Over the past couple of weeks, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) made headlines with several notable incidents, ranging from a crackdown on retail crime ahead of the holidays to the results from the Christmas Day Maximum Enforcement Period.
Operation Holiday Watch
The CHP successfully carried out enforcement operations on Dec. 20 to enhance shopping safety during the busy holiday season. Officers detained 117 individuals for organized retail theft and related violations, recovered 767 stolen items valued at $38,290, seized two illegal firearms, and recovered three stolen vehicles. Since launching its Organized Retail Crime Task Force in 2019, the CHP has conducted more than 3,200 investigations, resulting in over 3,500 arrests and the recovery of 1.3 million stolen items worth $51.3 million. The CHP remains committed to protecting communities and combating retail crime.
Impaired Drivers Arrested
During the CHP’s 30-hour Maximum Enforcement Period from 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24, through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25, officers made over 300 arrests for driving under the influence and issued more than 3,800 citations. Tragically, five people were killed in crashes within the CHP’s jurisdiction. A similar enforcement effort was conducted by the CHP heading into New Year’s Day.
Auto Theft Bust
After a six-month investigation, the Sacramento County Auto Theft Suppression Task Force (SAC-CATS) and Roseville Police Department SWAT executed a search and arrest warrant on Dec. 19 in Roseville. Officers recovered four stolen vehicles—a 2018 Dodge Challenger, 2023 Chevrolet 3500, 2021 Ram 2500, and 2021 Ram 1500 TRX—valued at $300,000. They also seized a firearm, ammunition, and a high-capacity magazine. The suspect was arrested and booked into Sacramento County Jail on auto theft and firearm charges. Funded partially by Department of Motor Vehicles registration fees, the SAC-CATS team is a partnership involving the CHP and other law enforcement agencies.
Methamphetamine Seizure
On Dec. 23, a CHP officer in Victorville stopped a vehicle on US-395 near Interstate 15 for an unsafe turn. Observing signs of intoxication, the officer conducted a DUI investigation and arrested the driver. During a vehicle inventory, a sergeant discovered 44 pounds of methamphetamine in the trunk, valued at more than $154,000.
Dog Rescue
Santa Cruz CHP officers responded to reports of a dog stranded on the concrete divider of Highway 1 near Morrissey Boulevard on Christmas morning. Acting swiftly, officers carefully executed a rescue plan, safely securing the dog. The animal was later reunited with its owner.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
