Location: N/B Hwy 99 at Ave 120 Pixley, CA

Incident Date: 12/20/2016

Incident Time: 1500 Hours

Case Number: 16-40151

City: Pixley

Posted by: Media Relations

Suspect: Jose Alberto Cortez MH/ 20 yrs  Delano, Ca.  In custody

On 12/20/16 at approximately 1500 hours Investigators from the Interagency Gang Enforcement Team were northbound on Hwy 99 when they saw a suspicious vehicle and person who was also driving northbound. The suspect vehicle and driver, who was the sole occupant, was stopped for a traffic violation. As the investigators approached the driver who was sitting in the driver’s side of the vehicle, they saw the sawed off butt stock of a short barreled rifle/ shotgun sitting along the right leg of the driver. The driver was attempting to conceal the illegal weapon with his right leg.  The driver, who later identified as Jose Cortez from Delano, was safely taken into custody without incident and the illegal weapon was seized. It was found to be a short barreled 12 gauge shotgun which was loaded with a round in the chamber and three in the magazine tube. The suspect was found to be a northern gang member as well with gang indicia on his person and in his vehicle.

The suspect was transported and booked at the APTF on the listed charges. Booking photo available through the Main Jail.

The Interagency Gang Enforcement Team (IGET) is made up of Gang Investigators from the Exeter and Famersville Police Departments and the Tulare County Sheriff's Office. The IGET is funded by the Edward Byrnes Justice Assistance Grant.

This case is currently under investigation by the Interagency Gang Enforcement Team (IGET). Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Det. Antonio Nieto or Det. Daniel Villalobos at (559)735-1898 or (800) 808-0488.

Anonymous information about this incident 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.