April 23, 2026 – Madera County Sheriff's Office officials usually issue warnings about the danger of driving through standing water. These thieves should have listened to the advice.

During storms, we tell you not to drive through standing water, but for once we’re grateful these guys didn’t listen.

On Tuesday, after the storm passed through, our deputies were dispatched to the area of Road 32 and Avenue 12 regarding a vehicle stuck in a field with water and mud up to the vehicles doors. Two subjects were seen standing in the mud near the vehicle. In addition, the witness reported that a nearby ag storage unit had been burglarized.

Deputies arrived on scene and located the vehicle but no suspects. The vehicle was towed out of the mud where deputies found 50 2.5-gallon containers of assorted ag chemicals inside the vehicle.

While extracting the vehicle, a subject returned to the scene. He was detained and searched where deputies located approximately 5 grams of crystal methamphetamine in his pocket. He was positively identified as one of the subjects with the car, as well as being in possession of the keys to the vehicle.

During the investigation into the burglarized storage unit, deputies found that approximately $10,000 worth of chemicals were stolen from the container.

The suspect was arrested and booked into the Madera County Jail for PC 459, PC 496, PC 182, and H&S 11377(A).

If you have any information regarding the second suspect and/or his whereabouts, please contact: Detective B. Smith at (559) 706-8197.

Tips may also be emailed to MCSOTip@maderacountycom.

Anonymous tips may be made through Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867), or by texting “Tip MaderaSO” followed by your message to 888777.

Tips may also be made on the Madera County Sheriff’s Mobile App: MaderaSheriffApp.com.

Source & photos: Madera County Sheriff's Office