Pubdate: Mon, 08 Sep 2014
Source: Los Angeles Times (CA)
Copyright: 2014 Los Angeles Times
Contact:  http://www.latimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/248
Author: Adolfo Flores

TWO KILLED IN ROBBERY OF MARIJUANA-GROWING OPERATION IN FRESNO

An apparent robbery of a marijuana-growing operation in Fresno
resulted in a fatal gunfight Thursday that left two suspects dead and
a 15-year-old girl being used as a human shield by fleeing robbers.

Two of the alleged gunmen who broke into the house in south Fresno are
in custody and three remain at large, said Lt. Louis Hernandez with
the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies were called to the house in the 5100 block of South Orange
Avenue about 4:10 a.m., initially for a report of a prowler. The
suspects identified themselves as law enforcement to the residents of
the house, Hernandez said, but the residents didn't believe them.

The alleged robbers then kicked in a door and a gunfight ensued
between the suspects and people in the home. The gunmen kidnapped a
15-year-old girl from the home and used her as a human shield as they
left.

As deputies arrived at the scene, Hernandez said, they spotted two
cars fleeing at high speeds. Authorities lost the vehicle with the
kidnapped girl, but were able to follow the other car to a hospital.

There were three suspects in the vehicle, one of whom was wounded and
succumbed to his injuries. The suspects in the other car dropped the
teenager off near downtown Fresno.

She called a friend for a ride and arrived back at the home shortly
thereafter.

One of the alleged gunmen died at the house after being shot,
Hernandez said.

Sergio Hernandez, 23, of San Bernardino and Chi Tang, 31, of Madera
were arrested. They could face charges of home-invasion robbery,
kidnapping and two counts of attempted murder, as well as charges of
using of a firearm during the commission of a felony and felony
evading, according to a statement from the Fresno County Sheriff's
Office.

No one has been arrested in connection with the marijuana-growing
operation, Lt. Hernandez said.
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