Porterville Police Arrest Two Following Investigation into Commercial Burglary
Photo: Stock Image
PORTERVILLE, CA —
“Summary: Press Release
Incident: Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Burglary, Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
Date/Time: November 14, 2024 / 4:06 P.M.
Locations: 200 Block of West Springville Avenue, Porterville
Suspect: Shawn Whipple, 57-year-old, Strathmore resident, Karen Pritchard, 69-year-old, Strathmore resident
On Saturday, October 19, 2024, a report was made regarding a commercial burglary to Sawana’s Adult Store located at 1531 West Olive Avenue.
On Sunday, October 27, 2024, Officers from the Porterville Police Department continued the investigation and learned new information. Porterville Police Department Detectives were called and began following up with the investigation.
A search warrant was authored and served at a residence belonging to 69-year-old Strathmore resident Karen Pritchard and the suspect, who had been identified as 57-year-old Strathmore resident, Shawn Whipple.
During the service of the warrant a firearm and ammunition was located and Pritchard was found to be a convicted felon, therefore prohibited from possessing those items. However, Pritchard was not located at the residence. Detectives continued to perform an extensive investigation.
On Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 4:06 P.M. a Detective was following up with the investigation when he observed Pritchard and Whipple departing a facility in the 200 block of West Springville Avenue. A stop was conducted on the vehicle and Pritchard was taken into custody based on the previously mentioned firearm being discovered at her residence.
Whipple was also contacted during the traffic stop, and he was determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance. During the additional follow up property related to the burglary from Sawana’s was located.
Pritchard was arrested for being a Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition.
Whipple was arrested for Burglary and being Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance.
Pritchard was booked at the Tulare County South County Detention Facility, where she is being held in lieu of $75,000 bail.
Whipple was booked at the Tulare County South County Detention Facility, where he is being held in lieu of $30,000 bail.
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.”
