Clovis Police and Fresno Help Eliminate Auto Theft (HEAT) task force recovered over $80,000 worth of fireworks this afternoon. On Friday, June 23, 2018, two large trailers of TNT fireworks were stolen out of Fresno. The two trailers were recovered earlier this week, but approximately $100,000 worth of fireworks were still missing. Clovis Police received a tip that fireworks were being sold in the area of the 700 block of West Ashcroft Ave. After investigating the tip and working with HEAT investigators, a search warrant was served on West Ashcroft for a large quantity of stolen fireworks. Officers found hundreds of boxes of fireworks that totaled an approximate value of $80,000.

Clovis Police arrested 28 year-old Michael Hendricks of Clovis for possession of stolen property, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, and resisting arrest. During the service of the search warrant, suspect Hendricks was uncooperative with officers and a police service dog assisted in Hendricks’ arrest. Hendricks was also charged with striking a police service dog. Clovis also arrested 49 year-old Evelyn Mendoza of Clovis on charges for possession of stolen property.  The recovered fireworks were returned to the fireworks distributing company TNT.

Clovis Police Department would like to thank the HEAT Auto task for their assistance in the investigation.