Police recover stolen car

For The Madera Tribune

Two suspects were detained after a theft was reported at the O’Reillys Auto Parts on Country Club Thursday evening and this Ford Explorer was wanted in connection with another robbery..

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Madera Police Officer Lori Alva was dispatched to O’Reillys Auto Parts on Country Club regarding a theft Thursday evening.

Alva learned that a male suspect stole an automotive jack and fled in an awaiting black Ford Explorer. An employee was able to get the license plate number.

A few minutes later Officer Brandon Bianchi spotted the suspect vehicle in the parking lot of Lowe’s on Cleveland Ave. One suspect, Matthew Cromer, exited the vehicle and ran away on foot. He was later apprehended while attempting to hide inside of Marshal’s.

The second male suspect, Cruz Galvez, was arrested after exiting the vehicle.

Not only was the stolen automotive jack located in the vehicle, but the vehicle was determined to be a stolen vehicle out of Fresno and it was also wanted in connection with a robbery earlier in the day in Fresno.

This was a great example of a citizen being a good witness and providing officers with the needed information to help locate the suspects.

Cromer and Galvez were arrested on several charges related to the theft, the stolen vehicle, and possession of stolen items. Cromer was also arrested on child endangerment charges because he chose to bring an 11-year-old minor with him while he committed the crimes.