January 2, 2023 - The Tulare County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) reports on December 24th, TCSO Deputies were called to the Earlimart Neighborhood Park for a report of an assault.

When they arrived, they learned the victim had been at the park and was approached by two men. The men yelled out gang slurs, hit the victim with a gun and stole his cell phone.

On December 30th, T.A.G.N.E.T. Detectives continued the investigation identified 18-year-old Francisco Ontiveros and a 16-year-old boy as the suspects in the assault and robbery. Detectives found Ontiveros in Earlimart and took him into custody without incident.

On December 31st, T.A.G.N.E.T. Detectives tracked the 16-year-old to a home in Wasco and took him into custody without incident.

Ontiveros was booked at the Tulare County South County Detention Facility and the juvenile was booked at the Tulare County Juvenile Detention Facility. Both are being charged with robbery and gang enhancement.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to contact Detective Randy Hoppert or Sgt. Chad Bruce at (559) 733-6218. Or, they can remain anonymous by calling or texting (559)725-4194 or through email at tcso@tipnow.com.