Location: Sierra Ave/Dove Rd, Earlimart

Incident Date: 10-31-2015

Incident Time: 1000

Case Number: 15-13674

Victim: Confidential

City: Earlimart

Posted by: Media Relations

Suspects in Custody:

Suspect #1: Francisco Margarito  Age: 22 years

Address: Earlimart, Ca.

Suspect#2:  Leonardo Margarito  Age: 20 years

Address: Earlimart, Ca.

 On 10-31-15 at approx. 1000 hrs., Deputies assigned to the Pixley Substation responded to the above location in Earlimart regarding shots fired.  Upon arrival Deputies contacted the (V), who reported he was shot at by (2) males driving a truck in the area of Sierra Ave and Dove St.  The (V) stated he was then chased by one of the suspects in the residential area nearby.  The suspect was armed with a firearm and chased him through several properties.  The (V) was able to evade the (S) and reported the incident.  The (V) did not report any injuries. 

Detectives with the Gang Violence Suppression Unit assumed the case and were able to identify the suspects involved.  Investigators authored a search warrant for the (S) residence and served it shortly after 1730 hrs.  As a result of the search warrant, and evidence at the scene, both suspects were contacted and taken into custody.  Both suspects were charged with PC-664/187 (Attempted Homicide) and PC-186.22 (Gang Crime) as they are known active Northern gang members from the Earlimart area.     

This case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Gang Violence Suppression Unit.  Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Miguel Franco or Sgt. Steve Sanchez at (559)733-6218 or (800) 808-0488.

Anonymous information about crimes in Tulare County areas can be reported via Tipnow email tcso@tipnow.net   txt or voicemail at 559-725-4194 or (800) END-GANG

or download the Tipnow app for Android or Apple phones.