Location: Boyd Drive and Hwy 245, Badger

Incident Date: 02/05/2016

Incident Time: 9:00 a.m.

Case Number: 16-01539

City: Badger

Posted by: Dispatch

On 02/15/16 at 0901 hours, deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department responded to a location on Boyd Drive near State Route 245 in Badger regarding a suspicious circumstance.

Upon arrival, the driver of what was later determined to be a stolen red Honda, fled with two passengers while being contacted by TCSO personnel.  The driver continued to flee from deputies until he made a wrong turn and ended up sliding into a nearby orange orchard.  All occupants of the vehicle were detained.  Further investigation revealed the driver had possibly stolen the vehicle and was in possession of heroin and marijuana, along with a toy revolver and several ski masks.  It is believed the driver was planning some type of robbery prior to being contacted by deputies.  Female passenger released, male passenger detained for being under the influence.  Driver arrested.  Vehicle recovered estimated at $24,000.

Suspect 1:  Randell George (40)  Booked for: VC10851, 2800.2, HS11357(c), HS11350

Suspect 2:  Keith Betancur (36)  Booked for:  HS11550

Detectives from the North End Property Division were called out to the scene and took over the investigation.

This case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s North End Property Division.  Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective G. Burns at (559) 733-6218 or (800) 808-0488.

Anonymous information about this crime can be reported via Tipnow email tcso@tipnow.net, text or leave a voicemail at 559-725-4194 or download the Tipnow app for Android or Apple phones.