A Fresno County judge has dropped the felony charge against an alleged trespasser at the home of Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz.<\/p>\n
The judge ruled Friday that prosecutors did not have enough evidence to go forward with the felony charge of attempted burglary.<\/p>\n
It all stems from a dramatic, overnight incident this past May.<\/p>\n
Action News first brought you exclusive video that shows Larry Torrez knock on Janz’s door before going to the backyard. That’s where Torrez hopped a fence and banged on the back door.<\/p>\n
We’ve now learned that in his hand was a green folding knife and he was also wearing gloves.<\/p>\n
Janz was inside with his family as this all unfolded. He says he armed himself with a gun in self-defense as his wife called 911.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors tried making their case but the judge said it fell short.<\/p>\n
“I understand that your point … elements of the crime have been met,” Fresno County Judge James Kelley said.<\/p>\n
Torrez is known to Valley law enforcement and public officials. He has several prior felony convictions and has filed multiple lawsuits against the City of Fresno.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors, though, did not present evidence about a possible motive.<\/p>\n
Torrez did plead no contest to a misdemeanor charge for trespassing at Janz’s home.<\/p>\n
The judge sentenced him to six months for that charge only and he said Torrez was lucky that he didn’t get shot by Janz.<\/p>\n
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