Man on Probation Arrested for Assault, Firearms Recovered in Kerman

Sanger police say the suspect is a documented gang member who fled the scene of the initial incident.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A 29-year-old man on felony probation was arrested in Kerman after Sanger police said he assaulted his girlfriend and fled the area earlier this week. Authorities later located the suspect, Josiah Ruiz Escobar, at an apartment complex in Kerman and arrested him without incident, recovering two firearms, ammunition, and a ballistic vest.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with repeat offenders and the ongoing threat of gang violence in the region. The recovery of firearms and tactical gear also raises concerns about the potential for escalated violence.

The details

Officers responded to a reported disturbance in Sanger and contacted a female victim with visible injuries. The victim said she had been assaulted by her boyfriend, Josiah Ruiz Escobar, who fled before police arrived. Detectives later developed information that Escobar was armed, and with assistance from a multi-agency task force, located and arrested him at an apartment complex in Kerman. A search warrant executed at the apartment resulted in the recovery of two firearms, ammunition, and a ballistic vest.

  • On Wednesday, Sanger police responded to a reported disturbance.
  • On Friday, police located and arrested Escobar in Kerman.

The players

Josiah Ruiz Escobar

A 29-year-old man on felony probation who is a documented gang member.

Sanger Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the initial incident and led the investigation.

Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium

The task force that assisted Sanger police in locating and arresting the suspect.

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What’s next

Escobar will face charges related to the assault and the firearms recovered during the arrest. The investigation is ongoing.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for continued collaboration between law enforcement agencies to address the complex issues of gang activity, repeat offenders, and the proliferation of illegal firearms in the community.