Throughout the state over the past couple of weeks, the California Highway Patrol made headlines with several notable incidents, including celebrating women in the department, an arrest in a prominent Bay Area retail theft operation and Merced officers seizing 350 pounds of processed marijuana along with $70,000 in cash.
Following is a look at the top events and recent cases handled by the CHP.
Women In The Department
In observance of International Women’s Day, March 8, the CHP proudly recognized and celebrated the incredible women – both in uniform and professional staff – who help uphold the mission of the California Highway Patrol: Safety, Service, and Security. From patrolling our highways to dispatching calls, investigating crashes, managing critical operations, and supporting our communities, these dedicated professionals play a vital role in keeping California safe. For more information about a rewarding and life-changing career with the CHP, visit the website.
Bay Area Retail Theft
On March 11, the California Highway Patrol announced the arrest of Claudia Ivet Cruzbarragan, 41, in connection with an organized retail theft ring. The Golden Gate Division Organized Retail Crime Task Force launched an investigation in July 2024, uncovering a fencing operation in Oakland. On February 27, 2025, officers executed a search warrant at a residence and two storage units, recovering stolen merchandise worth over $779,000. Cruzbarragan, who had an outstanding warrant from a prior search, was taken into custody. The Alameda County District Attorney has filed formal charges, including organized retail crime, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy.
Motorcycle Takeover Halted
Officers from the CHP Oceanside area office were called into action on March 8 due to hazardous conduct by a large group of motorcyclists on Interstates 5 and 805. The officers issued 30 citations on misdemeanor charges, including reckless driving, obstructing traffic, and being an active sideshow spectator. All 30 motorcycles involved in the sideshow were impounded. The incident unfolded around 8 a.m. when the group entered northbound I-805. Their dangerous stunts and careless driving slowed traffic for over 24 miles. By 8:30 a.m., the group exited from I-5 in Solana Beach. CHP officers directed the motorcyclists into a parking lot, where they were cited and released.
Processed Marijuana, Cash Seized
On March 6, a Central Division CHP K-9 officer conducted an enforcement stop on northbound I-5 in Merced County for a traffic violation. The officer smelled marijuana and noticed signs of possible criminal activity. K-9 “Shei” alerted to narcotics, leading to a search that uncovered 350 pounds of illegal marijuana and $70,000 in cash. The driver was charged with illegal marijuana sales, transporting marijuana across counties, and money laundering.
Arrests, Gun Seizures
This month, CHP officers in the Solano Area have been busy arresting three individuals suspected of impaired driving. In those cases, three illegal firearms were also seized.
On March 1, officers conducted a wellness check after finding a parked car on the shoulder. After an inspection, the driver was detained on suspicion of DUI. During the inventory of the vehicle, a loaded firearm was discovered with no identifiable serial number. The driver faced charges of both impaired driving and weapons offenses.
Similarly, on March 7, another individual was taken into custody on grounds of suspected DUI. A loaded handgun was discovered during the vehicle inventory. The driver, already with a criminal record, was booked on charges of DUI and illegal possession of a firearm, among other weapons violations.
Finally, on March 8, yet another driver was arrested where DUI was suspected. A loaded handgun was also retrieved from the vehicle. The driver, a convicted felon, was charged with DUI and possession of an illegal firearm.
