have made three arrests in this case. None are being charged with homicide at this time. This remains an ongoing investigation.
9/21/15 - At 8:45 Monday morning, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a robbery in progress at a piece of property located on the 46900 block of Buck Canyon Road in Miramonte.
A resident of the property reported seeing a group of people trying to steal marijuana plants growing on the land. A confrontation ensued between the suspects and the residents. During the disturbance, multiple gun shots were fired, but it’s unknown exactly by whom. Someone in the group then got behind the wheel of a pickup and struck a man with the vehicle. The man later died at the scene.
Deputies received information about other vehicles and people leaving the area that might be connected to the robbery. A deputy stopped one car and detained the woman inside for further questioning. Deputies stopped two men walking in the area of the Miramonte Post Office and they too were detained for questioning.
Homicide detectives and members of the Crime Scene Unit were dispatched to the scene to collect evidence and interview all of the people believed to be involved in the case. Detectives have a total of seven people detained. Through the interview process, they hope to determine who are the victims and who are the suspects. It is believed that two suspects are still outstanding. They were able to drive away during the confrontation.
The Coroner’s Office will identify the man who died and determine his cause of death at a later time.
The marijuana garden on the property is estimated to contain about 200 mature plants.
Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (559) 600-3111 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867).
Fresno County enforces a strict ban on all cannabis cultivation, both indoors and outdoors. Violation of the ordinance could result in several consequences:
- Growers can be arrested on a felony charge.
- Growers can face heavy fines starting at $1,000 per plant.
- Property owners, including family members, can be fined too.
- Very short timelines to appeal citations and fines.
- Prop. 215/SB 420 compliance will not stop enforcement.
- Additional fines, interest, legal fees and costs of abatement can be charged.
- County can place lien on property for unpaid fines.
The Sheriff’s Office takes all tips seriously and encourages the public to report suspected marijuana grow sites. If you are aware of any type of illegal drug activity, report it anonymously by calling the Narcotics Hotline at 1-800-660-1086 or Email:
