Porterville Resident Facing Attempted Murder Charges Following Shooting on South B Street
PORTERVILLE, CA — The Porterville Police Department is investigating an incident involving a shooting that occurred on February 28, 2026. At approximately 2:49 p.m., officers were dispatched to the Sub-100 block of East Locust Avenue following reports of an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. Upon arrival, emergency personnel rendered medical aid to the victim and determined the shooting had taken place at a residence in the 300 block of South “B” Street.
During the initial response, authorities learned that an adult female victim remained inside the South “B” Street residence with a suspect. Officers and detectives relocated to the home, where they made contact with the female victim and 79-year-old Porterville resident Manuel Chavez. The female victim was found to have sustained gunshot wounds. Chavez was detained by law enforcement without incident, and both victims were transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
A subsequent search of the residence, conducted under a warrant, resulted in the recovery of evidence including the firearm used in the incident. Investigators determined that the suspect and the two victims were known to each other and that the shooting followed a verbal confrontation.
Chavez was booked into the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office South County Detention Facility on charges of attempted murder and assault with a firearm. He is currently held in lieu of $1,000,000 bail. The investigation remains active, and the Porterville Police Department is requesting that anyone with relevant information contact their Investigations Division.
