Four people were arrested Thursday and authorities recovered about $150,000 worth of stolen agricultural chemicals during a multi-agency law enforcement operation targeting a series of agricultural chemical burglaries in Madera County, officials said.

The operation, dubbed Operation Round Up, was conducted by the Madera County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division and Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Detectives.

Investigators served three search warrants and two arrest warrants at locations in Mendota, Firebaugh, and the Riverdale area, according to the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. The operation involved assistance from the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, Firebaugh Police Department, Mendota Police Department, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, and Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.

During the execution of a warrant in Mendota, authorities said Alfredo Cervantes Ventura, 41, of Mendota, fled from his residence, jumped a fence, and entered a nearby home in an attempt to avoid arrest. He was apprehended shortly afterward and taken into custody without further incident.

Investigators said they recovered approximately $150,000 worth of stolen agricultural chemicals, as well as a firearm and a flare gun.

Those arrested are: Ventura; David Carlos Hernandez, 44, of Firebaugh; Mayra Rodriguez Aranda, 35, of Riverdale; and Roberto Ventura, 30, of Mendota

Authorities did not immediately release details about potential charges. The investigation remains ongoing.

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