Location: 15600 block of Beechwood Ave, Ivanhoe

Incident Date: 2-12-21

Incident Time: 0830

City: Ivanhoe

Posted by: Media Relations

Over the past month, Tulare County Sheriff’s Office TAGNET Detectives have been investigating 63-year-old Samuel Hernandez of Ivanhoe for having illegal guns, gun suppressors and ammunition. Hernandez is a previously convicted felon.

Around 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Detectives served a warrant at Hernandez' home in the 15600 block of Beechwood Ave in Ivanhoe. There, they found Hernandez and 61-year-old Dewie Utsler.  At the home, Detectives found ammunition and several guns, one of which had previously been reported as stolen. Detectives also found meth in Utsler's car. Utsler also had several outstanding misdemeanor warrants in Tulare County. Both Hernandez and Utsler were taken into custody.

Hernandez faces charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, being a felon in possession of ammunition, receiving stolen property, possession of a silencer and possession of meth. Utsler faces charges of possession of meth.

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office is committed to creating safe and secure communities for the citizens of Tulare County, free of violent crime and gang activity.  Anyone with additional information to the this crime or who wishes to provide information about gang activity is encouraged to call the Tulare County Sheriff's Office at (559)733-6218. Or send anonymous information by text or email to TCSO@tipnow.com or call 1-800-TIPNOW.