July 16, 2026 – Fresno County Sheriff's Office officials report that deputies have arrested 19-year-old Jared Williams of Firebaugh. He has been booked into the Fresno County Jail on charges of robbery and illegal use of tear gas. His bail is set at $30,000.

Around 10:00 a.m. on July 11, a Facebook Marketplace transaction was scheduled to take place. The buyer and seller agreed to meet near an orchard located at W. Ashlan and N. San Diego Ave. in Firebaugh. The seller arrived with the merchandise, which was a laptop computer. The “buyer,” Jared Williams, took the laptop and ran away. The seller and their two family members chased after Williams. Williams dropped the computer and then pepper sprayed the people chasing him. Williams ultimately got away.

The victim filed a report with the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were able to identify the suspect as Jared Williams and later contacted him. He was arrested for theft and illegal use of pepper spray.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public to use good judgment when conducting in-person sales.

1) Avoid meeting at your home.

2) Choose a public location with good lighting, security cameras and where other people will be around. Police and sheriff substations often feature designated meeting spots for transactions.

3) Bring a person with you whenever possible.

4) Notify friends or family members of your plans. Sharing your location with them through GPS is also encouraged.

5) Do not carry large amounts of cash or other valuable items such as jewelry.

6) Sellers should accept cash or secure digital payments. Buyers should consider sending a small payment, such as $1, before sending the full amount to ensure the proper seller receives it.

7) Communicate using social media apps rather than by phone number.

Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, cancel the meeting / transaction.

Source & photo: Fresno County Sheriff's Office