Sheriff’s detectives assigned to the Property Crimes Unit have arrested 35 year old Joe Ramos Florez of Dinuba.
He faces charges of burglary, possession of stolen property and drug possession. His bail was set at $15,000. He has since bonded out of jail.
During the early morning hours of August 2nd, a burglary occurred at the future site of Clovis South High School located near Clinton and Leonard Avenues.
On this same day, prior to a crime report being filed, a sheriff’s deputy attempted to make a traffic stop on a stolen red Chevrolet pickup truck near Manning and Englehart Avenues in Reedley. The man driving came to a stop, jumped out of the truck and ran away into an orchard. Assisting deputies were unable to find him. Deputies inspected the truck and discovered a variety of power tools in its bed, which had a total value of $25,000. The property was stored in evidence. The truck was returned to its owner.
A short time later, a contractor working at the Clovis South High School site reported to the Sheriff’s Office that a storage container had been broken into a majority of their tools were missing. Detectives determined the recovered tools belonged to this contractor and were returned.
Detectives followed leads and were able to identify Joe Ramos Florez as the driver who fled and the person responsible for the theft. Several search warrants were served and detectives arrested Ramos Florez.
Detectives also linked this suspect to a burglary at Clovis East High School, a burglary at Lemoore High School and an attempted burglary at Fowler High School.
This remains an ongoing investigation. Detectives believe Ramos Florez was working with other people to commit these thefts. If you have information about anyone involved, please contact Detective Leonard Romero at (559) 600-8711. Tips may also be submitted to Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or online at www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Reference case #26-9006.
