By Aaron Burgin, The Porterville Recorder
Porterville police are closing in on a man who allegedly pistol whipped a woman with a sawed-off shotgun, then eluded law enforcement Monday afternoon, officers said.

Police said they know who the suspect is. The victim, whose name was not released, identified him shortly after the incident. Officers, however, will not release the man's name, fearing he will try to evade police, Sgt. John Hall said.

“He has been identified by name,” Hall said. “We just don't want to jeopardize his arrest.” Hall said that officers received a call on the east side of Porterville Monday afternoon from a 34-year-old woman who said she was in a dispute with the suspect. At some point, Hall said, the man pulled out a shotgun and struck her with it, then fled the scene.

The woman was taken to Sierra View District Hospital for treatment to minor injuries. Following a tip, several officers searched an area on South Crystal Street for the man, but did not locate him. The suspect, who will be charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon when located, is still on the lam as of Monday evening, Hall said.

Detectives will continue the investigation Tuesday morning, Hall said.

Contact Aaron Burgin at 784-5000, Ext. 1047, or aburgin@portervillerecorder.com.

This story was published in The Porterville Recorder on Feb. 13, 2007