Ex-Hanford resident suspect in vehicle theft

A former Hanford resident was booked into the Fresno County Jail on Wednesday evening when a domestic dispute reportedly led Fresno Sheriff's deputies to a stolen vehicle in the man's possession. Roberto Jesus Duran, 36, was contacted by deputies at 6 p.m. in the 11000 block of East Conejo Avenue when he was overheard arguing loudly with his girlfriend.

The woman claimed to be angry at Duran for not paying his portion of the rent before moving out and pointed deputies that arrived on the scene to a vehicle in his garage.

The 2005 Toyota pickup truck had been reported stolen on April 1.

Duran was booked into the Fresno County Jail on suspicion of possessing stolen property, as well as an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Law enforcement officials say that Duran was previously picked up on a similar charge in January, when he was found sleeping in a stolen semi-truck near Highway 99.

An investigation into the theft of the pick-up is still ongoing at this time.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2425.

(May 9, 2008)