Above: Stock Image
Originally Published By Porterville Police Department Facebook
“On October 14, 2023, at approximately 12:15 A.M., Porterville Police Officers were dispatched to a residence in the 500 Block of West Grand Avenue regarding a physical fight involving numerous subjects, some of whom were in possession of weapons. During the fight, a victim sustained major injuries to his right hand as a result of being stabbed.
The victim was able to enter his vehicle and flee, at which time one of the suspects produced a firearm and fired several shots at the fleeing victim vehicle. The parties involved in the altercation fled before responding Police Officers arrived on scene, which was only moments after the initial report.
Porterville Police Department Detectives were summoned to assume the investigation. Over the past week, Detectives have continued to investigate the case and were able to identify 18-year-old Porterville resident, Carlos Luna, as the suspect who discharged a firearm at the fleeing victim vehicle. Detectives also determined that Carlos Luna is an active gang member. A search warrant for Luna’s residence and a warrant for the arrest of Carlos Luna was obtained.
On October 20, 2023, at approximately 1:00 P.M., Detectives developed information that Carlos Luna was at a residence in the 300 Block of West Morton Avenue. Based on the nature of the investigation, as well as the outstanding firearm, the Porterville Police Department SWAT Team, the Crisis Response Team, and a member of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Team were summoned to assist with execution of a search warrant at the residence.
During this time, nearby schools were placed on lockdown and Morton Avenue was closed to traffic to mitigate the threat to public safety. After several hours, the SWAT Team and assisting Detectives were able to apprehend Carlos Luna without any further incident.
Carlos Luna was ultimately booked at the South County Detention Facility on numerous charges, including Attempted Murder, Conspiracy, and Gang Enhancement.
This investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the Porterville Police Department at (559) 782-7400 or through our departmental Facebook page. Those who have information may also provide it anonymously.”
