Location: Avenue 104 and Road 168, Terra Bella

Incident Date: 7/27/16

Incident Time: 1540 hours

Case Number: 16-09475

Victim: Merritt Farms, Cresenciano Corro-Soto, Salvador Manjarrez

City: Terra Bella

Posted by: Media Relations

Grand theft vehicle, ag chemicals

***********UPDATE***************
Almost immediately after posting the information below on social media about found stolen agricultural chemicals, a call was placed to the Sheriff's Office and the owner was identified.
All of his stolen property is being returned.

**********ORIGINAL**************

On 7-27-16, Patrol Deputies out of the Sheriff's Pixley Substation responded to the above described area. Upon arrival, they were advised an unknown Hispanic male was observed in the commission of a vehicle burglary. The suspect fled the area after abandoning the vehicle he was driving. It was found to be stolen from the Earlimart area. Furthermore, several agriculture related items were found contained in the truck. 

Detectives were contacted and assumed the investigation. Evidence was located in and around the crime scene and laboratory resources were called upon to have evidence processed.

At this time, the suspect is still outstanding however leads are being pursued and the investigation is ongoing. Detectives are also attempting to locate the owner(s) of the suspected stolen agriculture chemicals and equipment.     

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective R. Gunderman or Sgt. Mike Yandell with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Ag Crimes Investigations Unit at (559) 735-1898. They can also call 24 hours a day at (559) 733-6218 or anonymously, by accessing the TipNow page at tcso@tipnow.com or (559) 725-4194.