Location: 5300 BLOCK OF AVE 304, VISALIA

Incident Date: 02-01-2019

Incident Time: 0900-1030

Case Number: 19-1378

Posted by: Dispatch/Media Relations

Visalia Man Arrested for Shooting at Crop Duster

On Saturday, February 2nd, 2019, Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Ag Crimes Unit were called to a local Agriculture Aviation Spraying Business for the report of a Crop Duster being struck by a bullet while in flight.

Detectives identified 55-year-old Roy Vander Velde as the suspect at a home in the 5300 block of Ave 304 in Visalia. Detectives contacted witnesses who confirmed Van Velde made threats to shoot down the plane.

On Tuesday, February 5th, 2019, at 11 a.m., TCSO Detectives served a search warrant at Van Velde’s home. Through investigation, Detectives obtained statements and evidence which resulted in Van Velde’s arrest. He was booked at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Pre-Trial Facility on charges of attempt homicide, special allegation of negligent discharge of a firearm and shooting at an occupied aircraft. He is is currently being held on a $500,000 bail. 

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact 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.