A suspect remains in custody this morning following an armed robbery last night next to an elementary school. Just before 8:30 P.M. on January 8, 2025, officers responded to the area of Barstow/Pollasky to speak to a victim of an armed robbery that had just happened minutes before. The adult male victim reported that he was next to Sierra Vista Elementary School when another adult male walked up, pointed a handgun at him, and demanded jewelry and property. The suspect ripped the victim’s necklace from around his neck, and also stole 2 bracelets, before walking away into an apartment complex nearby. The victim immediately called 911 and reported the crime.

Officers used a UAV and other technology to locate the suspect in one of the apartments. After more than 10 minutes of loud announcements, the suspect walked out of the apartment with his toddler in his arms. Officers took the suspect into custody, and turned the toddler over to the mother, who was also there. While searching the suspect’s apartment, officers found 1 of the victim’s bracelets inside, and the gun and other evidence on the roof.

Thankfully, no one was injured during this incident, and no staff or students from the school were involved. The suspect has been identified as 19-year-old Anthony Sifuentes of Clovis. Sifuentes remains in Fresno County Jail this morning on multiple felony charges related to the armed robbery. We would like to thank the victim for calling us immediately, which allowed officers to solve this crime swiftly. The Clovis Police Department is always available at 911 for emergencies, (559) 324-2800 for non-emergencies.