A roundup of recent notable incidents involving the California Highway Patrol (CHP), #ICYMI highlights a pivotal month which marks major strides in the fight against organized retail crime and a traffic stop that led to the seizure of $1.3M in cocaine. Also, the feature lists a crime-fighting hot streak for two officers in Hayward, a welfare check of a driver at a mini-mart leading to a drug arrest, and statewide efforts reinforce the CHP’s commitment to child safety.

Delivering Big Results

In August, the CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) continued with its high rates of enforcement and is already well on its way to surpassing enforcement totals for all of 2023. A news release issued on September 18 by Governor Newsom highlighted the CHP’s August enforcement efforts including 171 arrests, and the recovery of over 26,000 items of stolen property worth more than half a million dollars. Since January, the ORCTF has facilitated 1,055 arrests, 573 investigations and recovered over $7.8 million worth of stolen goods.

Cocaine Seizure On I-5

On September 7, a Central Division CHP officer seized 37 pounds of cocaine, valued at approximately $1.3 million, during a traffic stop on Interstate 5 in Merced County. After pulling over a driver for a traffic violation, the officer noticed signs of criminal activity and, upon further investigation, discovered the drugs. Two Oregon residents were arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including possession and transportation of cocaine. The case was handed over to the Merced Area Gang Narcotics Enforcement Team.

Hot Streak

Two Hayward Area CHP officers had a busy week recently. Early last week, they stopped a truck driving 100 mph and quickly spotted ammunition inside the cab of the truck. Upon further inspection, the officers located a loaded, untraceable firearm, shotgun, body armor, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Both occupants, convicted felons, were booked on drug and weapons charges. The two officers’ crime-fighting hot streak continued September 19 when they stopped another vehicle for speeding at 92 mph. The driver was arrested for DUI, and a loaded, unregistered firearm was found in his waistband. He was booked into the county jail.

Welfare Check Arrest

In the early hours of September 17, Stockton Area CHP officers, while wrapping up a stolen vehicle investigation at a convenience store on Mariposa Road, noticed a man slumped over in a parked car. During a welfare check, officers spotted small baggies of white powder on his lap. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered marijuana, psilocybin, prescription codeine syrup, various pills and a large sum of cash. The driver was arrested and booked at San Joaquin County Jail on multiple drug possession, sales and transportation charges.

Protecting Young Lives

The CHP spent National Child Passenger Safety Week, September 15-21, educating parents and caregivers throughout the state on the importance of proper child safety restraints. With motor vehicle crashes being the leading cause of death for children in the U.S., properly installed child safety seats can reduce fatal injuries by up to 71 percent. The CHP encourages parents to visit one of its local offices for assistance in ensuring proper car seat installation.