Making headlines over the past couple of weeks, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) was involved with several notable incidents, including a Solano area enforcement operation leading to 137 citations, street racing leading to arrests in Monterey, and the Northern Division K-9’s busting 24 pounds of cocaine, 48 pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of fentanyl.
Enforcement Operation
On March 17, the Solano Area conducted a targeted enforcement operation along the Interstate 80 corridor, an area identified by data as experiencing high crash rates and traffic fatalities. With additional staffing and a maximum deployment effort, officers focused on addressing issues such as excessive speed, DUI offenses, and other factors contributing to crashes to enhance road safety. In total, 137 citations were issued during this operation, and five individuals were arrested, three of whom were charged with DUI offenses. Notably, one individual operating a commercial vehicle was found to have a blood alcohol level exceeding the legal limit. In conjunction with these focused enforcement efforts, officers remain committed to upholding the law and safeguarding lives daily. We urge the public to assist us in maintaining road safety by promptly reporting any instances of reckless or impaired driving to 9-1-1, providing essential details such as the vehicle’s description, license plate number, location, and direction of travel. Your swift action could potentially prevent tragic outcomes and save lives.
Cadet Run, Graduation
During the early morning hours of March 19, the 125 members of Cadet Training Class V-24 completed their final physical task before earning the title of CHP Officer: a five-mile run. Starting at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento and concluding at the California Peace Officers Memorial near the State Capitol, the run was marked by the support and encouragement of family and friends along the way.
Two days later, on March 21, these cadets officially began their careers as CHP officers during a graduation ceremony at the Academy.
Street Racing Arrests
CHP Monterey Area officers responded to reports of illegal street racing near Iverson Road and Jacks Road on March 18. Upon arrival, a CHP sergeant observed a Mustang and a Honda engaged in racing activities. Taking swift action, the sergeant intervened by halting the Honda and apprehending its driver. At the same time, a CHP officer attempted to stop an Acura Integra involved in the illicit racing, initiating a brief pursuit culminating in the driver’s surrender and subsequent arrest. The individual was then processed and booked into the county jail. Both vehicles were impounded for 30 days. Furthermore, multiple stops were conducted throughout the evening, issuing several speeding citations and one referral to the state referee.
Northern Division K-9 Bust
On March 18, the Northern Division K-9 officer, accompanied by his K-9 partner “Riva,” executed an enforcement stop on a vehicle. Upon the officer’s observation of suspicious behavior, Riva conducted an external sniff of the vehicle, signaling the presence of narcotics. A subsequent probable cause search unveiled a concealed floor compartment, revealing an estimated 24 pounds of suspected cocaine.
March 20, a Northern Division K-9 sergeant initiated an enforcement stop on a vehicle. After seeing multiple indicators suggestive of criminal behavior, K-9 “Robbie” was requested at the scene. Robbie performed an external sniff of the vehicle, detecting the scent of narcotics. Subsequently, a thorough probable cause search of the vehicle was carried out, leading to the discovery of an estimated 48 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and roughly 2 pounds of suspected fentanyl within the passenger compartment.
Helicopter Assistance
CHP Helicopter-82 (H-82) assisted the Barstow CHP and San Bernardino County Fire departments in response to a rollover traffic crash earlier this month on Interstate 40 near Ludlow. Tragically, the crash resulted in two fatalities, while a third occupant sustained major injuries. H-82 promptly landed near the scene and administered medical treatment to the injured individual before transporting them to a nearby trauma center for further care.
