Kings County Sheriff's Office

Happy Easter from the KCSO family to yours.

KCSO HOMICIDE PRESS RELEASE: On Friday, 04/02/2021, at approximately 2145 hours, Deputies where dispatched to the 200 Block of Fifth Street in Kettleman City for a medical emergency. When Deputies arrived, they located a deceased male with multiply gunshot wounds, laying next to a vacant lot. The Kings County Detective Unit responded and took over the investigation. If any one has information regarding this incident, please contact the Kings County Sheriff’s Office or Detective M. Soto at 559-582-3211 ext 2804. This investigation is on going and information is limited at this time. As information becomes available updates will be provided.

KCSO PRESS RELEASE: On Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at approximately 0800 hours a Kings County Deputy Sheriff was patrolling the area of Jackson Avenue and 17th Avenue in rural Kings County. The Deputy spotted a black male adult standing near a black SUV parked at an abandoned barn which the Deputy found suspicious. Before the Deputy was able to turn around to check on the subject, the SUV sped away at a high rate of speed and into a nearby orchard. Despite checking the surroundi...Continue reading

KCSO sends its condolences to the Bolder Police Department and to all of those affected by the senseless violence that took place in Colorado.

KCSO PRESS RELEASE: On Saturday, March 20, 2021, Kings County Sheriff’s Office Deputies with the assistance of Agents from the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) conducted a minor decoy operation in Kings County. The minor decoy program uses supervised individuals under the age of 20 who attempt to purchase alcohol at licensed premises. Any sale of alcohol to a minor decoy may result in criminal and administrative sanctions for the employee and license...e. KCSO Deputies, ABC Agents and decoys visited 21 retail establishments within the Kings County. Seventeen of the establishments did a commendable job and used proper protocol as the minor decoy was denied alcohol at each location. Violations were obtained at four of the locations and the employee was issued a citation for selling alcohol to a minor. The following locations sold alcohol to a minor decoy: CVS Pharmacy; 574 W. Lacey Boulevard, Hanford Kwik Break; 19520 Grangeville Boulevard, Lemoore Grangeville Market; 14020 Grangeville Boulevard, Hanford Eagle Feather Trading Post #2; 40103 CA-33, Avenal The minor decoy program has proven to be an effective tool in promoting responsible practices in the sales of alcoholic beverages by licensees, reducing substance abuse and enhancing community welfare by limiting underage access to alcohol. This project is part of the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control’s Alcohol Policing Partnership Program.

KCSO PRESS RELEASE: On Monday, March 22, 2021 at approximately 0844 hours, a Kings County Deputy Sheriff was patrolling in the area of 18th Avenue and Idaho Avenue south of Lemoore. The Deputy spotted a red, Toyota passenger vehicle driving south on 18th Avenue at a high rate of speed. The Deputy conducted a traffic stop on the Toyota and contacted the driver who identified himself as Trevor Mitchell. It was discovered that Trevor was on CDC Parole and had four active warrant...s out of Kings County for his arrest. The warrants were for failure to appear on a felony charge, controlled substance for sale, possession of paraphernalia and possession of personal identification with intent to defraud with a combined bail of $220,000. Just prior to being arrested for the active warrants, Trevor informed the Deputy he had Methamphetamine and a firearm next to him in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted and a small amount of Methamphetamine, a black Taurus 9mm handgun and a magazine with eleven 9mm rounds inserted. The handgun was determined to have been stolen from Central Point, Oregon. Trevor had two prior felony convictions for burglary and is not permitted to possess a firearm. Trevor was also determined to be under the influence of Methamphetamine and Opiates. Trevor was book into Kings County Jail on the active warrants, being an ex-felon in possession of a firearm, ex-felon in possession of ammunition, under the influence while in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance and a parole violation. His bail was set at $265,000 and he was issued a citation and released.

KCSO would like to welcome Kings County Detentions Deputy Crystal Camarena to the Sheriff’s Office family. Congratulations Detentions Deputy Camarena on your swearing in. We wish you a long and healthy career!

KCSO PRESS RELEASE: On 01/25/2021 a Kings County Sheriff’s Office Detective assigned as a Special Deputy U.S. Marshall attached to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Fresno Office, was advised David Huff had sent an e-mail containing child pornography. Over the course of the investigation it was determined David Huff sent a work email to approximately ten employees which contained several document attachments. Also attached to the email was one image which depicted... child pornography. A Search Warrant was written for David Huff’s residence to seize all electronics and data storage devices. The warrant was reviewed and authorized by the Kings County Superior Courts. On 03/10/2021 KCSO Detectives, with the assistance of Officers from the Lemoore Police Department, served the warrant at David Huff’s residence. During the search of the residence, several laptop computers and cell phones were seized as evidence. David Huff was also arrested for PC 311.11(a); Possession of Child Pornography. The case is currently under investigation and the items seized will be forensically extracted for data.

Good afternoon, Sheriff Robinson is pleased to announce the promotion of Bria Kennedy to Senior Detentions Deputy. Bria has been with the Sheriff’s Office and served in the Kings County Jail since 2017. Please join Sheriff Robinson in congratulating Bria on her well-deserved promotion.

KCSO PRESS RELEASE: On Sunday, December 6, 2020, at about 0154 hours, Deputies responded to the area of Highway 43 and Orange Ave, near the City of Corcoran, regarding a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, Deputies located a male with two gunshot wounds to the front torso. The victim was transported to Adventist Medical Center in Hanford where he succumbed to his injuries. Witnesses on scene described the suspect as a Hispanic Male Adult, 5 foot 11 inches, 190 pounds with short ...black hair. The suspect was last seen wearing a black and white shirt with a long sleeve black shirt underneath it. He was wearing a black bandana covering his face. Following the shooting the suspect got into a dark colored sedan, possibly 2005 to 2007 model year and left the scene Northbound from Orange Avenue on Highway 43. The case was turned over to the KCSO Detectives Unit. During the investigation, Detectives learned two people were responsible. They were identified as 29 year old Jose Verduzco, and 29 year old Michael Gonzalez. Jose Verduzco is currently in custody at the Fresno County Jail for two separate homicides. Michael was taken into custody at his residence in Fresno without incident. Anyone with additional information about the suspects in this case are asked to please contact Detective Tyler Haener at (559) 852-2818 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

KCSO PRESS RELEASE: On Monday, February 22, 2021, at approximately 1150 hours, a Kings County School Resource Deputy was contacted by school staff members regarding a disclosure from a student of a possible sexual assault occurring in the 10000 block of 1 1/2 Avenue. After the staff member explained what the juvenile disclosed, the investigation was turned over to the Kings County Sheriff's Detectives Unit. Detectives spoke with the victim who disclosed multiple incidents of Felix Montes Carrillo sexually abusing her over the past seven years. Detectives located Montes and arrested him for various sexual assault charges on a child. Montes was booked into the Kings County Jail and his bail was set at $275,000.

KCSO PRESS RELEASE: On Monday, February 8, 2021 at approximately 0800 hours, deputies were dispatched to the Yokut Gas station located at 17051 Jersey Avenue in Lemoore. Surveillance video captured a male getting into a vehicle with a bag of what appeared to be Methamphetamine. Once deputies arrived they contacted a man standing in front of the vehicle who was identified as Edward Rojas the registered owner. Edward told deputies his friend named Ruben Marez was in the back ...seat of the vehicle and possibly sleeping. Deputies contacted Ruben who matched the description of the male caught on surveillance video. Deputies saw Ruben shove his hands between the seats just before he exited the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, deputies located a twenty dollar bill and two bags of Methamphetamine between the seats where Ruben had shoved his hands. They also discovered a scale inside a backpack belonging to Ruben. The bags of Methamphetamine weighed 7.8 grams and 12.6 grams for a grand total of 20.4 grams. Ruben admitted the twenty dollar bill belong to him but denied knowing anything about the illegal drugs. The amount of Methamphetamine was determined to be more than the amount for normal personal use and Ruben was arrested for possession of Methamphetamine for sales. Edward was determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance and was also arrested. Both subjects were transported to the Kings County Jail and booked. Edward was booked into jail for being under the influence. Ruben was booked into jail for possession of a controlled substance for sales and transportation of a controlled substance. Both subjects were issued citations and released from custody.

Sheriff Robinson is pleased to announce the promotions of Skyler Vang and Ryan Anderson to Senior Detentions Deputies. Skyler has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 2013 and Ryan has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 2014. Please join Sheriff Robinson in congratulating them both on their well-deserved promotions....

This week Sheriff Robinson swore in two new KCSO Detentions Deputies. Sonia Alvarez and Korin Gray will start their careers inside the walls of the Kings County Jail! Congratulations to both of them and we pray they each have a long and healthy career in Kings County.

KCSO PRESS RELEASE: On Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at approximately 1920 hours, Deputies were dispatched to a domestic disturbance call in the 6000 block of 16th Ave. The victim reported the suspect, Reynaldo Guillen assaulted her and her child. The victim was out of breath with Kings County Dispatch and Dispatch could hear a child screaming in the background. The victim said Guillen was out of control and had pushed her, threw a plate at her and was trying to choke the victim’s... 16 year old daughter. Guillen also pointed a hand gun at the victim and threatened to kill her. Younger children in the residence tried to divert Guillen’s attention to them and away from their mother and older sister. Fortunately the younger children were not injured during the incident. Approximately an hour after the incident being reported, Guillen posted on social media "Come get me here" and shared his location which was in a parking lot at the Tachi Palace Casino in Lemoore. A deputy who patrols the area located Guillen sitting in a parked car in the parking lot of the Palace. A perimeter was set up and foot and vehicle traffic was diverted away from the area for a short time. A Kings County Deputy who is also a crisis negotiator was able to contact Guillen on his cell phone. After approximately 15 minutes of negotiating with Guillen, he ultimately surrendered himself peacefully and was taken into custody. Guillen was booked PC273.5(a), 417(a)(2), 422(a), 273(a) and an out of county warrant. Guillen’s bail is $150,000.00

KCSO PRESS RELEASE: On Friday, February 5, 2021 at approximately 2211 hours, a Kings County Deputy was patrolling the area of Niles and 10th Avenue in rural Kings County. The Deputy spotted a silver 2001 GMC Yukon traveling west on Niles approaching 10th Avenue at a high rate of speed. The Yukon blew through the intersection, failing to stop for the stop sign. The Deputy drove after the Yukon and conducted a traffic enforcement stop. Initially the Yukon pulled over but quickl...y pulled back onto the road, accelerated and drove away. The Deputy pursued the Yukon that was later determined to have been driven by Benjamin Arellano. The pursuit reached speeds of over 80 miles per hour and continued north onto 12th Avenue. Benjamin turned onto Nevada Avenue, activated the Yukon’s hazard lights and began to swerve all over the road. When the pursuit reached Laurel Avenue and 17th Avenue a pursuit termination device (spike strips) was successfully deployed by another Kings County Deputy. Benjamin drove over the spike strips but continued driving on Laurel Avenue despite the tires deflating on the Yukon. A second set of spike strips were used and Benjamin drove over them as well. The Yukon finally came to a stop in the 18500 Block of Laurel Avenue. Benjamin who was the only person inside the Yukon was taken into custody. It was determined Benjamin had been drinking and was driving on a suspended driver’s license. His driver’s license had been suspended for a previous DUI. Benjamin was booked into the Kings County Jail for DUI, felony pursuit and driving on a suspended driver’s license. He was issued a citation and released.

KCSO announces the retirement of Sergeant Taylor Lopes. Sergeant Lopes was injured in the line of duty several years ago and the injury has sadly caused his early retirement. Sergeant Lopes began his career as a Detentions Deputy at the Kings County Jail in 2004 and two years later in 2006, he moved to patrol as a Deputy Sheriff. Over the years, he served at the Hanford Police Department, Kings County District Attorneys Office and KCSO. While at KCSO, Sergeant Lopes has se...rved on our SWAT team and more recently worked within the Major Crimes Unit. Sergeant Lopes has been a leader, mentor and friend to all of us at the Sheriffs Office. We often hear the old cliche we are just a number. Sergeant Lopes #382 was much more than a number. He was a Kings County Deputy Sheriff and we are forever grateful to have had the opportunity to work along side Taylor Lopes. We wish him all the best as he transitions into a new chapter in his life. May the good Lord continue to bless Taylor Lopes. Thank you Taylor for your dedicated service to all of us here in Kings County!

Happy Veterans Day to our real American heroes. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for risking it all to keep America a free nation. May God Bless our Veterans and their families. This nation will remain the land of the free only as long as it is home of the brave. Elmer Davis... #VeteransDay #AmericanHeroes

Each year during the month of October the Kings County Sheriff's Office Explorer Post hosts the Pink Patch Project. The Pink Patch Project is an innovative public awareness campaign designed to bring attention to the fight against breast cancer and to support breast cancer research organizations in combating this devastating disease. During the month of October, KCSO Deputies are encouraged to wear pink shoulder patches on their uniforms to support the campaign. The Explorer ...Post sells the pink patches to members of the public and the proceeds are donated to support breast cancer research and treatment. This October the KCSO Explorer Post raised $1460.00 from the sale of pink patches. Earlier today Sheriff Robinson and KCSO Deputies who served as Explorer Post Advisors presented a check to Adventist Health's Breast Cancer Center, located in Hanford. This money will assist them in their work to treat breast cancer. The KCSO Explorer Post would like to thank all those who purchased patches and allowed this monetary donation to be made to Adventist Health and the citizen's of Kings County. #pinkpatch #breastcancerawareness #KCSO #kingscounty

Earlier today, Sheriff Robinson had the incredible honor of presenting Sergeant Estes and Deputy Rios with the Silver Star. The two Deputies had been involved in a critical incident where they heroically saved the life of a child. The Kings County Sheriffs Office could not be more proud of Sergeant Estes and Deputy Rios. We are deeply grateful for their service to the citizens of Kings County. ... #heroes #thinblueline #silverstar #kingscounty #kcso

Great job by all involved!

KCSO would like to thank Allen McCarty for making this beautiful thin blue line American flag crafted out of wood. Mr. McCarty donated the flag to the Sheriffs Office as a thank you to the men and women who work hard protecting our community. We will proudly display this flag inside the Sheriffs Office in a place our Deputies walk past each day. It will remind us of the support we have from the awesome citizens in Kings County.

KCSO PRESS RELEASE: On Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at approximately 1545 hours, the Hanford Police Department issued a "be on the lookout" to surrounding law enforcement agencies regarding a black Audi that had fled from them during an attempted traffic stop. HPD advised they lost the vehicle in the area of Hwy 198 and Hwy 43. At approximately 1600 hours, a Kings County Sheriff's Deputy located the vehicle in the area of 12th Ave and Iona Ave in Rural Kings County. The Dep...uty attempted to make a traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Jesse Santillana, failed to stop and began fleeing from the Deputy. Santillana drove northbound on 12th Ave at speeds of over 80 MPH. He ran a stop sign and passed other vehicles on the roadway recklessly. Santillana turned onto Oriole Dr in the city of Hanford where a passenger, later identified as Jose Galvan, ran from the vehicle with a backpack. Another Deputy was able to chase down Galvan and detain him while other assisting Deputies stayed with the fleeing vehicle. Shortly after the passenger ran from the vehicle, Santillana pulled over and was taken into custody. Both Santillana and Galvan were identified as "Northerner" gang members. The backpack Galvan had in his possession contained a loaded .45 caliber Ruger handgun, several loaded magazines and multiple rounds of ammunition. Both subjects were booked into the Kings County Jail on multiple felony charges. Santillana’s bail was set $195,000 and Galvan’s bail was $155,000.

KCSO PRESS RELEASE: On Tuesday, 0037 hours, a Kings County Sheriff's Deputy attempted to stop a 2008 BMW traveling westbound on Kansas Avenue and 8th Avenue for a traffic violation. The BMW failed to yield to the red and blue flashing lights of the Sheriff's Office patrol car. The BMW continued westbound Kansas Avenue at speeds up to 110 mph. Assisting deputies set up spike strips at the intersection of Kansas and 17th Avenue. All 4 tires were punctured and the BMW ultim...ately pulled on to a dirt road in the 17200 block of Kansas Avenue. The driver later identified as Robert Allen Reeves of Tulare ran from the BMW with a rifle. As the deputies closed in on the BMW, Reeves fired one shot from his rifle. With the Assistance the California Highway Patrol, Lemoore Police Department, Corcoran Police Department and the Hanford Police Department a perimeter was set up and the Kings County SWAT team was activated. Highway Patrol's Airplane assisted the Kings County Sheriff's Office Drone in canvassing the area from the air and located Reeves hiding in a field of high grass. The airplane guided the SWAT truck to the suspect who ultimately surrendered. A black, Smith and Wesson .223 caliber rifle was located near Reeves as well as the spent shell casing. During the search for Reeves, officials from the Tachi Yokut Rancheria to include Tribal Police and Security assisted with securing the Casino and blocking off surrounding roads. Two additional females were also in the vehicle and later released. Reeves had 3 outstanding warrants and was on probation out of Tulare County. Reeves was booked into the Kings County Sheriff's Office for PC 29800, PC 30305 (a)(1), PC 30600, PC 30605, HS 11370.1, PC 148(a)(1), VC 2800.1, PC 207, HS 11377(a) and several outstanding Tulare County warrants. His bail was $325,000.00. No Deputies were injured during this incident.

KCSO PRESS RELEASE: On Friday, 10/09/2020 at approximately 0500 hours, KCSO Deputies were dispatched to the 400 block of Miller Street, Hanford, County of Kings, for a stabbing investigation. Upon arrival, Deputies located a 40-year-old female with a single stab wound to the left side of her chest. The victim was transported by EMS to Kaweah Delta Hospital to be treated for her injury. KCSO Detectives responded to the scene and took over the investigation. During the cour...se of the investigation Detectives learned there was a physical altercation that took place and during the fight, the suspect stabbed the victim one time in the chest. The suspect was identified by witnesses as Yanet Zavala (27-year-old female, out of Hanford). KCSO Detectives located and arrested Zavala in the area of Second Street and Phillips Street, Hanford. Zavala was transported and booked into the Kings County Jail for PC 245(a)(1); Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Zavala’s bail was set at $25,000.00.

KCSO HISTORY: Good morning Kings County and welcome to Friday! We hope each of you have a wonderful weekend. Here we have some outstanding photographs from the ground breaking ceremony held for the Avenal State Prison in December 1985. To give an idea how long ago this was, the top movie in 1985 was Back to the Future and the top song was Careless Whisper by Wham! ... The Avenal State Prison was authorized in September 1985 by Governor George Deukmejian. Governor Deukmejian recently passed away in 2018. The first inmates arrived at the facility in January 1987. Interestingly, the original name of the Prison was the "California Correctional Institution at Avenal." Does anyone like that name better than the current name? Let us know in the comments! #AvenalStatePrison #groundbreaking #1985

KCSO PRESS RELEASE: On Tuesday, October 6, 2020 around 2030 hours, a Deputy was patrolling the area of Hanford Armona Road and 10th Avenue. The Deputy spotted a Dodge Dart in the area which had expired registration. The Deputy made a traffic enforcement stop on the Dodge and contacted the driver Isaiah Harris Ramirez. During the investigation a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun was located in Isaiah’s waistband. The handgun had been reported stolen. The owner of the handgu...n had been a victim of identity theft and several guns had been purchased in his name with his stolen identity. Isaiah was arrested and booked into Kings County Jail on four felony charges. His bail was set at $125,000.00.

KCSO PRESS RELEASE: On 10-5-20 at approximately 2115 hours, Kings County Sheriff's Deputies conducted a traffic stop at Krueger and Jessie Streets near E. Lacey in Hanford. The driver, Jose Luis Ramos initially stopped and provided information about his identity. While the deputy was checking the occupant for his license status and warrants, a female passenger exited the vehicle to speak with the deputy. Mr. Ramos sped away from the traffic stop and a pursuit was initiated.... It was later determined that Mr. Ramos from the Kerman area had an outstanding warrant for PC 211 and was a parolee at large. Due to the speed of the pursuit and already having the identification of the suspect, the pursuit was terminated. Additionally, Fresno County Sheriff's Office attempted to stop the vehicle and was also unsuccessful in capturing Mr. Ramos. Charges have been requested for Mr. Ramos with the Kings County District Attorney's Office. Should you have information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Ramos please call 559-852-2781 or email Deputy Kelsea Beaver at [email protected]

ATTEMPT TO I.D. The Kings County Sheriff's Office is asking for help in identifying two male suspects involved in a burglary. In the early morning hours on Sunday, October 4, 2020, the two suspects broke into the Kwik Break Deli Mart located in Lemoore at 19520 Grangeville Blvd. Anyone with information can contact Detective Andrew Mazza at 559-852-4647 or [email protected]. You may also private message the social media page. ... Thank you for your help!