“Press Release
Incident:
Armed Robbery
Date/Time:
May 24, 2024 / 9:56 P.M.
Location:
1100 Block of West Putnam Avenue, Porterville
Suspect(s):
Jesus Meza-Sanchez, 30-year-old, Porterville Resident
Summary:
Over the past month, the Porterville Police Department investigated five robberies of local gas stations and markets. Each incident was determined to be committed by the same suspect who was acting alone.
On May 24, 2024, at 9:56 P.M., the Porterville Police Department received a panic alarm from a market in the 1100 block of West Putnam Avenue. Officers quickly responded and determined it was an attempted robbery by the same suspect involved in previous robberies. Officers and Detectives coordinated a search of the area and located the suspect, nearby. Officers attempted to contact the suspect, but he fled on foot after discarding a replica AR-15 style rifle. The suspect was apprehended after a short foot pursuit and was identified as Jesus Meza-Sanchez. Detectives assumed the investigation and confirmed Meza-Sanchez’ involvement in each of the robberies and attempted robberies.
Detectives later obtained a search warrant for a residence in the 1000 block of West Forest Avenue and one in the 1400 block of North Cobb Street, both of which were determined to be associated to Meza-Sanchez. During their searches, Detectives located additional evidence implicating Meza-Sanchez in the string of robberies.
Meza-Sanchez was arrested for multiple charges of armed robbery and attempted robbery. Meza-Sanchez was booked at the Tulare County South County Detention Facility and being held in lieu of $360,000 bail.
The report was submitted to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office for review. Anyone with information regarding this investigation 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.”
