Five Arrested During Investigation of New Gang and Vandalism
FRESNO – The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office arrested five people Wednesday morning after what started as an investigation into graffiti found at various locations in downtown Fresno.
The sheriff’s office arrested Mike Anthony Estrada, 24, Ruben Michael Banuelos, 21, Daniel Jimenez, 20, and two 17-year-old boys, all of whom are from Fresno, on various charges.
An investigation into the vandalism began in mid-May when graffiti was discovered at the Courthouse Park Peace Officers Memorial in downtown Fresno. The same graffiti was also found at other locations nearby.
Detectives learned that some of the suspects in the vandalism case were associated with a well-known criminal street gang in the Midwest and East Coast, which is new to the Fresno area. Detectives have been able to identify around 25 members of that gang in Fresno. Some of the members were wanted for arrest.
On Wednesday morning, detectives and the SWAT team served warrants at seven Fresno locations, leading to the arrest of the five suspects.
Estrada was booked on a felony narcotics warrant and for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Banuelos was booked on charges of possessing an explosive device. Jimenez was arrested on an outstanding warrant for probation violations. One of the juveniles was arrested on charges of home invasion robbery and vehicle theft.
The other juvenile who was arrested was the person detectives believe was responsible for vandalizing the memorial in May. He was booked into the juvenile facility on felony vandalism and gang-related charges.
Detectives are still looking for two other juveniles who are suspects in the memorial vandalism.
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