UPDATE
On January 17, 2021, the Coalinga Police Department investigated an Attempted Homicide where the suspect identified as 20 year old, Rafael Vargas, was involved in a verbal argument with his girlfriend.
During the argument, Vargas grabbed a steak knife and stabbed the victim in the back of her head several times. Vargas used enough force during the attack that the tip of the knife broke off and the knife blade separated form the handle. After the attack, Vargas fled the scene and has been on the run ever since.
Officers continued investigating this crime and followed up on leads as they received them. On April 8, 2021, Officers from the Coalinga Police Department received information that Vargas was possible at a location located in 16000 block of Jersey Avenue in the city of Lemoore, California.
Officers from the Coalinga Police Department responded to this location and began a surveillance operation on this location and after a few hours they were able to confirm Vargas was inside the home.
The owner of the home identified as Ralph Martinez, was confirmed to be on felony probation out of Kings County for domestic violence with search and seizure terms. With this information, officers approached the front door and made contact with a female occupant. Officers advised the person at the door that they were there to conduct a probation search and they had an arrest warrant for Rafael Vargas. Officers searched the home and located Vargas hiding inside a dryer.
Vargas was taken into custody and was transported to the Coalinga Police Department on his outstanding warrant. During the search ammunition was found and was collected for evidence. Officers will forward their report to the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for charges to be brought against, Martinez for felon in possession of ammunition and probation violation.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.