Location: 1000 block of Citrus Avenue, Lindsay
Incident Date: 4/3/18
Incident Time: 1615 hours
Case Number: 18-04389
Victim: Agricare
City: Lindsay
Posted by: Media Relations
Suspect arrested: Francisco Magana Lemus, 49 years old
On 4/3/18, at 1025 hours, Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 1000 block of Citrus Avenue, in Lindsay, regarding an ongoing theft of lemons. Deputies contacted the employees and were provided with pictures of suspect(s) in the orchard stealing the lemons.
While Deputies were investigating the theft, a vehicle matching the description from the photograph drove by the area. The vehicle was stopped and driver was contacted. The driver, Francisco Magana Lemus, 49, was identified as being a suspect in the orchard stealing the fruit. A search of the vehicle revealed a trunk full of fruit and identified as being stolen.
Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Ag Crimes Unit responded and took over the investigation. Francisco was later arrested for theft of the lemons and possession of the stolen oranges.
Anyone with information regarding the stolen items, the identity of the suspect(s) and/or their possible whereabouts are encouraged to contact Det. J. Armstrong with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Unit, (559) 802-9563 or 24 hours (559) 733-6218, (800) 808-0488, anonymous Tip Now Line: (559) 725-4194, or by email at tcso@tipnow.com.