Grape escape squashed when deputies find suspects have drugs and a gun, too

Two grape thieves found bunches of trouble Thursday when Fresno County Sheriff’s detectives arrested them with more than just their freshly picked haul.

About 12:30 p.m. Thursday, sheriff’s deputies got a report of grapes being stolen from a field near Easton.

The couple’s grape escape turned to sour grapes after a caller reported the license plate of a vehicle seen leaving the field near Lincoln and Orange avenues. When deputies arrived, the suspects had already left.

Detectives with the sheriff’s Ag Task Force took over the investigation and learned the suspects were at a home in the 17000 block of La Canada Road in Madera Ranchos. When they arrived, they interviewed Jeffrey Andresen, 57, and Monique Garcia, 46.

During a probation search, detectives found a stolen loaded handgun and a high-capacity magazine, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a bucket of grapes that matched those stolen from the field.

Andresen was arrested on suspicion of drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property and a probation violation. Even though all are misdemeanors, his probation violation makes him ineligible for bail.

Garcia faces two felony counts of suspicion of being a prohibited person in possession of a gun and misdemeanors of drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property and possession of a large capacity magazine. Her bail is $340,000.

Anyone with additional information about the suspects can call the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office at 559-600-3111 or Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.

This story was originally published August 25, 2017 at 3:39 PM with the headline "Grape escape squashed when deputies find suspects have drugs and a gun, too."