Nine arrested in Clovis undercover operation targeting traffickers, child predators

WatchNine arrested in Clovis undercover operation targeting traffickers, child predatorsby Stephen Hawkins

14VIEW ALL PHOTOSDriver's license photo of Celestina Bejaran (Photo: DMV)Comment on this story0CommentShare storySharetopics: ClovisUndercoverHuman-traffickingChild-predatorsBreaking-the-ChainsPoliceFresnoKyle-RiechelCLOVIS, Calif. (FOX26) — Nine suspects were arrested over the weekend in Clovis during a two-day undercover operation targeting human traffickers and child predators, police said.

Clovis Police conducted the operation on Friday and Saturday with assistance from the California Department of Justice and Breaking the Chains, a local nonprofit organization that cares for victims of human trafficking.

Seven of the nine suspects were arrested without incident at various locations in Clovis.

Another suspect failed to pull over, leading officers on a pursuit to Shields and Armstrong, where a collision involving five vehicles occurred.

Three adults complained of pain and received medical care at the scene, and an infant was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

Police said the suspect ran from the crash but was taken into custody a short distance away by Clovis Police.

The Fresno Police Department investigated the collision because it occurred in Fresno’s jurisdiction.

A ninth suspect also evaded officers and is still wanted. Detectives are looking for 36-year-old Kyle Riechel of Fresno on several felony charges.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts can remain anonymous by calling Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP or by submitting a tip through the mobile app.

During the operation, multiple victims of human trafficking were turned over to Breaking the Chains at the scene to receive assistance.

Confidential help is available for victims of human trafficking through law enforcement or local nonprofit organizations.

In Clovis, people can call 911 for emergencies or (559) 324-2800 for non-emergencies. Breaking the Chains can be reached at (559) 492-1566.