12 arrested in large multi-agency operation in Fresno County foothills

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- More than 130 law enforcement officers from 17 local, state and federal agencies participated in a sweeping operation across Fresno County's foothill and mountain communities Wednesday, targeting wanted fugitives and conducting compliance checks on parolees.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office led the effort, known as the Gold Star Operation, which involved searches at more than 50 locations throughout the region.

The operations resulted in the arrest of 12 wanted individuals.

"We can touch you wherever you are in Fresno County, even if you're on the back roads up in the mountains," said Lt. Preston Little of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.

According to Little, the operation was the result of weeks of planning and coordination among multiple agencies.

"Weeks of planning, getting together, doing workups on each of these locations for officer safety, vetting our targets, looking into locations where they're going to be at, and trying to make the operation as successful as possible," he said.

Teams gathered early Wednesday morning, received assignments and then dispersed throughout the foothills and mountains. Some locations involved compliance checks on parolees, while others were tied to individuals wanted by law enforcement.

Officials said several suspects attempted to flee when officers arrived.

"No one knows that we're coming today. This is a surprise operation. Something that we, again, keep secret. Lots of planning. Lots of personnel involved," Little said.

Individuals taken into custody were brought to a command post in Auberry, where arrests were processed before they were transported by deputies.

Among those arrested was Mark Cruz, whom law enforcement identified as its "number one target." Authorities said Cruz was wanted for felony evasion after allegedly ramming a stolen vehicle into a Clovis Police patrol car. Officials also said he has received multiple weapons charges and is a person of interest in several other investigations.

"We had to be able to send a message with lawFor news updates, follow Vincent Camarillo on Instagram. enforcement today that we can touch you, that we can come, we're going to search your property," Little said.

Sheriff's officials said the operation was intended both to apprehend suspects and to reassure residents that law enforcement remains active in the community.

"Let them know that the sheriff's office has your back. We support you. We're actively working your cases, and we're in the field every single day doing the hard work," Little said.

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