Kings deputy, noticing black tape on license, stops suspect

The deputy noticed black tape covering the rear license plate of the Honda, making it unreadable. The deputy stopped the Honda and contacted the two occupants.

The Honda driver told the deputy they were from Bakersfield and had come to Hanford because the shopping was better. As the investigation unfolded, the deputy learned the passenger, Michael Kirby, had come to Hanford to “boost” items from Target and Lowe’s.

During a search of the Honda, the deputy located over $171 worth of stolen items from the Hanford Target store and stolen items from the Hanford Lowe’s worth over $3000.

Surveillance video from Lowe’s confirmed that Kirby had stolen the items earlier from the store. He was also suspected to be under the influence of a controlled substance, possibly Methamphetamine and Opiates.

The deputy arrested the suspect Kirby and booked him into the Kings County Jail on charges of burglary, grand theft, possession of the stolen property, possession of drug paraphernalia, and being under the influence of a controlled substance. His bail was set at $40,000.