A roundup of notable incidents involving the CHP this past week include Operation Safe Harbor, a major drug bust on the highway, a touching reunion, a birthday surprise for a brave eight-year-old, and an ‘un-bear-ably’ challenging incident.

The items listed are the ‘Top Five’ CHP stories of the week.

A Heartwarming Reunion

A bicyclist who survived a cardiac arrest last year was recently reunited with the team of first responders who saved his life. John Greiner flew across the country to express his gratitude to the CHP Marin officers and Golden Gate Bridge Patrol personnel who took turns performing CPR after they found him unconscious and breathless in a parking lot. The power of teamwork and quick thinking saved Greiner’s life that day, and it’s a reminder of the incredible impact local heroes have on our community.

Targeting Criminal Street Gang

California’s Attorney General announced the results of a multiagency effort — “Operation Safe Harbor” — targeting an organized criminal group allegedly operating a statewide narcotics and firearm trafficking network throughout California and responsible for a number of violent acts. The effort by the California Department of Justice’s Special Operation Unit, the California Highway Patrol, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulare and Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, resulted in the arrest of 27 suspects, the seizure of 30 weapons including ghost guns, as well as illegal narcotics, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and PCP.

Young Leukemia Warrior

Amid chaos and uncertainty, a special bond was forged between a young leukemia warrior, Charlie, and a compassionate CHP officer. Eight-year-old Charlie’s introduction to the CHP during the Loyalton, Beckwourth, and Dixie fires paved the way for an unforgettable encounter on May 17, 2023, when Officer Seth Preston became his guardian angel. This officer’s unwavering support and dedication left an indelible mark on Charlie’s journey of resilience and hope.

Major Drug Bust

CHP officers seized more than 40 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop on Interstate 5 in Fresno County. The discovery of the narcotics, with an estimated street value of more than $380,000, resulted in the arrest of two people. The case was turned over to the Fresno High Impact Investigation Team, which is a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Initiative composed of law enforcement personnel from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the California Department of Justice; the CHP; the Fresno, Tulare, and Kings Counties Sheriff’s Offices; and the Fresno Police Department.

Bear Necessities

A Crescent City CHP officer had a memorable encounter with a bear cub. After spotting the cub wandering alone on the highway multiple times over the past few months, it was believed that he had been displaced following the Smith River Complex Fires. During this period, he seemed unable to gain weight and, as hunger set in, he grew bolder, even approaching people and crossing the highway. With the help of a good Samaritan, the officer successfully captured the cub. The cub was turned over to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and will soon be on his way to a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.