Above: Stock Image
“Incident:
Armed Robbery
Date/Time:
March 19, 2024, at 4:08 P.M.
Location:
Tucoemas Federal Credit Union, 1389 W. Henderson Ave, Porterville, CA
Suspect:
Brenten Powell, 32-Year-Old, Terra Bella Resident
Summary:
On March 19, 2024, at 4:08 P.M., Porterville Police Department officers responded to Tucoemas Federal Credit Union, located at 1389 West Henderson Avenue, regarding an armed robbery that just occurred. It was reported, an unidentified male suspect entered the business, brandished a firearm and demanded money. The suspect fled prior to officers’ arrival with the currency, and was not initially located.
Porterville Police Department detectives assumed control of the investigation as they worked tirelessly, pursued leads and gathered crucial evidence. The collective effort and determination of detectives involved in the case played a pivotal role in identifying the suspect as 32-year-old Terra Bella resident Brenten Powell. Detectives authored a search warrant for Powell’s residence located in the 9000 block of Road 256 in Terra Bella and a warrant for his arrest, which were both signed by a Superior Court Judge.
Powell has extensive criminal history to include previous arrests for robbery, criminal threats, battery causing serious injury, driving while intoxicated, possession of a controlled substance, evading a peace officer, violation of probation, obtaining money by false pretenses, being under the influence of a controlled substance, grand theft, looting, and forgery.
On March 21, 2024, at 3:32 P.M., the Porterville Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics Team, Crisis Response Team, and detectives arrived at Powell’s residence and arrested him for the warrant without incident. A search of the residence was conducted, and detectives collected additional evidence related to the robbery. Powell was processed and interviewed at the Porterville Police Department before being booked at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office South County Detention Facility. He is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail. The report was submitted to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office for review.
The Porterville Police Department takes violent incidents such as robberies very seriously and our commitment to upholding public safety remains the highest priority. We will continue to work tirelessly to investigate these crimes thoroughly and ensure criminals are apprehended and held accountable.
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.”
