Location: Market & Sutter, Earlimart

Incident Date: 07-16-16

Incident Time: 1900 hours

Case Number: 16-80060

City: Earlimart

Posted by: Dispatch

Felon in Possession of a firearm/ Possession of Stolen Property

Suspect #1: Nicholas Martin Chavez   MH/ 21 yrs   Delano, Ca.

            Charges: 140601 CVC/ 23103 CVC/ 25850(c) (2) PC/ 496 PC/ 186.22 PV

            Suspect #2: Edwin Sandoval              MH/ 19 yrs     Corcoran, Ca.

            Charges: 29800(a) (1) PC / 25850(c) (2) PC/ 496 PC/ 186.22 PV

 

            On 07/16/16 at approximately 1900 hours, investigators from the Sheriff’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit noted a vehicle driving recklessly in the area of Sierra and Front Street, Earlimart. The investigators attempted a traffic stop and the vehicle fled, failing to stop for the red lights and siren on the investigators' marked TCSO patrol vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle suddenly stopped his car at Market and Sutter. The ensuing investigation determined that the occupants tossed out a loaded .45 caliber pistol which was located by the investigators.

The driver of the car, Nicholas Chavez, was driving on a suspended license and driving recklessly as well. The passenger, Edwin Sandoval, is a previously convicted felon. It was further determined that the pistol was reported stolen. Both suspects admitted to being Northern Gang Members.

            Both suspects were arrested for Possession of a stolen firearm in public, Possession of stolen property and Criminal Street Gang enhancements. Sandoval was charged with the additional charge of Felon in possession of a firearm. Both suspects booked at the APTF without incident on the listed charges.

The case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit and no other information is being released at this time. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Det. Kyle Kalender at (559) 735-1898 or (800) 808-0488. Booking photos available through the Main Jail.

 

Anonymous information about this incident can be reported via Tipnow

email tcso@tipnow.net

text or voicemail at 559-725-4194 or (800) END-GANG

or download the Tipnow app for Android or Apple phones.