A regular feature provided by the California Highway Patrol, #ICYMI offers information on notable incidents and activities of the CHP during the past couple of weeks.
In this wrap up, action includes vehicles seized as a result of sideshow investigation, CHP elite runners take first place at First Responders Relay, and CHP roars to the rescue by saving an injured lion.
Vehicles Impounded, Weapons Seized
On Saturday, Oct. 19, Golden Gate Division conducted an unannounced surge operation, yielding impressive results. As announced by Governor Newsom, the boost in personnel significantly enhances the effectiveness of the CHP presence. The enforcement operation boasted over 60 personnel supported by aerial resources. This one-day operation, conducted in collaboration with Oakland area patrol operations, resulted in 22 arrests, with five suspects held for potential felony charges, 21 vehicles impounded, 16 stolen vehicles recovered with one being occupied by the suspect at the time of recovery, four firearms recovered of which three were unregistered “ghost” guns, and three pursuits by CHP personnel. Multiple sideshows were reported during the operation. As such, enforcement interactions from sideshow activities led to five arrests. The CHP uses this opportunity to emphasize the dangers of sideshow activity for the participants, other motorists, and bystanders.
Sideshow Investigation
During the early morning hours of Sept. 8, the CHP San Francisco Area received reports of a sideshow blocking all westbound lanes on the I-80 San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Officers from the San Francisco Area and Oakland Area Offices responded but could not immediately access the group due to stopped traffic blocking the lanes and shoulders of the Bay Bridge. After roughly 25 minutes, the crowd disbursed, moving into San Francisco. Around 4:30 a.m., another sideshow was reported, blocking the eastbound lanes on the Bay Bridge. CHP personnel swiftly responded, managing to disperse the crowd within approximately 16 minutes. After these incidents, investigators obtained video footage, including data from Flock Safety cameras, and identified 23 of the vehicles involved. Seizure orders for these vehicles were requested and granted by a San Francisco County Judge.
On Wednesday, Oct. 23, a mass vehicle seizure operation was conducted, resulting in the seizure of 16 vehicles linked to these sideshow activities. Efforts to locate the remaining vehicles linked to the seizure orders are still ongoing.
First Responders Relay
Nine exceptional CHP athletes participated in the Fourth Annual First Responders Relay at Lake Las Vegas on Saturday, Oct. 19. The 48-mile race, organized by the California Police Athletic Federation, invites teams from all over the country. CHP Elite completed the race in four hours, 55 minutes, surpassing the course record by an impressive 10 minutes.
Roaring To The Rescue
The CHP Ukiah Area was notified of an injured mountain lion on SR-20 in Willits on Oct. 25. A Caltrans unit arrived and remained at the scene until the arrival of an officer. Upon assessing the juvenile female mountain lion, it was determined that her injuries were treatable. Consequently, the Department of Fish and Game and Mendocino Wildlife Association were called for assistance. Owing to the efforts of everyone involved, the mountain lion is now safely in the care of Mendocino Wildlife and will be transferred to the Sonoma Wildlife Rescue facility for further treatment.
“Boosters” Arrested
On Oct. 24, a couple of serial “Boosters” were arrested at Ulta Beauty in Riverside. The task force had previously arrested the female participant during a blitz operation in Corona on Oct. 11. These individuals are not mere shoplifters. Boosters are part of a larger criminal organization that uses retail/cargo theft to fund their illegal activity or enterprise. The cooperation with Loss Prevention and Organized Retail Crime personnel contributes to public safety by assuring citizens that law enforcement and retailers are working tirelessly to provide a secure shopping atmosphere.
