FOWLER - Property crimes detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office have arrested 29 year old Nelson Navarrette of Fowler and an 18 year old man. Navarrette was booked into the Fresno County Jail on charges of being a felon in possession of guns, drugs, ammunition, a large capacity magazine and possession of stolen property. His bail is set at $756,000. The 18 year old man was issued a felony citation for burglary and was not booked into jail. His identity is not being released in order to protect the integrity of the case.
On October 13th, detectives responded to a reported burglary at a home near the intersection of S. Bethel and W. Sierra Avenues in Kingsburg where two guns were taken. Detectives developed information that an 18 year old man was responsible for the theft. Detectives then learned that this man had sold the stolen guns to Nelson Navarrette. During an interview, he told investigators he needed money so he could take his girlfriend to the Fresno Fair.
Later in the day, detectives found Navarrette at a business located on the 1800 block of E. Front Street in Selma and arrested him. Detectives then served a search warrant at Navarrette’s home on the 5300 block of S. Armstrong Ave. in Fowler. They recovered cash, ammunition, a handgun, an AR-15 rifle, a large capacity magazine and one-third of a pound of cocaine packaged for sale.
This remains an on-going investigation. Anyone with additional information on Navarrette is asked to contact Detective George Razo at (559) 600-8172. You may also contact Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.