A regular feature from the California Highway Patrol, the #ICYMI report provides a roundup of notable incidents involving the CHP. This installment covers events including the apprehension of a homicide suspect, law enforcement working together to “catch a predator”, a DUI investigation that uncovered illegal weapons, daring air rescues of drivers trapped by rising floodwaters, and a “doggone” heroic rescue in Hanford.
Homicide suspect apprehended
A man suspected of murder in the Bay Area was arrested following a traffic stop in Santa Cruz, Calif. On Feb. 16, CHP officers spotted the suspect’s vehicle, and with the assistance of Santa Cruz Police and Harbor Patrol officers made the enforcement stop, resulting in the swift apprehension of 36-year-old Jeffrey Kendall, who is a suspect for a murder in Pinole, Calif.
Human trafficking operation
On Feb. 21, Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the collaborative efforts of a recent human trafficking operation in the Central Valley. The Fresno Human Trafficking Sexual Predator Apprehension, the Visalia Police Department, the California Highway Patrol and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation joined forces in the multi-jurisdictional operation, which occurred from Feb. 13 to Feb. 16. Over four days, the undercover officers apprehended 12 suspects who were arrested and charged with contacting a minor for sexual purposes. If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity and cannot leave, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Weapons seizure
CHP officers in San Bernardino discovered a stolen gun, ghost gun, and multiple large capacity magazines during a Feb. 17 DUI investigation. Remember, safety is key; report any drunk drivers you encounter by calling 9-1-1.
Helicopter rescue
Heavy overnight rain on California’s Central Coast resulted in a series of air rescues on Feb. 19. A CHP helicopter crew worked alongside the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department and the Paso Robles City Fire Department to rescue three people who were stranded on islands in the Salinas River in Paso Robles. The CHP’s H-70 located all three men and released a Helicopter Rescue Technician (HRT) to rescue one man stranded on an island in the middle of the river, while Paso Robles City Fire Department rescued the other two men by boat and the utilization of HRT. All three men were air lifted to a nearby parking lot where they were checked out by fire personnel.
“Pawsitively” amazing
On Feb. 17, an officer from the CHP’s Hanford Area responded to assist some good Samaritans with the rescue of 10 adorable puppies abandoned on State Route 43. The litter of puppies was transported to the Kings County Animal Control, helping ensure their road to recovery and eventual adoption into loving homes.
