Location: Rd. 232 / Ave. 196, Strathmore

Incident Date: 08-30-15

Incident Time: 1835

Case Number: 15-40058

Victim: State of California

Posted by: Media Relations

Suspects in Custody: 

Suspect #1: Peter Lopez  18 yrs.

Address: Lindsay, Ca

Suspect#2: Omar Ibarra 24 yrs.

Address: Lindsay, Ca

Suspect#3: Alejandro Bedolla  18 yrs.

Address: Lindsay, Ca

Suspect#4: Male  Juvenile  17 yrs.

Address: Strathmore, Ca

Suspect#5: Male  Juvenile  17 hrs.

Address: Strathmore, Ca. 

On 8-30-15 at approx. 1835 hours, Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office  Gang Violence Suppression Unit initiated a traffic stop  in the area of Rd. 232 and Ave. 196 in Strathmore, regarding a traffic violation. The suspect vehicle, a black Chevrolet Malibu failed to stop and a vehicle pursuit ensued.  The pursuit continued through the outskirts of Strathmore and ended in an orange orchard.  Five suspects exited the vehicle and ran into the groves.  Detectives along with the assistance of Patrol Deputies set up a perimeter and utilized a TCSO  K-9 to search.  Subsequently all five above listed suspects were located at or near the scene.  The driver of the pursued vehicle was taken into custody with the assistance of the K-9 and later learned to be a 17 year old juvenile.  The Juvenile suspect was treated by medical staff prior to booking.  Further investigation revealed the five suspects had just left the scene of a stolen vehicle in the orchard where first spotted by the Detective.  All suspects were subsequently arrested and booked for above the listed charges.  

Suspect#1 (Peter Lopez), also had an outstanding Felony warrant for his arrest for (Possession of stolen vehicle, vandalism, arson, grand theft, battery and resisting arrest).  

This case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Gang Violence Suppression Unit.  Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Luis Carrillo or Sergeant Steve Sanchez at (559)733-6218 or (800) 808-0488.

Anonymous information about crimes in Tulare County areas 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.