Porterville Police Crack Down on Drug and Stolen Property Ring; Multiple Arrests Made
PORTERVILLE, CA —
”Summary: Press Release
Incident:
Possession of a Stolen Trailer
Possession of Fentanyl for Sales
Possession of Cocaine for Sales
Possession of Heroin for Sales
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Possession of Drugs with Prior Convictions
Operating and Maintaining a Drug House
Possession of Brass Knuckles
Destruction of Evidence
Resisting or Delaying a Police Officer
Warrant Arrest
Date/Time: March 14, 2025 / 9:00 A.M.
Location: 27000 Block of Avenue 146 (Worth Drive)
Suspect(s):
Kevin Russell, 48-Year-Old Porterville Resident
Eugene Gaines, 48-Year-Old Porterville Resident
William Strowmatt, 38-Year-Old Porterville Resident
On March 14, 2025 at approximately 0900 hours, Porterville Police Department Detectives and Officers responded to the 27000 Block of Avenue 146 (Worth Drive) to execute a search warrant. Detectives with the Narcotics Investigations Unit developed credible information that a stolen trailer was on the property and obtained a search warrant that was endorsed by a Tulare County Judge.
Upon their arrival at the property, Detectives observed Kevin Russell, a 48-year-old Porterville resident, immediately flee into the stolen trailer. Detectives gave numerous commands for Russell to exit the trailer, but he refused to comply, and the Porterville Police Department SWAT Team was deployed. After approximately 45 minutes, Russell exited the stolen trailer and was detained without further incident.
During execution of the search warrant, Detectives also contacted Eugene Gaines, a 48-year-old Porterville resident, on the property. Detectives also found William Strowmatt, a 38-year-old Porterville resident, concealing himself within a separate trailer on the property. Gaines was found to have one misdemeanor arrest warrant. Strowmatt was found to be on Post-Release Community Supervision (PRCS) and had six outstanding arrest warrants. Three of Strowmatt’s warrants were felony warrants, and one was a no-bail PRCS Hold.
During a search of the stolen trailer where Russell had barricaded himself, Detectives located a significant amount of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and prescription medications that Russell had attempted to conceal or destroy. Detectives also located brass knuckles, drug paraphernalia, and evidence which indicated Russell was actively engaged in drug sales. Detectives also determined that Russell had previous drug-related convictions and was already out on bail. Based on the facts and circumstances of this investigation, Detectives formed the opinion Russell was operating and maintaining a drug house.
Kevin Russell was charged with Possession of a Stolen Trailer; Destruction of Evidence; Possession of Fentanyl for Sales; Possession of Cocaine for Sales; Possession of Heroin for Sales; Possession of Brass Knuckles; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Possession of Drugs with Prior Convictions; Operating and Maintaining a Drug House; and Resisting or Delaying a Police Officer. He was booked at the TCSO South County Detention Facility, where he is being held without bail.
William Strowmatt was booked at the TCSO South County Detention Facility for Resisting or Delaying a Police Officer and his six outstanding arrest warrants. He is being held without bail.
Eugene Gaines was later cited and released from the Porterville Police Department on his misdemeanor warrant.
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.”
Originally Published By Porterville Police Department
