A troubling incident involving a known sex offender wielding a knife was allegedly captured on surveillance footage near the home of a California city attorney. This predawn confrontation is heightening worries about the threat posed by repeat offenders and the surge in political violence across the nation.

The individual targeted in this alarming episode was Andrew Janz, the City Attorney of Fresno. At the time of the incident, Janz’s wife and young daughter were inside their residence when the suspect reportedly approached the premises around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Authorities have identified the suspect in the disturbing footage as Larry Orduna Torrez, age 56. The video reportedly shows him carrying a knife and wearing black gloves as he makes his way toward the home.

In the recording, the suspect appears to ring the doorbell while holding the knife, then proceeds to the backyard, where he allegedly scales a fence.

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Surveillance video allegedly shows Larry Torrez approaching the home of Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz while holding a knife. (Obtained by Fox News Digital)

Seconds later, banging can be heard at the rear of the home as sheriff’s deputies move in and detain the suspect.

Deputies responding to the home on North Van Ness Boulevard arrested Torrez on suspicion of attempted first-degree burglary, trespassing and threatening a public official, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and jail records reviewed by Fox News Digital.

Authorities told Fox News Digital that Torrez is both a parolee and a registered sex offender known to Fresno law enforcement and public officials.

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Larry Orduna Torrez was arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary and threatening a public official, authorities said. (Fresno County Sheriff’s Office)

Fresno County jail records show Torrez was booked into custody May 17 and is also being held on a parole hold. His bail was set at $30,000 on the felony attempted burglary charge.

The incident comes as California faces mounting scrutiny over repeat offenders and parole decisions involving violent and sexual predators, including growing criticism surrounding the release of convicted sex offenders with lengthy criminal histories.

“I have a little girl at home. It was a very traumatic incident,” Janz told Fresno ABC affiliate KFSN. “We’re doing the best that we can.”

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Janz told Fox News Digital that his office recently defeated two legal matters Torrez had filed against the city and said the suspect appeared to have an obsession with Fresno City Hall and public officials.

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Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz said political violence “is on the rise” after a suspect was arrested outside his home. (@andrew_janz via Instagram)

“This is definitely an escalation from prior incidents,” Janz told KFSN. “I had a feeling that it was somebody that knew who I was or had some involvement with my work.”

The city attorney also revealed to Fox News Digital that in a separate incident the following night, someone set fire to a fence at his home.

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Surveillance footage shows a Fresno County deputy confronting suspected intruder Larry Torrez behind Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz’s home. (Obtained by Fox News Digital)

Court records and prosecutors described Torrez as well known to local law enforcement and Fresno public officials. Fresno County prosecutor Victor Lai said in court that Torrez appeared to have “a fixation with the Fresno Police Department,” according to KFSN.

Torrez pleaded not guilty Wednesday to attempted burglary and trespass charges, KFSN reported. A judge ordered him to have no contact with Janz or his family.

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The incident also comes as political violence continues to escalate across the United States.

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Over the past several years, the country has witnessed assassination attempts against President Donald Trump, an arson attack at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence while his family slept inside, the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan, the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk during a speaking event in Utah, and vandalism targeting Vice President JD Vance’s home in Ohio. State lawmakers in Minnesota were also targeted in deadly shootings at their homes last year.

“Political violence is on the rise,” Janz told KFSN. “Somebody’s going to get hurt here in Fresno.”

Nav Gurm, who is running to represent Fresno’s District 7 on the city council, also condemned the incident.

“Political violence has no place in our society,” Gurm said in a statement. “Glad to hear that Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz and his family are safe after the disturbing incident at their home. No public official, or their loved ones, should ever have to endure threats or intimidation simply for doing their job.

“This kind of behavior undermines our democracy and must be fully investigated and condemned.”

Despite the terrifying encounter, Janz said he refused to be intimidated and returned to work the following day.

“I will not let threats or violence deter me from the good work that me and my staff do for the City of Fresno,” he said.

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — A man from St. Clair County, Michael Ray Mullins, has been sentenced to a five-year prison term for charges of cyberstalking, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby.

In December 2025, the 45-year-old admitted guilt to charges of cyberstalking and making interstate threats to kidnap or harm another individual.

The plea agreement details an incident on September 29, 2024, when a police officer from Margaret responded to a domestic violence call in Odenville. The victim, who was Mullins’ former girlfriend, alleged that he threatened her and her children with death. She showed officers bruises on her arm and back, which she said were inflicted by Mullins. Despite being warned not to return, Mullins came back to the house to collect his belongings while law enforcement was still present.

The following day, the victim reported receiving menacing phone calls and texts from Mullins. On October 6, 2024, Mullins made 42 phone calls to her in just 25 minutes, using caller ID blocking tactics at times to conceal his identity. Between September 29 and October 12, 2024, he contacted the victim 367 times by phone and sent her 326 text messages.

Court documents reveal that Mullins has a history of prior convictions related to domestic violence.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Margaret Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. McBrayer prosecuted the case.

In a shocking incident, a statue of Jesus outside a Long Island church was beheaded in the dead of night last weekend, but the community’s prayers were answered with the help of local law enforcement.

Deyonna Subert, 41, was arrested Wednesday afternoon and charged with criminal mischief for allegedly decapitating the statue at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in East Islip. Her arrest followed an extensive search conducted by the Suffolk County Police’s Hate Crimes unit.

Authorities suspect that Subert, a resident of Bay Shore, may be dealing with mental health issues and acted out during an episode, according to police sources.

“When you see events like these across the nation—attacks on mosques, rising antisemitism, and anti-Christian acts—it can be disheartening,” remarked Lou Civello, President of the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association, speaking to reporters at the church shortly after the arrest.

Before Subert’s arrest was announced, Civello and the GOOD Foundation, a nonprofit supporting Long Island’s law enforcement, pledged to support the church by donating $1,000 each. This generous contribution is intended to help the church replace the vandalized statue.

“As police officers, we’re tasked with catching the criminals. It’s not often that we get to undo the harm that they have done,” Civello said, handing the giant checks over to St. Mary’s pastor, Anthony Iaconis, shortly after Subert’s arrest.

But despite how outraged and upset Iaconis and his congregants have been over the statue’s desecration — he and other church members told The Post they not only forgive Subert, but pray for her and even said they would love to invite her into the church to make amends. 

“It’s evil,” Pastor Iaconis said about the vandalism. 

“But Christ calls on us to forgive — and that is how peace comes about,” he added. 

Marleni Danesi, who has been attending St. Mary’s for decades, described the vandalism as “sad, but not surprising,” and said she has been praying for Subert.

“You combat hate with love. God cares for all sinners,” Danesi said.

Kyle Busch, a legendary figure in the NASCAR world, has tragically passed away at the age of 41. The revered driver, known for his impressive achievements on the track, succumbed to an unexpected illness on Thursday, just hours after being hospitalized.

A native of Las Vegas, Busch leaves behind his wife, Samantha, and their two children, Brexton, aged 11, and Lennix, aged four. The family had recently celebrated Brexton’s birthday, a moment now bittersweet in the wake of his untimely death.

Throughout his illustrious 24-year career, Busch competed in over 760 races and claimed the Cup Series championship twice. His sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community and beyond, as fans and colleagues alike remember his contributions to the sport.

While the exact cause of his death remains unknown, the racing world is united in mourning. NASCAR released a heartfelt statement on behalf of Busch’s family and his team, Richard Childress Racing, expressing profound sorrow at his loss. “Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,” the statement read, capturing the sentiment felt by many.

‘Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,’ NASCAR shared in a statement on behalf of Busch’s family and his team, Richard Childress Racing. 

‘A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans. 

NASCAR driver Kyle Busch has died at the age of 41 shortly after being hospitalized

Busch is survived by his wife, Samantha, and son Brexton, who celebrated his 11th birthday just three days ago, and daughter Lennix, four. Pictured in 2023

The two-time Cup Series champion was hospitalized just hours before his death. Busch is pictured with his wife Samantha at the 2023 NASCASR Awards in Nashville

‘Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR’s highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series. His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation. 

‘Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha’s parents, Kurt and all of Kyle’s family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans.

‘NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon. During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.’ 

The heartbreaking news of Busch’s sudden passing rocked the racing world on Thursday evening.  

His former team, Joe Gibbs Racing, led the tributes, sharing: ‘Our hearts are broken for Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, and the entire Busch family. Kyle was a fierce competitor, an incredible teammate, and, far more importantly, a devoted husband, father, and son. His impact on our organization and on the sport of NASCAR will never be forgotten.

‘During this unimaginable time, everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing and the Gibbs family are lifting the Busch family up in prayer.’ 

‘Absolute shock. Very hard to process,’ veteran NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski posted on social media.

The Las Vegas native won championships in 2015 and 2019 with Joe Gibbs Racing

Busch and his wife Samantha had been embraced by Trump for their work promoting IVF

The family celebrated Brexton’s 11th birthday just three days before Busch’s passing

NASCAR driver and former teammate Denny Hamlin posted on social media: ‘Absolutely cannot comprehend this news. We just need to think of his family during this time. We love you KB.’ 

‘What the hell? Awful out of nowhere news. RIP Rowdy,’ Barstool chief Dave Portnoy added.  

It emerged earlier on Thursday that Busch had been pulled from this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, where he would be replaced by Austin Hill for his team Richard Childress Racing.

No further details of Busch’s condition were shared at the time. However, his hospitalization came less than two weeks after he made a mid-race request for medical aid. 

During a Cup Series race on May 10 at Watkins Glen, Busch radioed in to his crew requesting medical aid from Dr. Bill Heisel and a ‘shot’ after the race. 

According to the TV broadcast, Busch had been struggling with a sinus cold that was exacerbated by the intense G-forces and elevation changes at the Upstate New York road course. Busch continued to race and finished eighth.

Brushing off the incident, Busch went on to claim his record fifth NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series trophy days later on May 15. Following his death, which came six days after the victory, a heartbreaking clip of Busch’s post-race interview resurfaced. 

After earning his 69th career Trucks Series race win with the triumph at Dover, Busch was asked how many races he wanted to win in his career before he stops racing.

‘You take whatever you can get, man,’ Busch said. ‘You never know when the last one is going to be, so cherish them all – trust me.’

Busch celebrates  after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ECOSAVE 200 on May 15

Samantha Busch was invited to the White House by Donald Trump following her campaign efforts to make in vitro fertilization more affordable. The influencer is pictured in 2023

Busch, the younger brother of NASCAR Hall of Famer Kurt Busch, ranked 24th in the Cup Series standings, with two top-10 finishes in 12 races this season. 

The Las Vegas native won championships in 2015 and 2019 with Joe Gibbs Racing and was in the midst of his fourth season at Richard Childress Racing when he suddenly fell ill. 

His last win came in 2023, which marked his first with RCR. The victory took his total to 234 wins in races across the sport’s three national series, more than any driver in history.

He has won 63 Cup Series races, including the 2018 Coca-Cola 600.

Away from the track, Busch and his wife have publicly campaigned to make in vitro fertilization more accessible. 

The couple, who welcomed both their children through IVF, ran the Bundle of Joy Fund, which attempts to help families remove the financial burdens of getting fertility treatments. 

Their efforts attracted the attention of Donald Trump, who invited Samantha to the White House last year to discuss the president’s efforts to lower the cost of treatments. 

Known as ‘Rowdy’ and ‘Wild Thing’, Busch had become a polarizing figure in the sport thanks to his post-race fights and feuds with fellow drivers.

Busch drinks champagne after winning the Nationwide series championship in 2009 

Busch (No 8) radioed in to his crew requesting medical aid during a race on May 10 

Busch celebrates his 2010 win in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ Autism Speaks 400 auto race

His most recent spat came when former Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Hamlin appeared to criticize Busch over his recent lack of success on the Actions Detrimental podcast.

Hamlin said: ‘If you’re expecting Kyle Busch to just go back to Victory Lane on a regular basis, you are kidding yourselves.’

While Hamlin later said he meant no harm by the comments and was just making an observation, Busch took exception and said he could make Hamlin´s life ‘hell’ on the racetrack.

While several laps down at last month´s race at Kansas, Busch raced Hamlin hard instead of allowing the race leader to pass. That decision held up Hamlin during a crucial stage of the race.

Tyler Reddick wound up winning the race after Hamlin faded late, finishing fourth despite a race-leading 131 laps.

Sunday morning in California, law enforcement officers came to the aid of a suspected burglar who had been trapped within the walls of a business for approximately 10 hours following a failed break-in attempt.

The individual, identified as Isaac Valencia, was subsequently taken into custody and booked into jail, according to a statement released by the Salinas Police Department on Monday.

Local news outlet KSBW reported that Valencia, aged 29, allegedly fell at least 22 feet after attempting to enter through the roof of a nearby theater around 9 p.m. on Saturday night.

The unusual predicament came to light when officers stationed at a nearby coffee shop heard muted cries for help, as detailed by the police.

In a related incident, firefighters recently had to dismantle a playground slide to free a 40-year-old man who found himself stuck inside.

Rescue crews tear through a storefront structure in Salinas, California, on May 17, 2026, after overnight officers heard faint cries for help. (Firefighter breaching wall)

Video shared by SPD shows Salinas Fire crews tearing through the walls in an effort to reach and rescue the man. 

According to police, the incident began as officers were nearing the end of their overnight shift and stopped inside Brewjee Coffee Co for a morning coffee.

While inside, they reportedly heard “faint calls for help coming from somewhere nearby.”

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At first, the source was difficult to locate, police said. Employees also noted they heard similar noises earlier, but it had suddenly stopped.

Officers then searched outside the entrance,where the trail of sound led to what they described as “yelling” coming from inside a wall between the coffee shop and the adjacent theater.

The Salinas Fire Department responded and began cutting through multiple sections of the structure in an effort to locate and rescue the man.

A Salinas firefighter cuts into an exterior wall to rescue a suspected burglar trapped inside a business in Salinas, California, on May 17, 2026. (Firefighter cutting exterior wall)

During an initial attempt to breach the coffee shop wall, crews reportedly encountered a layer of cinderblock and cement behind it.

Firefighters ultimately shifted to the adjoining exterior wall, cutting through a large section to free Valencia.  

The man was medically evaluated at the scene before being booked into the Monterey County Jail on burglary charges. His bail was set at $10,000, according to KSBW.

The rescue operation lasted roughly two and a half hours, the outlet reported.

First responders gather outside a Salinas, California, establishment on May 17, 2026, where a man was trapped for 10 hours after a reported failed break-in. (Salinas Police Department/Facebook)

Police praised responding officers for continuing to investigate despite how minor the situation initially appeared.

“Most people probably would have chalked it up to the building making noise. These officers did not. The officers continued checking the area, including the nearby Maya Cinemas offices,” SPD said.