3 arrested after Memorial Day weekend robbery in Porterville

PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Four people were arrested after officers received reports of various robberies on Memorial Day weekend, the Porterville Police Department said.

Officers say they responded to the 1400 block of N. Highland Dr. regarding an armed robbery on Sunday at midnight.

Upon arrival, responding officers say they received several reports from various victims stating they had just been robbed by three suspects, one of whom had a pistol. They also reported that all three suspects entered a vehicle and fled the scene right after the robbery.

Detectives report they determined the suspect vehicle was registered to 27-year-old Miguel Vargas, who lives in the sub-100 block of E. Mulberry Ave. Detectives went to his home and observed the suspect vehicle arrive at the home, but it left shortly thereafter.

Officers conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle in the 1400 block of N. Lime St., and they say they detained Vasgas and his passenger, 28-year-old Arron Johnson, Jr. of Fresno, who detectives determined had two warrants for his arrest.

Shortly after the traffic stop, officers report observing a man and a woman walking away from the area of Vargas’ home. Detectives contacted the pair, identified as 21-year-old Matthew Eudave and 21-year-old Sarah Peyron and a short struggle ensued.

During the struggle, detectives say Peyron struck a detective multiple times before she was subdued. The detective did not report any injuries and the pair was detained.

According to investigators, it was later determined that Vargas, Johnson, Jr. and Eudave were suspects involved in the robbery. All three were arrested and charged with armed robbery and conspiracy to commit a felony; Johnson Jr. was also arrested in connection with his outstanding warrants, Eudave had an additional charge for resisting or delaying an officer.

The police department says Peyron was booked at the TCSO South County Detention Facility in connection with resisting an officer with force or violence.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Poterville Police Department at 559-782-7400.