07/15/2019
SmartWater CSI Technology Aids in Arrest for Attempted Fuel Theft in Madera
On July 8, 2019 shortly after 11:45am, Madera County Sheriff’s Office received a call for service in the 30000 block of Avenue 11 regarding a fuel theft at a commercial agricultural property. The ranch owner reportedly observed a blue 2000’s model Dodge pickup drive onto the property near the diesel tanks.
Corporal Matthew Kutz responded to the scene and obtained surveillance footage from the owner’s private security cameras. He observed a Hispanic male adult with short dark hair, wearing a black shirt and jeans walking near a gas pump and storage tank. The property owners advised Corporal Kutz that they had placed cameras on their property due to the fact that this location had been victimized by thefts in the past. As an additional theft deterrent, they had previously equipped the gas tank with SmartWater CSI.
While Corporal Kutz was at the scene collecting evidence, Deputies Brandon Johnson and Ian Roth responded to a nearby location where the blue Dodge pickup was located. Two occupants inside the vehicle were detained and questioned regarding the fuel theft. Both parties indicated a third subject, who had left the pickup prior to deputy’s arrival, guided them to the ranch and suggested they could get gas there. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the suspect’s Dodge pickup had been reported stolen out of Fresno. Darnell Bowles, a 53 year old Fresno resident, was arrested for felony possession of a stolen vehicle, as well as an active misdemeanor warrant out of Madera County. Lonnie Wells, a 33 year old Fresno resident, was arrested for felony possession of a stolen vehicle and felony possession of a controlled substance. Both parties were booked in at the Madera County Department of Corrections without incident.
Information was developed during the investigation that led to the discovery of the third subject at a nearby residence. The subject admitted to being an occupant in the vehicle as well as being on the ranch property, and matched the description of the suspect seen approaching the gas tanks from the surveillance footage.
Diego Garcia, a 28 year old Madera resident, was transported to the Madera County Department of Corrections without incident. During the booking process, Deputy Johnson examined Garcia in front of a UV light provided by SmartWater CSI. While under the light, it was noted that Garcia had several particles that were consistent with SmartWater CSI markers on his clothing. Garcia was subsequently booked on multiple misdemeanor charges including violation of probation, loitering with the intent to steal, and possession of burglary tools.
In June of 2018, The Madera County Sheriff's Office collaborated with the Madera County Farm Bureau to introduce a cutting-edge crime prevention product, SmartWater CSI, an innovative tool that links criminals and stolen property directly back to victims.
SmartWater CSI utilizes a water and solvent-based liquid containing a chemically unique forensic code which can be applied directly to most hard surfaces, including vehicles, equipment, tools, and cell phones. Once applied, the liquid is invisible to the naked eye without the use of special ultra-violet lighting, and will remain on a product for at least five years.
Madera County Sheriff's Deputies have all received training and equipment to identify SmartWater CSI registered products, and collect and process evidentiary samples. Diego Garcia’s shirt was collected for evidence and examined by Deputy Johnson to test for the presence of SmartWater CSI residue. Preliminary tests indicated the existence of such particles, and samples will now be submitted for further testing and confirmation by SmartWater CSI technicians.
“This case closure and accompanying arrests demonstrate an excellent collaboration between the Ag operator, technology, and the Sheriff’s Office,” stated Sheriff Jay Varney.
For more information on the SmartWater CSI program, please contact the Madera County Farm Bureau at (559) 674-8871.
