Deputies and K9 arrest suspect attempting to steal tractor late Sunday

It was shortly after 10 p.m. that Kings County Sheriff deputies arrived in the area of 15th Avenue and Excelsior Avenue and were told by the victim that a suspect, Raul Gonzalez, attempting to steal the tractor, valued at about $50,000.

Upon arrival, the deputies learned that Gonzalez, 27, was spotted driving down a private dirt road in a Dodge Charger, dark in color. The victim began searching his property for the Charger and located it parked near the area he parked his tractors. The victim used a spotlight on the area, and when the light illuminated his yellow John Deere tractor, the victim saw Raul inside the cab. Gonzalez jumped out of the tractor and ran off into nearby areas dense with brush and trees.

The deputies’ search for Gonzalez proved difficult due to the dense brush and trees. A Kings County K9 handler and his dog Bluz assisted in the search. Deputies ordered Gonzalez to come out, making him aware that a K9 was present.

Gonzalez refused to exit, and the dog began searching the area. Bluz located the suspect hiding deep in the brush and bit him on his arm. Eventually, Gonzalez emerged from his hiding spot and was promptly arrested.

Gonzalez was taken to the Adventist Medical Center in Hanford and treated. At the hospital, deputies interviewed Gonzalez, who provided conflicting statements. Subsequently, deputies booked the suspect into the Kings County Jail on charges of attempting to steal a tractor, trespassing, and resisting arrest. Bail was set at $30,000.