Over the past couple weeks, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) made headlines with several notable incidents, including the deployment of CHP’s Special Response Team to support recovery efforts after Southern California wildfires, a CHP helicopter rescues a family of seven at Los Vaqueros Reservoir, the swearing-in of 106 new CHP officers to serve communities statewide, a CHP K-9 sergeant seized 17 pounds of cocaine, and the arrest of 19 individuals in a retail theft blitz operation.
Recovery Support
The CHP deployed a Special Response Team to support local law enforcement and protect communities impacted by the devastating Southern California wildfires. The team, composed of officers trained in natural disaster response, worked alongside the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California National Guard and other local law enforcement agencies to secure evacuated areas and ensure public safety. At the onset of the wildfires, the CHP went on tactical alert in Los Angeles County. As a result, over 800 officers had been working 12-hour shifts with days off canceled.
Family Rescued
On the night of January 19, the “Helicopter-30” (H-30) helicopter was requested by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and East Bay Regional Parks to aid in locating a family of seven that had lost their way near Los Vaqueros Reservoir in unincorporated Contra Costa County. Upon reaching the site, the pilot was informed that the group had dispersed. The onboard thermal camera first enabled H-30 to locate a group of three individuals, and a safe landing area was identified close to their location. These individuals were swiftly airlifted to a designated gathering spot where law enforcement officers were present. The helicopter then ascended over the challenging terrains with night vision goggles to locate and rescue the remaining four family members. Eventually, all seven family members were successfully reunited at the parking lot. CHP reminds everyone to hike prepared. Be familiar with the area, carry plenty of water and flashlights, and have a way to charge your cell phone. This locate and rescue operation was expedited because both groups had a working cell phone and flashlights.
New CHP Officers
More than 100 new officers officially joined the CHP on January 17 during a swearing-in ceremony that marked a significant step in bolstering public safety across the state. One-quarter of this graduating class was deployed to Los Angeles County, where their service is urgently needed as the region grapples with the devastation from the ongoing wildfires. To learn more about a service career with the CHP and start your journey toward becoming a CHP officer, visit the CHP recruitment page.
Retail Theft Blitz
On Friday, January 17, the CHP conducted a retail theft blitz operation at the Mountain Grove and Citrus Plaza shopping centers in Redlands, CA. This action was coordinated in response to numerous retailers’ appeals, with CHP’s Organized Retail Crime investigators conducting surveillance operations to mitigate theft and enforce accountability. The mission was notably successful, resulting in the apprehension of 19 individuals and the recovery of 95 stolen merchandise items, collectively valued at $3,731. Solidifying its commitment to deterring organized retail crime, the CHP has dedicated Task Forces across the state, collaborating with retailers to combat sophisticated crews that continue victimizing merchants throughout the state.
Cocaine Seizure
A diligent and proactive Central Division CHP K-9 sergeant made an enforcement stop on a 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer for a traffic violation on the northbound I-5 and Panoche Road in Fresno County on January 16. Observations during the contact raised several questions regarding potential criminal activities by the driver. After obtaining permission, the search unveiled a gym bag on the back seat that contained around 17 pounds of cocaine, an approximate value of over $640,000. The driver was arrested and booked in the Fresno County Jail on charges of possession of cocaine for sale and transportation of controlled substances across noncontiguous counties.
