Porterville Police arrest multiple people on numerous narcotic-related charges

“Incident:

Maintaining a Drug House

Child Endangerment

Possession of a Stolen Vehicle

Possession of Methamphetamine

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Possession of Burglary Tools

Convicted Felon in Possession of Ammunition

Cultivation of Marijuana

September 29, 2021 / 0100 hours.

1500 Block of S. Crestview Street

Steven Holt, 33 years old, Porterville Resident

Luke Hulstine, 38 years old, Porterville Resident

Mark McNutt, 38 years old, Porterville Resident

Kristina Thayer, 33 years old, Porterville Resident

Shyann Magee, 30 years old, Porterville Resident

Emily Byars, 27 years old, Porterville Resident

On Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at approximately 0100 hours, Officers from the Porterville Police Department responded to a residence located within the 1500 Block of South Crestview Street in furtherance of an investigation into recent catalytic convertor thefts.

Upon arrival, a subject was seen fleeing on foot in a western direction. Officers checked for the person who fled on foot and located a Honda ATV that was previously reported stolen from Springville.

Officers conducted a protective sweep of the residence and contacted Emily Byars, Mark McNutt, and a 7 year-old child. Contact was also made with Steven Holt, Luke Hulstine, Kristina Thayer, and Shyann Magee, all of whom were hiding inside the residence. Porterville Police Department Detectives were summoned to the scene and assumed the investigation.

A search warrant affidavit was authored and later endorsed. During the execution of the search warrant, Detectives located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia scattered throughout the residence, over 15 pounds of processed marijuana, live ammunition, and burglary tools. All of the contraband was found within reach of the child, creating a hazardous condition for the child. Thereafter, Child Welfare Services was contacted and took custody of the child. Detectives were able to identify Luke Hulstine as the suspect who stole the Honda ATV, which was returned to its rightful owner.

The above listed suspects were arrested and later booked into the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department South County Detention Facility. The investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Porterville Police Department at 559-782-7400.”