An Orange Cove man is behind bars, and another man still on the loose in connection with a recent home invasion.
Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims announced the arrest of 27-year-old Richard Michael Lopez on Wednesday for the home invasion which occurred last Friday.
Mims says that Lopez, along with 33-year-old Jason Romero, robbed an apartment on the 500 Block of Center St. early Friday morning as the apartments two residents were sleeping.
The two men are said to have stolen money along with items. They also threatened the two victims with a crowbar and a knife.
One victim was later treated at Sierra Kings Hospital for non-life threatening stab wounds.
An investigation into the matter led officer to determine Lopez and Romero were responsible for the invasion. Both men are self-admitted gang members.
Lopez was ultimately found by deputies near the intersection of 6th and "C" St. He was then booked into the Fresno County Jail where he's been charged with home invasion robbery.
Romero is still on the run. Deputies describe him as a wanted parolee, who goes by the name "Happy". He is said to be:
- 5'8' and 195 lbs
- Has brown hair and black eyes
Romero is wanted on charges of home invasion robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and participating in a street gang. Deputies say he is also being sought on an outstanding arrest warrant in connection with a separate burglary in Tulare County, and parole violations.
Anyone with information on Romero’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office at 488-3111, or CrimeStoppers at 498-STOP(7867).
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