Detective Kent Haws, 38, of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, was shot and killed on December 17, 2007 while investigating suspicious activity near Avenue 344 and Road 156 in Tulare, California. After speaking with occupants of a parked car beside an orange grove and sending them on their way, Haws observed a man in the orchard. As he approached, the man produced a semi-automatic firearm and shot Detective Haws multiple times. A passerby nurse rendered aid, and Haws was taken to Kaweah Delta Hospital in Visalia, where he died later that afternoon.

The shooter, identified as Jorge Banda, a known gang member from Ivanhoe, was arrested later that day and was in possession of the firearm. The case drew attention for the involvement of gang affiliation and for the impact on Haws’ family and colleagues at the Sheriff’s Office. What details do readers remember about that area or that day that might add context to this case?