CLOVIS, Calif. — A Fresno man, Genaro Renteria, 33, has been arrested in connection with a tool theft in Clovis after a Fresno County Sheriff’s deputy recognized him while watching FOX26.
The investigation started on October 4 when surveillance footage captured a man stealing thousands of dollars worth of tools from the back of a truck in Clovis. Police quickly identified Renteria as the suspect.
Renteria was taken into custody Tuesday after Clovis Police linked him to the theft. He now faces felony charges including grand theft, theft with prior convictions, and a probation violation. Authorities are preparing to add additional grand theft charges related to the case.
The arrest was partially credited to a Fresno County sheriff’s deputy who recognized Renteria during a FOX26 broadcast. The deputy connected him to a recent case involving a stolen landscaper’s leaf blower near Palm and Rialto avenues. Deputies had already arrested 40-year-old Saul Panuco of Fresno in that separate theft after spotting his blue van.
The victim of the tool theft expressed mixed feelings, stating he was “kind of happy” about the arrest despite his tools still being missing.
Clovis Police reminded the community that thefts from vehicles, whether locked or unlocked, are common. They urged residents to avoid leaving valuable items visible inside their cars.
