Porterville Police Arrest Gang Member on Firearms and Drug Charges
PORTERVILLE, CA –– Office with The Porterville Police Department arrested a 26-year-old man on March 5, 2025, following an investigation into illegal firearm possession and drug sales. Detectives with the Special Investigations Unit identified the suspect as Gabriel Navarro Jr., a resident of Porterville and an active Northern criminal street gang member.
Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Navarro, along with a search warrant for his residence in the 400 block of West Morton Avenue. He was taken into custody without incident in the 2500 block of West Henderson Avenue. A subsequent search of his residence led to the discovery of a loaded 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun with a large-capacity magazine, additional ammunition, two packages of cocaine, and evidence indicating involvement in drug sales. Detectives also located gang-related items inside the residence.
Navarro was booked into the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office South County Detention Facility on multiple charges, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition, and possession of a controlled substance while armed. His bail is set at $125,000.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Porterville Police Department at (559) 782-7400 or through the department’s Facebook page. Anonymous tips may also be submitted.
