Porterville Police Department Busts Vehicle Theft Ring
Photo: Stock Image
“Incident:
Driving/Taking a Vehicle without Consent
Possession of Stolen Property
Accessory After the Fact
Possession of Methamphetamine
Parole Violation
Date/Time:
May 10, 2024 / 5:43 P.M.
Location:
1300 Block of West Olive Avenue, Porterville
Suspect(s):
Miguel Rodriguez, 44-year-old, Porterville resident
Ashley Matthews, 36-year-old, Porterville resident
Gary Hanson, 60-year-old, Porterville resident
Victim(s):
State of California
Summary:
Over the past week, Porterville Police Department Detectives conducted follow up investigation to a vehicle theft investigation that originally occurred on May 2, 2024. During the investigation, Miguel Rodriguez was identified as the suspect in this investigation and was found to be on parole for auto theft.
On May 10, 2024, at 5:43 P.M., Detectives observed Rodriguez in the 1300 block of West Olive Avenue, and he was apprehended without incident. Rodriguez was observed with Ashley Matthews and Gary Hanson at the time he was arrested. It was learned that Matthews and Hanson were fully aware Rodriguez was wanted by law enforcement for his involvement in the vehicle theft, yet they assisted him in evading law enforcement. This led to Matthews and Hanson both being arrested as well.
Detectives determined Rodriguez was staying at a motel located in the 900 block of West Morton Avenue and they executed a search warrant of Rodriguez’ motel room, after it was endorsed by a Tulare County Judge. During the search of the motel room, Detectives located methamphetamine and property belonging to the victim of the stolen vehicle.
Based on the evidence located during this investigation, Rodriguez was arrested for driving/taking a vehicle without consent, possession of stolen property, and a Parole violation. Rodriguez was booked at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office South County Detention Facility where he is being held without bail.
Matthews and Hanson were each arrested for being an accessory after the fact as they both concealed Rodriguez from law enforcement. Matthews and Hanson were booked at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office South County Detention Facility where they are being held in lieu of a $20,000 bail.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation, or any other narcotic activity, is encouraged to contact the Porterville Police Department at (559) 782-7400, or through our departmental Facebook or Instagram page. Those who have information may also provide it anonymously.”
