August 15, 2023 - Tulare County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Saturday, August 12, 2023, TCSO Detectives arrested a 17-year-old for an armed carjacking that happened around 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 30, 2023. During the carjacking, the suspect, who was armed with a rifle and pistol, stole a Toyota Tacoma and personal property from the victims, who were parked at Carl Smith Middle School in Terra Bella. The suspect then went to Porterville and robbed a gas station.
During a warrant at his home, Detectives found evidence linking him to the crime, including personal property from the victims.
This was the third time this year the teen has been arrested for Armed Robbery. In February, he was arrested for an armed hold-up at the C&F Market in Terra Bella and had a pistol. In May, the teen was one of three suspects arrested for the Armed Robbery at the Ducor Handi Mart. During that Robbery, the suspects carjacked a customer’s vehicle. Two days later, they attempted another Armed Robbery at Valley Fuel in Plainview, using that carjacked vehicle. They were arrested following a chase that ended in Porterville.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Detective Muller or Sergeant Balderas with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office at (559) 733-6218. Or, they can remain anonymous by calling or texting (559)725-4194 or through email at tcso@tipnow.com.
