Porterville Resident Arrested After Investigation Into Social Media Threats Directed at Area Church
PORTERVILLE, CA — The Porterville Police Department recently arrested a local resident on multiple charges following an investigation into a social media video containing threats directed at an area church.
According to a department press release, officers became aware of the video on Sunday, May 10, at approximately 8:00 p.m. The recording featured narration referring to the church as a “terrorist church” and a “terrorist group,” paired with audio of automatic gunfire. The video also described residents of Porterville as “demons.”
Detectives identified Paul Flores, 42, of Porterville, as the individual responsible for creating the content. During the investigation, authorities discovered that Flores also had an active, unrelated felony warrant for criminal threats.
Flores was taken into custody without incident at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Following the arrest, detectives executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 1400 block of State Street.
Flores was booked into the County Jail on charges including PC 422 (Criminal Threats), an active felony warrant for criminal threats, and PC 22810(g)(1) (Convicted Felon in Possession of Pepper Spray).
The investigation is ongoing. The Porterville Police Department requests that anyone with relevant information contact them at (559) 782-7400 or submit tips via the department’s Facebook or Instagram pages.
