One man killed in standoff at Fresno County foothills pot garden
An attempted robbery Monday morning of marijuana plants in the Fresno County foothills community of Miramonte led to one man being run over and killed, the sheriff’s office reported.
Spokesman Tony Botti explained what investigators have been able to piece together about the incident:
The sheriff’s office was alerted at 8:45 a.m. of a robbery in progress in a marijuana garden on the 46900 block of Buck Canyon Road. Before deputies arrived, residents and robbers confronted each other, with shots fired (it’s not known by whom) and a man run over by a pickup. He died at the scene.
By mid-afternoon, detectives had detained seven people for questioning and believe two more are still on the loose, able to drive away during the confrontation. Detectives are sorting out the parties.
There are about 200 mature plants in the pot garden.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 559-600-3111 or Crime Stoppers at 559-498-STOP (7867).
No pot in Fresno County
The sheriff’s office reminds there are county ordinances governing marijuana growing and the consequences for violations can include:
- Growers can be arrested on a felony charge.
- Growers can face fines starting at $1,000 per plant.
- Property owners, including family members, can be fined too.
- Very short timelines to appeal citations and fines.
- Prop. 215/SB 420 (medical marijuana) compliance will not stop enforcement.
- Additional fines, interest, legal fees and costs of abatement can be charged.
- County can place lien on property for unpaid fines.
To report illegal drug activity anonymously, call the Narcotics Hotline at 800-660-1086 or email drugtip@fresnosheriff.org
This story was originally published September 21, 2015 at 9:55 AM with the headline "One man killed in standoff at Fresno County foothills pot garden."