Photo: confiscated items
STRATHMORE – Perhaps they wondered if it was Halloween in May. On May 31, shortly before 2PM, Tulare Area Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team detectives traveled in Strathmore. Then they spotted a vehicle committing a traffic violation near Avenue 196 and Road 230.
Detectives signaled for the vehicle to pull over but the vehicle didn’t stop until Balfour and Lawson Drive, about .2 miles away. Once the car did stop, the front passenger took off, fleeing from police on foot. They shortly apprehended him.
The driver, 24-year old Lino Almanza and an active gang member, was currently out on felony probation. He had a felony warrant out for his arrest.
Further investigation into the vehicle resulted in the discovery of a loaded .45 caliber handgun and ammunition. They also found what could be a Halloween mask. Almanza is currently at the Porterville Sheriff Substation.
Interested individuals can contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at 559-733-6211. You can communicate tips anonymously via the Tipnow email tcso@tipnow.net, phone number 559-725-4194, or by downloading the Tipnow app.
Photo Provided by Tulare County Sheriff’s Office
