Amritraj Singh Athwal
One of the suspects wanted for the murder of a Tackle Box gas station and mini mart employee has been arrested.
Less than two hours after the murder, a Fresno County Sherriff Deputy pulled up next to a red Toyota truck near Ashland and Madera Avenue in Kerman. The truck was pulled onto the side of the road, possibly stuck in the dirt.
Athwal at his arrest
Amritraj Singh Athwal, the driver, appeared impaired and the influence of drugs or alcohol. In plain sight, on the floor, was a .22 caliber assault pistol. The deputy detained Athwal and searched the vehicle. A second handgun was found, an unregistered .38 caliber revolver. Further investigation revealed the .22 pistol had been reported stolen.
The 21-year old was booked into Fresno County Jail on charges relating to weapon, narcotics, and driving under the influence.
Confiscated guns
Later that morning, deputies who arrested Athwal were checking headlines news and noticed similarities between Athwal and one of the suspects wanted for the murder/robbery in Madera, the man wearing the blue bandana.
Fresno deputies notified Madera detectives to the possibility of Athwal being one of their wanted suspects. Madera detectives investigated and found evidence linking Athwal to the robbery and murder. An arrest warrant was issued and a murder charge was added to his arrest record. He will be transported to Madera’s Department of Corrections.
It is believed the recovered .38 caliber revolver is the weapon used to murder 20-year old Dharampreet Jassar, “a completely innocent victim, just doing his job, when he was senselessly killed during this robbery,” lamented Madera County’s Sheriff Jay Varney. He praised the Fresno County Sheriff Office for their vigilance and assistance.
The second suspect is still wanted. Anyone with information in relation to this crime, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 559-675-7770. Information can be communicated anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 559-498-STOP. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
