Exeter Police Department - California

Exeter Police Department - California This is the official page for the Exeter Police Department in California. This is the official Exeter Police Department page.

This page was created to share information and enhance the Department's relationship with the community. Opinions expressed by visitors to the page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Exeter Police Department. Do not use this page to report a crime. For emergencies, dial 911. For non-emergencies, dial 559-592-3103.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESPONSE – EXETER HIGH SCHOOLOn August 27, 2026, at approximately 11:28 a.m., Exeter Police Departme...
08/27/2026

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESPONSE – EXETER HIGH SCHOOL
On August 27, 2026, at approximately 11:28 a.m., Exeter Police Department officers received a report of a possible elemental mercury spill inside a classroom at Exeter High School, 505 Rocky Hill Drive.

The affected classroom and adjoining classrooms were immediately evacuated, and students were moved to another area of the campus. Exeter Police and Fire personnel responded and requested a specialized Hazardous Materials (HazMat) response.

Out of an abundance of caution, and while the HazMat team responds to assess and address the incident, the campus was evacuated and students were sent home for the remainder of the day.

At this time, the evacuation is precautionary. Police and Fire personnel are continuing to work with the responding HazMat team to ensure the campus is safe.

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

ARMED HOME INVASION SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER PURSUITOn Monday, June 29, 2026, at approximately 6:51 p.m., officers with th...
06/30/2026

ARMED HOME INVASION SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER PURSUIT

On Monday, June 29, 2026, at approximately 6:51 p.m., officers with the Exeter Police Department responded to the 300 block of South Filbert Street following reports of an armed subject who had forcibly entered a residence.

Officers learned that 39-year-old Samuel Topete allegedly forced entry into the home while armed with a machete and threatened the occupants, including a juvenile who was inside the residence. An adult resident confronted the suspect, and during the encounter, the suspect attempted to assault the victim with the machete before fleeing the scene prior to officers’ arrival.

While officers were investigating, Topete returned to the area in an older-model white Toyota Camry. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but Topete fled, leading officers on a pursuit through the City of Exeter before continuing southbound on Highway 65 at high speeds. During the pursuit, Topete drove recklessly, including into opposing lanes of traffic, creating a significant danger to the public. Due to the risk to public safety, the pursuit was terminated, although officers continued to monitor the vehicle’s direction of travel.

A short time later, the suspect vehicle was located at the Strathmore Handi Market. As officers attempted another enforcement stop, Topete fled once again, driving recklessly through the area, disregarding multiple traffic control devices, and attempting to ram law enforcement vehicles. The pursuit ended when Topete crashed into an Edison guide wire near Avenue 196 and Westwood Avenue.

Following the collision, Topete exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. He was quickly taken into custody by officers.

Charges being sought include:

Attempted Murder
First Degree Burglary
Child Endangerment
Felony Evading a Police Officer
Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer
Driving While License Suspended or Revoked
Resisting Arrest

The Exeter Police Department would like to thank the California Highway Patrol, the Lindsay Police Department, and the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during this incident.

This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Exeter Police Department at (559) 592-3103

MISSING JUVENILE LOCATED:On Thursday, June 25, 2026, at approximately 11:20 a.m., the Exeter Police Department received ...
06/25/2026

MISSING JUVENILE LOCATED:
On Thursday, June 25, 2026, at approximately 11:20 a.m., the Exeter Police Department received a report of a missing 12-year-old juvenile. Family members reported that the juvenile had left the residence on foot a short time before calling police.

Officers responded, completed a missing person report, issued a Be-On-the-Lookout (BOL) to surrounding law enforcement agencies, and began searching the area around the residence.

At approximately 1:53 p.m., the juvenile returned home and was found to be safe, in good health, and in good spirits.

The Exeter Police Department would like to thank the members of our community who assisted by sharing information and helping search for the juvenile.

SWATTING INCIDENT UNDER INVESTIGATIONOn Wednesday, June 24th, at approximately 5:16 p.m., the Exeter Police Department r...
06/25/2026

SWATTING INCIDENT UNDER INVESTIGATION

On Wednesday, June 24th, at approximately 5:16 p.m., the Exeter Police Department responded to a report of a person who had been shot at a residence in the 400 block of North F Street in Exeter. The caller also claimed there were explosives inside the residence and threatened to shoot responding officers on sight.

Officers from the Exeter Police Department, with assistance from the Farmersville Police Department and the Woodlake Police Department, responded immediately and safely contacted the occupants of the residence.

After conducting their investigation, officers determined that no one had been injured, no explosives were present, and the incident was a swatting call. A swatting incident occurs when someone intentionally makes a false emergency report to provoke a large law enforcement response to an unsuspecting victim's home or business.

This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Exeter Police Department at (559) 592-3103.

Swatting is not a prank—it is a serious criminal offense that places innocent people, first responders, and the public at unnecessary risk. Individuals responsible for making false emergency reports may face felony criminal charges, substantial fines, restitution for the costs associated with the emergency response, and imprisonment. These incidents divert emergency resources away from legitimate emergencies and have the potential to result in serious injury or loss of life.

The Exeter Police Department appreciates the assistance provided by the Farmersville Police Department and the Woodlake Police Department during this incident and reminds the public that knowingly making false emergency reports is a crime with potentially severe consequences.

On Friday, June 12, 2026, at approximately 2:25 p.m., the Exeter Police Department was notified of an e-bike theft that ...
06/13/2026

On Friday, June 12, 2026, at approximately 2:25 p.m., the Exeter Police Department was notified of an e-bike theft that occurred in front of a business in the 300 block of Pine Street.

The victim reported that his black DVU e-bike had been stolen.

A short time later, officers located the stolen e-bike in the 500 block of East Rocky Hill Drive. Through witness interviews and further investigation, officers identified the suspect as a 12-year-old male juvenile who was still in the area.

The juvenile was taken into custody and transported to the Exeter Police Department for processing. Following processing, the juvenile was released to his father on a signed promise to appear.

The stolen e-bike was recovered and returned to its owner.

UPDATE:Thanks to a large outpouring of community support, the Exeter Police Department has identified a person of intere...
06/11/2026

UPDATE:

Thanks to a large outpouring of community support, the Exeter Police Department has identified a person of interest in this case.

Investigators would like to speak with 43-year-old Chad Nathaniel Taff regarding this investigation. Taff is also currently wanted on an active felony theft warrant and is known to frequent the Porterville and Exeter areas.

If you know where Mr. Taff may be located, please contact the Exeter Police Department at (559) 592-3103. We happen to have a pair of matching bracelets with his name on them that we'd really like to deliver.

As always, we appreciate the support of our community. Thanks to everyone who helped. And remember: don't be a Chad.

ORIGINAL POST:
On Monday, June 1, 2026, at approximately 5:40 p.m., officers with the Exeter Police Department responded to the 1110 block of W. Visalia Road regarding the theft of two scooters from outside a local business.

During the investigation, officers reviewed surveillance footage and obtained video of an adult male suspect stealing the scooters.

His shirt says 'The Man. The Myth. The Legend.' We're hoping the community can help us identify the man behind the myth before the legend grows any further. If you recognize him, please contact Officer Brown at 559-592-3103. Reference Case #26-03685.

Thank you for your assistance.

On June 4, 2026, at approximately 3:04 p.m., officers with the Exeter Police Department responded to Rocky Hill Elementa...
06/11/2026

On June 4, 2026, at approximately 3:04 p.m., officers with the Exeter Police Department responded to Rocky Hill Elementary School regarding a report of vandalism to trash receptacles. Upon arrival, officers contacted school staff, who reported that at approximately 4:00 a.m., an unknown suspect had stolen several trash can lids and damaged industrial trash containers located on school property. Officers obtained surveillance video from the area.

On June 10, 2026, at approximately 10:05 a.m., Exeter Police officers were dispatched to a gas station in the 500 block of E. Pine Street regarding the theft of trash can lids. The business owner reported that on June 9 and June 10, an unknown suspect stole multiple trash can lids valued at approximately $1,200. Officers reviewed surveillance footage and obtained video evidence of the suspect.

On June 10, 2026, at approximately 12:07 p.m., an Exeter Police officer on patrol observed a male subject near Palm Street and F Street who matched the description of the suspect captured in surveillance footage from both prior theft investigations. Officers contacted 43-year-old Eddie Ramirez-Garcia Jr. of Visalia and determined he had an active $25,000 warrant for solicitation of prostitution. Officers positively identified Ramirez-Garcia as the suspect involved in the prior thefts and noted he was wearing the same clothing observed in surveillance footage recorded earlier that morning.

Ramirez-Garcia was arrested and transported to the Exeter Police Department for processing. He was later booked into the Tulare County Pre-Trial Facility on charges related to the theft investigation and the outstanding warrant.

MISSING PERSON INVESTIGATION:This male dog has reported its human missing and would like our assistance locating them.Th...
06/02/2026

MISSING PERSON INVESTIGATION:
This male dog has reported its human missing and would like our assistance locating them.

The reporting party was unable to provide a home address, phone number, or even a last name, but did provide the following description:

Gives treats
Opens food containers
Occasionally says "Who's a good boy?"

If you recognize this canine complainant, please contact the Exeter Police Department at 559-592-3103 so we can reunite him with its missing human.

On Monday, June 1, 2026, at approximately 5:40 p.m., officers with the Exeter Police Department responded to the 1110 bl...
06/02/2026

On Monday, June 1, 2026, at approximately 5:40 p.m., officers with the Exeter Police Department responded to the 1110 block of W. Visalia Road regarding the theft of two scooters from outside a local business.

During the investigation, officers reviewed surveillance footage and obtained video of an adult male suspect stealing the scooters.

His shirt says 'The Man. The Myth. The Legend.' We're hoping the community can help us identify the man behind the myth before the legend grows any further. If you recognize him, please contact Officer Brown at 559-592-3103. Reference Case #26-03685.

Thank you for your assistance.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEINVESTIGATION INVOLVING KAWEAH HIGH SCHOOL EMPLOYEEThe Exeter Police Department is currently conduc...
05/28/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INVESTIGATION INVOLVING KAWEAH HIGH SCHOOL EMPLOYEE

The Exeter Police Department is currently conducting an investigation involving allegations of criminal misconduct by an employee of Kaweah High School.

On May 27, 2026, the Exeter Police Department received information from the Exeter Unified School District regarding allegations that an adult may have provided THC v**e products to students. Officers immediately initiated an investigation and are actively working to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the matter.

At this stage of the investigation, no arrest has been made. The investigation remains active and ongoing, and detectives are conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and coordinating with school officials as appropriate.

The Exeter Police Department understands the concerns these reports may cause among students, parents, and community members. While the investigation remains ongoing, the individual who is the subject of the investigation is not present on the Kaweah High School campus. Detectives continue to actively investigate the matter and will provide additional information when appropriate.

Because this is an ongoing investigation, the Department is limited in the amount of information that can be released at this time. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Lt. Ryan Heinks of the Exeter Police Department at (559) 592-3103.

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100 N. C Street
Exeter, CA
93221

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