Following are some highlights from recent notable incidents involving the California Highway Patrol. The regular #ICYMI feature is a roundup of the top five activities of the week.
Holiday Weekend Arrests
CHP officers kept watch over California’s crowded roadways over the holiday weekend, vigilantly monitoring for instances of impaired driving while implementing a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) that ran from 6:01 p.m. on Friday, August 30, continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 2. During the 72-hour holiday enforcement effort, CHP officers made over 1,100 arrests for driving under the influence and issued more than 27,000 citations, with over 16,200 for speeding alone.
Award Of Distinction
During the 2024 Impaired Driving and Traffic Safety Conference held in Washington DC, Retired Asst. Chief Helena Williams was honored by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) with the DRE Emeritus Award. This recognition is given to former certified Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) who have made significant contributions to the program and are no longer certified due to retirement or promotion. Asst. Chief Williams, throughout her career and retirement, has become an eminent promoter of the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program, actively advocating for the education and training of law enforcement professionals. Her efforts aim to enhance roadway safety by efficiently removing impaired drivers.
Chop Shop Investigation
On August 22, a stolen vehicle investigation led CHP’s Kern County Auto Theft Taskforce (KernCATT) detectives to a suspected chop shop residence. More than a dozen trucks, cars, and motorcycles were observed in various states of repair and dismantle on the property, and various stolen parts, such as engines, transmissions, and air boxes were located. Six stolen vehicles were recovered, along with three stolen engines, one stolen transmission, and one other vehicle component. Two individuals were arrested on various charges, including operating a chop shop, six counts of possession of a stolen vehicle, five counts of possession of stolen property, and possession of a stolen vehicle with prior convictions. One of the subjects was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance, all in violation of his probation. Both subjects were booked into the Kern County Jail without incident.
Gambling Ring
The San Joaquin County Regional Auto Theft Taskforce, overseen by CHP, conducted a probation search at a residential property on Bear Creek Way, Stockton. The investigation resulted in four arrests, confiscation of roughly $30,000 in cash, recovery of stolen goods worth approximately $80,000, a seized firearm with ammunition, a reclaimed stolen Interstate trailer, as well as the shuttering of an unauthorized gambling operation on Delivery Street in Stockton. The four suspects arrested were Thai Nguyen (58), Lan Nguyen (51), Nha Hoang (36), and Priya Singh (40). The charges range from felony organized retail crimes, felony firearm charges, conspiracy, operating an illegal gambling facility, possession of a stolen vehicle, felon in possession of ammunition and probation violation.
Coffee With CHP
East Sacramento CHP Officers participated in a fantastic Coffee with a Cop event at the Rancho Cordova Marriot and Starbucks. These events shine due to the vibrant participation of the community. Their zealous interactions with our officers, passionate conversations, and immense support make each gathering remarkable. For more information about a rewarding and life-changing career with the CHP, visit the CHP website and register for the virtual hiring seminar on September 25.
