A Hanford man was arrested Wednesday evening after allegedly making sexually threatening remarks to two women near the Kings County Government Center, authorities said.

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Deputies responded around 6:51 p.m. to a report of criminal threats near the Ag Commissioner’s Office parking lot, according to the Kings County Sheriff’s Office.

When they arrived, they located two female victims who said they had been approached by a man later identified as Anthony Lee Maldonado, 40.

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The women told deputies Maldonado made aggressive and sexually explicit remarks toward them. Fearing for their safety, the women attempted to enter their vehicles, but Maldonado continued to follow and speak to them, authorities said.

Both victims were able to safely lock themselves inside their cars before Maldonado walked away.

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Deputies searched the area and found Maldonado west of the Lacey Medical Complex where he was arrested.

A records check showed Maldonado was on active parole for assault with a deadly weapon and was under the influence of a controlled substance at the time of the incident, officials said.

He was arrested on suspicion of making felony terrorist threats, and his parole officer authorized a parole hold, meaning he will not be eligible for bail.

Got a Tip?

Due to the nature of the incident and its location in a central part of Hanford, the Sheriff’s Office believes other individuals may have been targeted.

Authorities are asking anyone with information or similar encounters involving Maldonado to contact the department at (559) 852-2720.

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