Location: 22900 block of Carson Avenue, Exeter

Incident Date: 2/13/17

Incident Time: 0800 hours

Case Number: 17-01829

Victim: The Lindcove Research and Extension Center

City: Exeter

Posted by: Media Relations

******************************UPDATE****************************************

Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Unit, in conjunction with Visalia Police Department Property Crimes Detectives, and California Highway Patrol (TTRAT) Detectives have conducted ongoing investigation in this case. 

On 02/22/17, the Ford F-150 in this case was located and returned to staff at UC Davis. After further investigation the suspect in this case was determined to be Kenneth Johnson of Exeter. On 03/05/17, Johnson led Headquarters Patrol Deputies on a high speed pursuit in and around the Exeter area. 

Johnson was ultimately taken into custody and found to be driving a stolen vehicle. A search of the vehicle incident to arrest revealed multiple items of stolen property within the vehicle, including additional property from the UC Davis Extension Campus.  

Johnson was taken into custody for burglary, and possession of stolen property.

This case remains under investigation. Anyone with more information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Ag Detective Jones at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at 1-800-808-0488 or anonymously at tcso@tipnow.com or by text or voicemail at 559-725-4194.

********************************Original Press Release*****************************

On 02/13/17 at 0800 hours, Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 22900 block of Carson Avenue regarding a commercial burglary. Preliminary investigation revealed suspects had gained entry into numerous buildings / structures on the property.  The value of loss was estimated at approximately $40,000. 

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office Agriculture Crimes Unit were dispatched to the scene and assumed the investigation.