A regular roundup of notable incidents, the #ICYMI feature highlights recent action and cases through the California Highway Patrol.
Those have included the arrest of a suspected Los Angeles County bus shooter, CHP K-9 officers seize millions of dollars in suspected meth following a pursuit, the arrest of a convicted felon in Santa Cruz on multiple charges, significant results combating organized retail crime in California, and a driver nabbed while drinking a beer at a DUI checkpoint.
Bus Shooting Arret
The CHP arrested a suspect on June 18 in connection with a shooting that occurred during a fight the previous evening aboard a bus traveling on Interstate 10 in Baldwin Park. A 32-year-old man from West Covina was booked on suspicion of attempted murder and was being held in lieu of $1 million bail.
Meth Found In Vehicle
A pursuit in Los Angeles on June 18 led to the arrest of the driver and the recovery of 190 pounds of suspected methamphetamine worth $3.4 million, along with $5,000 in cash. CHP K-9 officers attempted an enforcement stop on a pickup truck on Interstate 5 in Los Angeles. The driver refused to stop, prompting a pursuit through several surface streets and freeways that concluded in downtown Los Angeles. Officers arrested the driver and searched the suspect vehicle with the assistance of a K-9.
Convicted Felon Arrested
On June 19, CHP Santa Cruz officers spotted a stolen pickup truck in Watsonville. As they were approaching the vehicle, the driver fled, and a pursuit was initiated. The suspect came to a stop and attempted to flee the scene on foot but was apprehended by CHP personnel, who discovered a loaded, unregistered firearm on him. The driver, a 42-year-old Watsonville resident, was taken into custody for felony evading, DUI, assault on a peace officer, possession of a stolen vehicle, resisting arrest, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Organized Retail Crime
A news release issued by the Governor’s Office highlighted the state’s continued increase in efforts to crackdown on organized retail crime in California. According to the data, the CHP has made 636 arrests and recovered 216,754 stolen goods, valued at nearly $5.7 million, in the last five months. Compared to the same period last year, arrests are up 167 percent, recovered stolen merchandise rose 525 percent, with their estimated value up 140 percent.
DUI Checkpoint Bust
Earlier this month, the CHP detained a driver drinking a beer while driving through a sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint in Marin County. The driver, who had a green skull on his gear stick, was caught red-handed by CHP officers. At the checkpoint, CHP contacted more than 500 drivers. Among them, three were arrested for driving under the influence, and three vehicles were towed. Additionally, CHP issued 15 citations for unlicensed driving.
