COALINGA POLICE PRESS RELEASE
Date: January 15, 2025
Prepared By/Contact Person: Tony Henderson, Police Sergeant
VEHICLE BURGLARY SUPSECTS ARRESTED
On January 10, 2025, around 1am, officers were patrolling the area of Van Ness and Forest due to the recent increase in vehicle thefts and burglaries. Officers observed a male subject standing next to a Honda that appeared to be a lookout for another party based off his actions and movements.
As officers got closer to the Honda, they saw another male subject wearing dark clothing and wearing a ski mask inside the car. This led the officer to believe the two parties were actively burglarizing the vehicle. When officers attempted to contact the subjects, they began to flee and refused to stop. The suspects, later identified as 18-year-old Coalinga resident Armando Campos Jr, and a 17-year-old Coalinga resident, were apprehended a few blocks away from the location. During a search incident to arrest, the 17-year-old was found to be in possession of a vehicle ECU OBD scanner, which is commonly used in these types of crimes.
During a Mirandized interview with Campos, he admitted that he met up with the juvenile with the intent that they would break into vehicles and see what they could steal.
Campos admitted that they had already went through multiple vehicles and were looking for vehicles that were not locked.
The juvenile was arrested on charges related to Burglary, Resisting and Obstructing an Officer, Trespassing, Conspiracy, and Possession of Burglary Tools. He was transported and booked at the Juvenile Justice Center.
Campos was arrested on charges related to Burglary, Conspiracy, and Resisting and Obstructing an Officer. He was later transported the Fresno County Jail.
Please remember to lock your vehicles and try not to leave anything of value, including extra keys or personal items inside them.
Coalinga Press 