This morning, Detectives served a search warrant at a home in Fresno and arrested a suspect without incident regarding multiple cases in east Clovis. Our investigation began in April 2022 when multiple Clovis residents began reporting a suspicious male checking door handles in the middle of the night, mostly in southeast Clovis. The male would ride down the street using a skateboard or bicycle checking door handles of parked vehicles and steal what he could. Multiple vehicles were stolen when keys were also left inside. Since April, our Detectives believe that this suspect is responsible for over 20 separate thefts and were able to arrest him for several of them.

The suspect arrested is 34-year-old Alexander Valdez of Fresno. Valdez has been booked into Fresno County Jail for 2 counts of grand theft auto, 2 thefts, and 6 counts of prowling. Valdez is also on parole for felony battery. He is described as a Hispanic male adult, about 5’10, with a thin build. Detectives are asking Clovis residents who have been the victim of a theft that occurred in the overnight hours by an unknown male on a skateboard or bicycle to call them, as they believe there are additional victims. Detectives are also asking for any home video surveillance in east, and specifically southeast Clovis since April, that show this suspect. To speak to our Detective overseeing these cases, please call our non-emergency phone number at (559) 324-2800 and ask for Detective Puente.

This is a good reminder to make sure your vehicles are locked and secured when parking them, even in front of your own home. Parking in the garage is always the safest option. Exterior or motion-censored lighting on the outside of your homes, burglar alarms, and being observant are also deterrents. All stolen vehicles were eventually located and returned to their owners.

Due to California law, we are unable to post the suspect’s booking photo.