Porterville DUI Arrest: Reckless Driving and Drug Possession
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PORTERVILLE, CA
“Incident: Felony Evading, Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
Date/Time: November 26, 2024 / 11:26 A.M.
Location: Sub-100 Block North “H” Street, Porterville
Suspect(s): Crystian Tapia, 36-Year-Old Porterville Resident
Salena Salinas, 33-Year-Old Porterville Resident
On November 26, 2024, at approximately 11:26 A.M., Porterville Police Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Walnut Avenue and “A” Street for an equipment violation. The driver of the vehicle did not yield and fled in a reckless manner, running several posted stop signs and red traffic signals, in spite of heavy vehicular traffic in the area. A pursuit was not initiated due to concern for public safety, but Officers were able to maintain visual observation of the vehicle at a distance, and broadcasted information regarding its direction of travel to assisting Officers and Porterville Police Communications.
Officers lost sight of the vehicle in the area of Olive Avenue and “G” Street, but found the vehicle abandoned in the Sub-100 Block of North “H” Street soon thereafter. Witnesses reported that a male and a female fled on foot from the suspect vehicle and into the yard of a nearby residence. After additional Officers arrived on scene, an extensive search of the area was conducted, during which discarded clothing and personal effects belonging to one of the suspects was located.
Officers apprehended the driver, 36-year-old Porterville resident Crystian Tapia, as he was attempting to hide in an apartment complex in the Sub-100 Block of North “F” Street. Officers also apprehended the passenger, 33-year-old Porterville resident Salena Salinas, nearby in the same apartment complex. Officers located a small amount of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the immediate area of where Tapia was attempting to conceal himself. Both Tapia and Salinas were evaluated and determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance. Tapia was also found to have a suspended driver’s license.
During the investigation, Officers determined the suspect vehicle struck a stop sign at Olive Avenue and “H” Street, causing the vehicle to become disabled.
Crystian Tapia was ultimately booked at the South County Detention Facility on charges of Evading a Police Officer; Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance; Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License; Possession of Methamphetamine; and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Tapia is being held in lieu of $85,000 bail.
Salena Salinas was booked at the South County Detention Facility on a charge of being Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance.
This investigation was submitted to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office for filing 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.”
