71-year-old man assaulted, runaway Porterville teen arrested

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A 15-year-old was arrested after deputies say he stole a car from a 71-year-old man on Monday, who had stopped to give the boy a ride, according to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say the 15-year-old approached the 71-year-old, who was working in the area, and was offered a ride by the 71-year-old. The 15-year-old pulled out a hammer and got the 71-year-old’s cell phone and car keys from him. Once he had the car keys, the 15-year-old pushed the 71-year-old to the ground and drove away in his car.

The car was found on the 28900 Block of Road 168, north of Farmersville, close to Deep Creek, according to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. The 15-year-old was arrested and booked on suspicion of robbery, carjacking, elder abuse, and resisting arrest. The 15-year-old was also found to be running away from the Porterville area.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Sergeant John Nicholson or Detective Michael McCaskill with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at 559-733-6218.

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