Residents of an affluent part of Visalia called Beverly Glen say Burglars are responsible for a series of heists in their neighborhood. "People had been in my home and violated it," resident Steve Hensley said.
Exactly a week ago, Hensley said Patrick Ragland, Adrian Meraz and Frankie Hernandez broke into and stole from his home. But what hurt him most is they attacked and kicked his 15-year-old dog, Stella. "She can't really see, she has ocular sclerosis and she is also hard of hearing," added Hensley.
Investigators call 21-year-old Ragland the ringleader. He's been on their radar since June. They believe the trio carried out at least a dozen burglaries throughout the city and took off with electronics, jewelry and even guns. "They do some degree of scoping their neighborhood out to see how they can commit their crimes and get away with it ultimately," added Visalia Police Captain Jason Salazar.
Friday police spotted a car carrying the suspects and arrested them. If convicted, the suspects will face a maximum of nine years in prison, with little chance of early release. "Based on the fact the charge itself is a more serious or violent type crime they are going to be housed in state prison," said Tulare County District Attorney, Tim Ward.
Officers say some of the victims will be able to recover their belongings. If you believe you were a targeted by the suspects, call police.
