Taft Police have arrested a man who was wanted in connection to a drive-by shooting in Texas.
On Wednesday Taft officers spotted Jesus Betancourt, 32, around 10 p.m. Police said he was wanted after a car stolen in Taft was found in Abilene, TX. Officials believe Beatancourt may be linked to a drive-by shooting that happened in Texas.
Kern County Sheriff's Deputies showed up to back Taft Police as they conducted the high-risk traffic stop near Taylor Street and Ash Street in Taft. Officials thought Beatancourt might have been armed.
He was taken into custody without incident.
During a search of Betancourt and the vehicle, officers located approximately 2.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine and methamphetamine smoking pipe.
A subsequent search of Betancourt’s residence police found a 9 m.m. handgun.
Officials said Betancourt had two no-bail warrants, was on active probation for drug charges, had no California driver’s license and was a suspect in the drive by shooting that occurred in Texas.
Betancourt was booked into the Taft City Jail.
Police officials said then Taylor County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office will be interviewing Betancourt about the drive-by shooting.
