May 28, 2024 – Tulare County Sheriff’s Office officials report that at round 1:15 p.m. on Monday, TCSO Deputies were called to the 8-10 Market in the 200 Block of S. Legget, in Porterville for a robbery.

When the Deputies arrived, the clerk said two teen boys walked into the store and tried to steal two cases of beer. The store owner and his son followed the suspects into the parking lot and tried to take the beer back. During the confrontation, the 15-year-old suspect pulled out a folding knife and tried to stab the owner. After the assault, the owner and his son ran off and called the Sheriff’s Office. Luckily, no one was hurt.

Minutes later, Deputies saw the truck associated with the theft in the 400 Block of South Park. As the Deputy approached, the two boys tried to run off, but were caught. Deputies took 18-year-old old Johnny Garcia and a 15-year-old boy into custody.

The two cases of beer were recovered and will be returned.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at 559-733-6218.

Source & photo: Tulare County Sheriff’s Office