Stolen ring leads to Red Bluff man's 14 year prison sentence

A Red Bluff resident convicted of felony assault with a semiautomatic firearm has been sentenced to 14 years in state prison, reported the Tehama County District Attorney’s Office.

Thurman James Franks, 40, was also sentenced his conviction of felony failure to update sexual offender registration annually.

Franks allegedly shot another man in the leg at a homeless camp on Rio Street in Red Bluff during an argument over a ring Franks believed to have been stolen. The shooting happened just before 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 14.

Red Bluff police said the victim was then transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Through their investigation, police identified Franks as the shooting suspect and a felony attempted murder warrant was issued for his arrest.

On Saturday, May 4 the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office began following leads regarding the whereabouts of Franks.

Sheriff’s deputies located Franks’ hiding in a residence on Crosby Lane in Red Bluff.

The Red Bluff Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Tehama County Fire Department, and Cal Fire were called in to support TCSO because the agency believed Franks was armed.

As Franks remained hiding in a rear bedroom locked with a deadbolt, the TCSO attempted negotiations for the alleged suspect to surrender. Eventually law enforcement breached the bedroom door and Franks was arrested after a short struggle with officers.

He was booked into the Tehama County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder.