2 people arrested after string of robberies in southern Tulare County | YourCentralValley.com

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Two men have been arrested in connection with an investigation into several burglaries that have occurred in Porterville since February, according to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.

On February 8, officers responded to a burglary at a farm store in the 11900 block of 248th Street in Porterville. They learned that the suspects forced their way in and stole two ATVs and several power tools.

Investigators say similar break-ins were reported over the next three months, with several off-road vehicles, trailers, tools and agricultural chemicals valued at about $60,000 being stolen.

Investigators identified 45-year-old Rafael Lopez of Terra Bella as a suspect in at least three of the burglaries.

On May 29, officers tracked Lopez down to a property on Route 248, where they found two ATVs that matched the description of four vehicles stolen during a recently reported burglary. After the theft of the ATVs was confirmed, Lopez was arrested for his involvement in the burglaries.

While on the property, investigators said they also arrested 41-year-old Paulo Lima of Terra Bella, who was charged with suspicion of possession of stolen property.

That same day, investigators reportedly served a search warrant on a property associated with Lopez, where they found two more ATVs, a trailer, various tools and chemicals related to additional burglaries.

Officials say Lopez is suspected of being involved in at least eight burglaries throughout southern Tulare County, including in Porterville, since February.

Anyone with additional information regarding this case is asked to contact investigators with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Ag Crimes Unit at 559-733-6218.