Hanford, Calif. – A county-owned utility trailer was recovered and a 43-year-old man arrested Tuesday after deputies investigated a reported theft near 11th and Elder avenues.
According to the Kings County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was dispatched Jan. 13 to an orchard in the area after a suspicious enclosed trailer was reported. Authorities later determined the trailer was owned and used by Kings County Public Health.
Officials said Public Health staff were initially unaware the trailer had been stolen overnight. The trailer was returned to the department after deputies confirmed it had been taken without authorization.
Investigators determined the trailer door had been pried open and several items were missing, according to the sheriff’s office.
Using surveillance footage from nearby businesses, deputies identified a vehicle allegedly involved in the theft and later identified a suspect. After obtaining search warrants, deputies positively identified the suspect as 43-year-old Alexander Renteria.
Renteria was arrested and booked into the Kings County Jail. He faces charges including vehicle theft, receiving a stolen vehicle, grand theft, burglary and two counts of felony vandalism, authorities said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The incident may raise concerns for county agencies and employees who rely on secured equipment for daily public services.
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