Following is a roundup of recent notable incidents involving the California Highway Patrol. Those included the arrival of a new class of cadets at the CHP Academy, a search warrant leading to an arrest in Sonoma County, a suspect arrested and fentanyl seized, a CHP helicopter rescuing six individuals, and CHP celebrating Retirees Day at the Academy.
New Cadets Welcomed
On September 23, the CHP welcomed 155 new cadets to the Academy as they began training to become officers. Known as “pick-up day,” it is the cadets’ first encounter with the CHP Academy’s recruit training officers, who will help guide them during their 26 weeks of training. As part of the ongoing recruitment campaign, the CHP has held three Academy classes simultaneously for the first time in the Department’s history.
Sonoma County Arrest
Officers and agents of the FBI’s Sonoma County Safe Streets Task Force served a search warrant at a Cloverdale residence on September 24 as part of an ongoing federal investigation. During the search, an unregistered and illegally modified assault weapon, together with several high-capacity magazines – some of which were loaded with armor-piercing ammunition – were discovered. The suspect, Nick Pavelka, 33, confessed to modifying the weapon and being aware that the magazines and ammunition were unlawful. A CHP officer from the Santa Rosa area task force subsequently took Pavelka into custody. Pavelka was booked at the Sonoma County Jail on numerous charges related to weapon possession.
Fentanyl Seized
A CHP Central Division sergeant conducted an enforcement stop on an Audi Q7 along Interstate 5 on September 18. The sergeant found that the driver was operating the vehicle without a license and observed several indicators hinting at the possibility of criminal activity. After being given consent from the driver to search the vehicle, the sergeant discovered roughly five pounds of fentanyl powder, with an estimated street value of approximately $227,000, concealed within a paper bag on the rear-right seat. The driver, Anthony Cruz, 24, from Oakland, California, was apprehended and transported to Fresno County Jail. He has been charged with possession of fentanyl for sale and transportation of fentanyl across non-contiguous counties.
Creek Rescue Operation
On September 22, CHP’s H-30 responded with Winters Fire and the Vacaville Fire Protection District, including a Helicopter Rescue Technician (HRT) from San Ramon Valley Fire on a rescue mission involving six individuals stranded on a raft in Putah Creek. Using its aerial capabilities, H-30 located the obscured raft and deployed the HRT from the San Ramon Valley Fire to the location. Access to the area by ground would have been extremely difficult and time-consuming. Everyone was successfully rescued from Putah Creek’s shoreline and then handed over to the fire service personnel in attendance for obligatory medical evaluations.
CHP Retirees’ Day
The CHP hosted and celebrated retirees at the Academy in West Sacramento on September 27. It is of fundamental importance to recognize the invaluable dedication, service and sacrifices made by former CHP personnel. This event instills a profound sense of pride and fellowship among existing CHP employees. During this year’s celebration, retirees of 50 years were honored with a commemorative pin and extreme gratitude for their substantial contribution and service. Acknowledging retirees further strengthens the CHP’s values of appreciation and respect while paying tribute to those who have served.
