McFarland Police Department

09/11/2026

Today, the McFarland Police Department joins our nation in solemn remembrance of the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

Twenty-five years later, we continue to honor the courage, sacrifice, and selflessness shown by firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, military members, and countless civilians who responded in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

We remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the families and loved ones forever affected, the survivors who carry the memories of that day, and the first responders whose service and sacrifice continued long after September 11.

On this 25th anniversary, we pause to reflect on the strength, compassion, and unity shown in our nation’s darkest hours.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

September 11, 2001 – September 11, 2026

McFarland Police Department

09/10/2026

Homicide Investigation Update:

One of the laundry mat suspects, Elvis Garcia, turned himself in last night. We are still asking for assistance in locating Joshua Cortez. We are hoping he does the right thing and turns himself in as well. We want to thank the public for their assistance in sharing this critical information. A correction typo error on the victim's age, he was in fact 26 years old, not 20 years old as previously released.

09/10/2026

HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION UPDATE – SUSPECTS WANTED

The McFarland Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Joshua Cortez and Elvis Garcia, who are wanted in connection with the August 22, 2026, homicide of 20-year-old Alfonzo Jacobo.

On August 22, at approximately 3:18 p.m., officers responded to a shooting at a laundromat in the 100 block of West Perkins Avenue. Officers located Jacobo suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Through the investigation, detectives determined that two suspects entered the laundromat prior to the shooting. Investigators discovered that 18-year-old Joshua Cortez confronted Jacobo and shot him multiple times. Elvis Garcia entered the laundromat with Cortez and is also alleged to have been involved in the homicide.

Cortez, a resident of Richgrove in Tulare County, has been identified by investigators as a documented Norteño gang member.

⚠️ ARREST WARRANTS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR BOTH SUSPECTS. BOTH REMAIN AT LARGE AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS.

DO NOT APPROACH OR ATTEMPT TO DETAIN EITHER INDIVIDUAL. If you see either suspect, immediately contact law enforcement.

💰 **REWARD UP TO $10,000**
A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of both suspects.

McFarland Police Department: (661) 792-2121

Anonymous tips are welcome. Information may also be provided to your local law enforcement agency.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information—no matter how insignificant it may seem—is encouraged to contact investigators.

**Please share this post to assist investigators in locating these wanted individuals.

09/08/2026

HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION UPDATE — PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REQUESTED

As investigators continue gathering information regarding the homicide that occurred on Saturday, September 5, 2026, it has been confirmed that the shooting took place in the alley between the 300 blocks of 7th Street and 8th Street. At the time of the shooting, a party was taking place in the 300 block of 7th Street, with an estimated 50 or more people in attendance.

Investigators believe numerous individuals may have witnessed the shooting or possess valuable information but have not yet come forward. The McFarland Police Department is asking anyone with information to contact us. No detail is too small or insignificant—what may seem unimportant could provide investigators with a critical lead.

Please call the McFarland Police Department at (661) 792-2121 and reference Case No. 26-00925.

The City of McFarland is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for this crime.

We urge witnesses and anyone with knowledge of this incident to do the right thing and help investigators bring those responsible to justice.

09/06/2026

Incident Information:

On *9-5-26 (*date corrected) at about 2310 hours the McFarland Police Department received a report of a shooting in the 300 block of 8th street in McFarland. Officers arrived and found an unidentified adult victim of a shooting in the middle of the road way. The unidentified victim was pronounced deceased. Investigation is active and ongoing. Public is asked to avoid the area. Anyone with information please call the McFarland Police Department at 661-792-2121.

09/03/2026

Cases involving fraud can be complex and require patience, attention to detail, thorough documentation, and strong coordination throughout the investigative and prosecution process. Our detectives remained committed to following the evidence and ensuring the case was properly investigated and presented for prosecution.

This conviction is another example of the important work that often takes place behind the scenes. Our detectives work tirelessly to hold offenders accountable, protect victims, and safeguard our community.

We are proud of their professionalism, persistence, and dedication to the citizens of McFarland.

Great work, Detectives!

A Kern County jury has found the man who set a car on fire in McFarland guilty of arson and automobile insurance fraud.

Read more: https://www.kget.com/news/crime-watch/kern-county-jury-finds-man-guilty-of-car-insurance-fraud-mcfarland-arson/

09/01/2026

🎃🚔 Save the Date! McFarland Police Department Annual Trunk or Treat 🚔🎃
The McFarland Police Department invites the community to join us for our Annual Trunk or Treat!
📅 Saturday, October 24

⏰ 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

📍 Blanco Park
Bring the family out for an evening of costumes, candy, decorated trunks, and community fun! 👻🍬

🚗 Trunk Registration Deadline: October 20
🛍️ Vendor Registration Deadline: September 16

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more event details!

🎃🚔 ¡Aparta la Fecha! Trunk or Treat Anual del Departamento de Policía de McFarland 🚔🎃

¡El Departamento de Policía de McFarland invita a toda la comunidad a acompañarnos en nuestro Trunk or Treat anual!
📅 Sábado, 24 de octubre

⏰ 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

📍 Blanco Park
¡Trae a toda la familia y disfruta de una tarde de disfraces, dulces, vehículos decorados y diversión para toda la comunidad! 👻🍬

🚗 Fecha límite para registrar un vehículo: 20 de octubre

🛍️ Fecha límite para registrar vendedores: 16 de septiembre
¡Marca tu calendario y mantente atento para más detalles!

08/31/2026

🎓 CONGRATULATIONS, LIEUTENANT PHILLIP GARZA! 🎓

The McFarland Police Department is proud to recognize and congratulate Lieutenant Phillip Garza (center) on his recent graduation from the prestigious California Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBSLI).

Lieutenant Garza successfully completed this intensive leadership development program, which included 192 hours of instruction over eight months, focused on leadership, supervision, organizational development, and professional growth.

His graduation also comes at an exciting time in his career, as he was recently promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant with the McFarland Police Department.

Lieutenant Garza’s commitment to continued education, professional development, and leadership reflects the standard we strive for within our organization. The knowledge and experience gained through SBSLI will serve him well as he takes on greater leadership responsibilities and continues serving our officers, our organization, and the McFarland community.

Congratulations, Lieutenant Garza! We are proud of you and look forward to your continued leadership and service to McFarland.

08/27/2026

The McFarland Police Department is seeking qualified law enforcement professionals to join our team as a Police Sergeant. If you are an experienced law enforcement supervisor looking for the next step in your career, we invite you to consider joining the McFarland Police Department and serving a growing community alongside a dedicated team of professionals.

🌐 Ready to apply?
Visit www.mcfarlandcity.org and select “Careers” to view the Police Sergeant job posting, minimum qualifications, requirements, and application information.

08/27/2026