MADERA COUNTY – A wanted fugitive was captured this morning following a fire that broke out inside a repossessed residence in the Madera Ranchos, according to the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.
On Wednesday, Apr. 2, firefighters responded to a blaze reported at a home on Loren Way, between Cloverleaf Avenue and Berkshire Drive.
Shortly after arriving on scene, crews called the Sheriff’s Office requesting help to handle “combative subjects” on the property.
When deputies arrived they found Brandon Collins, 31, allegedly squatting in the bank-owned home, and took him into custody.
A sheriff’s detective assigned to MADNET (Madera County Narcotic Enforcement Team) who was called in to assist and arrested Collins, also seized methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Collins, who is on probation for narcotics, was transported to Madera County Department of Corrections. He remains jailed without bail.
