Over the past couple of weeks, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) made headlines with several notable incidents, including a Pacific Palisades looter arrested, a CHP officer confiscating multiple firearms and drugs in the Coastal Division, a high-speed pursuit and animal rescues.
Looter Arrested
CHP West Valley area officers were alerted to a looting incident at a private residence in Pacific Palisades on Feb. 21. Despite arriving promptly at the scene, the suspect had already fled. However, with a comprehensive description of the suspect and the vehicle the victim provided, officers were able to trace down the vehicle’s registration to an address in Valencia. Newhall personnel responded to the residence, and officers were able to apprehend the suspect. The suspect, identified as Karen Mastey, was found in possession of antique items reportedly stolen from the fire-ravaged residence. Mastey was subsequently charged with Grand Theft under Penal Code 487(a) and was detained at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.
Weapons Seizure
On Feb. 26, an officer from the Coastal Division K-9 unit observed a white Buick sedan disobeying various traffic laws on Northbound SR-1 near Larkin Valley Road. When the driver failed to stop, a pursuit ensued, leading to Watsonville. The Watsonville Police Department was quick to action - successfully deploying a spike strip to halt the vehicle. Two passengers were detained, with one found to have a stolen handgun. The driver ran into a neighboring residence, yet due to coordinated efforts from CHP Coastal Air Operations, ISU officers, Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Watsonville police officers, a secure perimeter was established. Consequently, the individual was apprehended without further incident. Subsequent inspections led to the uncovering of multiple shotguns and an assault rifle linked to the Buick’s occupants. Three individuals – a 24-year-old Watsonville man, a 17-year-old from Salinas, and the 23-year-old Watsonville male driver – are currently facing several felony charges, including felony evading and possession of stolen firearms.
High Speed Pursuit
During a shift on Feb. 23, a CHP officer in Santa Cruz observed a black BMW sedan exceeding the speed limit on Northbound Highway 1. Upon attempting to pull the vehicle over, the driver initiated a high-speed chase, which concluded within the boundaries of Santa Cruz city. For public safety concerns, the chase was terminated. Nonetheless, the vehicle later collided at the off-ramp of Southbound Highway 1 at Soquel Avenue. The two 17-year-old occupants from Watsonville were subsequently detained. During a thorough examination of the vehicle, the CHP officers recovered more than 20 pounds of cannabis merchandise intended for unauthorized sale, as well as a loaded handgun equipped with an extended magazine. Both individuals now face serious charges, including felony evading and possessing a loaded firearm with an extended magazine.
Bay Bridge Incident
On the morning of Feb. 24, an observant motorist noticed an opossum marsupial attempting to traverse the upper deck of the Bay Bridge along the right shoulder and promptly notified CHP dispatch. Personnel from the CHP San Francisco Area responded to this occurrence promptly and discovered the opossum nearing Treasure Island after a substantial journey up the eastern part of the bridge. The opossum persisted in its attempts to veer westbound, at one point attempting to reverse direction and escape by moving against oncoming traffic. A concerned citizen who runs the East Bay non-profit animal rescue shelter, Jelly’s Place, recognized the low-velocity pursuit and offered assistance. The opossum was detained and safely extricated from the hazardous location without incident. Recognition and appreciation go out to the caller who notified 911 and Julie B. for identifying and participating in rescuing this misplaced animal. While the CHP typically advises against halting on a freeway or bridge for animal rescue due to the risks presented by high-speed traffic and potentially distracted drivers, this situation warranted assistance from a capable, prepared individual who helped safely remove the animal from the location and now ensures it receives the necessary healthcare before being set free. Following the rescue, the opossum was promptly transferred to the team at WildCare. Upon their immediate assessment of the marsupial, the professionals identified it as a female and found a pouch brimming with babies who appeared to have remained unaffected by the incident.
‘Paw’ Patrol Rescue
Two CHP officers from Fresno, recognized for their profound love of dogs, were immediately on the scene Feb. 27 to rescue four forsaken puppies found on the road. Fresno Humane Services is working to find them a permanent and loving home.
