Tulare Police Arrest Armed Suspects in Multi-Agency Collaboration
Photo courtesy of Tulare PD
Originally Published By Tulare Police Department
“On 7-25-23, at approximately 0300 am, the Tulare Police Department communication center received a call regarding a physical altercation in the 1000 block of N Blackstone. Prior to officers arriving on scene, the caller advised one of the involved individuals was leaving the area in a small black passenger car.
A patrol officer observed a vehicle matching the description at the intersection of Blackstone Street and Tulare Ave and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to stop and led officers on a pursuit through the city and into the county. During the pursuit, the occupants threw a shotgun and handgun out of the window. These items were located and collected by assisting officers. The pursuit was terminated due to public safety concern and the suspects were not apprehended at that time.
The Tulare Police Department Crimes Specific Unit, who focuses on Narcotic and Gang Investigations, then investigated this case. Through the course of the investigation, one of the occupants was identified as 38 year old Danny Castillo of Porterville. Castillo was recently released from prison and is a known member of a criminal street gang. An arrest warrant was secured for Castillo’s involvement.
On 8-16-23, the Crimes Specific Unit observed Castillo and attempted a traffic stop in the area of Martin Luther King Blvd and O Street in the City of Tulare. Castillo failed to stop and led officers on another vehicle pursuit. Officers pursued Castillo into the City of Porterville. During the pursuit, a black backpack was thrown from the vehicle. The backpack was located and seized. This backpack contained a semi-automatic rifle. Porterville Police Department utilized a tire deflation device and disabled the suspect vehicle. Castillo and his passenger, identified as 29 year old Hector Lozoya of Tulare, were taken into custody without further incident.
The collaboration of multiple agencies allowed the Tulare Police Department to safely bring this pursuit to an end. The Tulare Police Department would like to express our gratitude to Tulare County Sheriff, California Highway Patrol, CalFire and Porterville Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.
This investigation is ongoing. If you have any information regarding these incidents, you are urged to contact Sergeant Ed Hinojosa at (559)684-4390.”
