Detectives with the Fresno H.E.A.T. (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) Task Force have booked 34 year old Kristopher Cartozian of Fresno into the Fresno County Jail. He is facing charges related to an outstanding warrant for a residential burglary.
On December 12th, H.E.A.T. detectives received a tip that wanted felon, Kristopher Cartozian, was in possession of two stolen Christmas decorations. These handmade figures of Hermey the Elf and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer were stolen on December 8th from a front yard display at a home on Christmas Tree Lane (Van Ness and Gettysburg). Detectives were told Cartozian was at a home on the corner of E. Shields Ave. and N. Mariposa St. They responded to the house, found Cartozian and arrested him for his active warrant. Detectives searched the area for the decorations and found them hidden in the yard of a neighboring, abandoned house. The elf was also found to have four fingers on his left hand taped down, forming an obscene gesture. It’s unknown who is responsible for the prank. Detectives collected the decorations and arranged for them to be returned to the owner on Christmas Tree Lane. At this time, Cartozian is not facing a misdemeanor charge of petty theft because there is no evidence to show he was directly responsible for stealing Hermey and Rudolph.
If you have additional information about this case, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (559) 600-3111. You may also contact Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867) or www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
***HEAT is comprised of members from the California Highway Patrol, Fresno County Sheriff's Office, the National Insurance Crime Bureau and Clovis Police Department.
