Visalia police crack down on street racing, 38 citations issued in citywide operation
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Visalia police targeted unauthorized street racers in a citywide operation that netted nearly 40 citations over the weekend.
The city has seen an uptick in complaints from businesses and residents about drivers racing down Visalia streets at unsafe speeds, sometimes blowing through traffic lights, stop signs and zooming past pedestrians.
Groups of drivers often meet in parking lots along Mooney Boulevard and fan out from there, Sgt. Mike Verissimo said. Popular routes include Mary s Vineyard, Visalia Industrial Park, Houston Avenue and Ben Maddox Way, and anywhere else that they think they can race without getting caught, he said.
Visalia police say couple stole mail, drugs found
A couple is responsible for stealing mail and identities across Visalia, according to property crimes detectives tasked with linking the duo to the crimes.
Around 12:20 a.m. Wednesday, a traffic stop was made on a vehicle near Ben Maddox Way and Noble Avenue. Eric Montandon, 44, was driving the vehicle and inside officers said they discovered stolen property.
The investigation then took police to a rented room at the Relax Inn on Mineral King Avenue where Jessica Miller, 39, was staying.
Officers searched the room to help build a case against Montandon.
Police officers found more stolen property inside the room including stolen mail, drugs, and evidence of identity theft. Property Crimes detectives were called to the scene and took over the investigation.
Visalia police investigate fatal motorcycle collision
Around 8 p.m., officers responded to the collision at Demaree Street and Pryor Avenue.
When officers arrived, they discovered that a motorcycle turned northbound onto Demaree from Pryor. The rider lost control of the motorcycle and rode into the path of a southbound vehicle on Demaree.
The rider was thrown onto the roadway, Sgt. Greg Byerlee said.
A witness was helping the rider when both were hit by a vehicle. The motorcycle rider was rushed to Kaweah Delta Medical Center and later died. The pedestrian was treated for their injuries and are expected to recover.