Highlighting a roundup of notable incidents involving the California Highway Patrol (CHP) the past couple of weeks, the #ICYMI features includes calls ranging from Coastal Division CHP officers being honored to a “spooky” carpool lane violation leading to a citation.
Retail Crime Fight
On October 15, Governor Newsom announced that CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) continues its work to tamp down on organized retail theft operations statewide. This year, the task force has conducted 621 investigations leading to 1,123 arrests and recovered 269,992 stolen items valued at $8.1 million. Since its inception, the task force has made 3,223 arrests and recovered 880,276 stolen items valued at more than $46 million.
CHP’s ORCTF in Border Division served multiple search warrants on Oct. 14 and recovered over $140k in stolen retail merchandise and made multiple arrests. On October 16, CHP’s ORCTF in Southern Division worked with retail partners at Lululemon to apprehend a pair of “Boosters” who had stolen 131 items, with a value of approximately $15,000 from several of their retail locations throughout Los Angeles County.
“Spooky” Driver Cited
A driver recently put a Halloween skeleton with a “Scream” mask in the passenger seat and then used a carpool lane in the San Jose area. The CHP officer was not fooled. Even though the skeleton wore a seatbelt during the October 12 incident, the officer issued a citation. The CHP reminds the public that although “spooky season” is upon us, it is important to remember that decorations being transported in the passenger seat do not qualify to meet carpool requirements.
Officers Honored
On October 12, the Peace Officers Association of Ventura County hosted its 43rd Annual Medal of Valor Awards Ceremony. Law enforcement personnel and civilians were recognized for their exceptional actions amid life-threatening situations. Congratulations to the CHP Officers honored on this significant occasion: Officer Chisholm, Officer Neuner, Officer Winter, and Officer Ayers. In addition, officials recognized Officer Chevalier’s notable achievement as the 2024 Investigator of the Year nominee, demonstrating his remarkable competence in conducting criminal investigations.
Brandishing A Firearm
During the summer, CHP officers assigned to Operation Safe Streets within the City of Oakland observed an individual swiftly exiting a vehicle and fleeing the scene upon noticing the officers. During the pursuit, the officers noted that the suspect displayed a handgun, and unfortunately, the suspect was able to avoid apprehension. A follow-up investigation revealed the vehicle was stolen, and a loaded handgun was found nearby. After multiple search warrants, the CHP Oakland Area Major Crimes Unit identified the prime suspect as Daniel “Danny” Lopez-Curiel, a 21-year-old from Oakland.
In the early hours of October 16, a warrant was executed at Lopez-Curiel’s residence with support from the CHP Golden Gate Division Warrant Service Team, Investigative Services Unit Northern FEAR Team, and Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. During the investigation, further evidence tied Lopez-Curiel to the stolen vehicle and firearm. Additional features found at the site included aftermarket key fobs, key programmers, and multiple shaved keys, indicating potential vehicle theft activities. Lopez-Curiel was located in Union City and was apprehended without incident. Curiel is facing various charges, including possession of a stolen vehicle, resisting arrest, and numerous firearm violations.
Teen Arrested For DUI
CHP officers from the Santa Cruz area responded to reports of a vehicle unable to maintain its lane on Southbound Highway 1 on October 13. After stopping the vehicle and contacting the driver, the driver showed clear signs of impairment, resulting in an arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence. A subsequent inspection of the vehicle uncovered a loaded, unregistered firearm. The 18-year-old resident of Castroville was taken into custody on charges of DUI as well as possession of an unregistered firearm.
