Location: 19640 Orange Belt
Incident Date: 8-25-15
Incident Time: 1400
Case Number: 15-10666
Victim: Best Deals Thrift Store
City: Strathmore
Posted by: Media Relations
***UPDATE***
Suspects In Custody:
Jose Luis Barrientos Age: 28
Address: Porterville Area
Charges: PC-211 (Robbery), PC-148 (Obstructing / Delaying)
Andrea Michelle Jimenez Age: 41
Address: Porterville Area
Charges: (Warrants) CVC:2800.2 Bail: $25,000; PC-484(a) Bail: $25,000; HS-11550 Bail: $50,000
On 8-25-15, Tulare County Sheriff’s Department South County Property Detectives were called to the Strathmore area to investigate an armed robbery. Upon arrival Detectives contacted the store owner, who advised a Hispanic male entered the store and purchased items. During the transaction the suspect brandished a handgun and demanded money from the cash register. The suspect fled the area on foot with an undetermined amount of money. There were no reported injuries as a result of the armed robbery.
Detective J. Pipkin was able to identify the suspect as Jose Luis Barrientos and a Warrant for PC-211 (Robbery) was issued for his arrest on 9-15-2015.
On 10-24-15 at approx. 1700 hrs. Detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Gang Violence Suppression Unit (G.V.S.U.), and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation- Special Services Unit received information that Suspect Jose Barrientos was currently at the Marco Polo Motel in Visalia. Investigators responded to the location and observed Barrientos and a female later identified as Andrea Michelle Jimenez entering the Motel room #140. Attempts were made to have Barrientos exit the Motel room by making calls into to the room. Barrientos initially refused to exit and a stand-off began for approx. 20 minutes. Visalia Police Department’s Gang Suppression Unit responded to assist. Investigators continued to negotiate with Barrientos over the phone and he decided to give up and exit the room. Barrientos was taken into custody without further incident. Andrea also exited the room and was also taken into custody for three Misdemeanor warrants listed above.
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 Miguel Franco or Sgt. 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.