The #ICYMI report is a roundup of notable incidents involving the California Highway Patrol throughout California.
Some of the most recent highlights included the safe recovery of two abducted children, the arrest of a freeway shooting suspect in Oakland, the collaborative efforts of a good Samaritan and CHP officers assisting two kids trapped in a vehicle following a crash, another recruitment milestone for the CHP, and members of the support Special Olympics athletes.
Abductees Located In Truckee
Two young children were found safe by CHP officers on March 17, following a parental abduction that occurred in Reno, Nevada. Officers from the Truckee CHP office received a Be-On-The-Lookout alert for a suspect vehicle that was associated with the kidnapping of a seven-year-old and a nine-year-old and was believed to be heading to California. CHP officers located the vehicle on Interstate 80, east of Soda Springs, and conducted an enforcement stop that resulted in the safe recovery of the two children and the arrest of one of the suspects. The second suspect, the mother of the two children, had exited the vehicle but was located by officers from the CHP’s Gold Run Area a short time later along Rainbow Road, near I-80. She was taken into custody without incident. Both suspects were charged with kidnapping.
Freeway Shooting Suspect Arrested
A man suspected of firing a weapon on a Bay Area freeway was arrested with a loaded firearm inside the vehicle. The incident occurred on March 17 on westbound Interstate 80 near Maritime Street in Oakland. No injuries were reported. Shortly after the shooting occurred the suspect vehicle was located, and an enforcement stop was conducted. During a search, CHP officers located the weapon inside the vehicle. The suspect was arrested and booked into the Santa Rita Jail. This incident is currently under investigation.
Good Samaritan Aids Trapped Children
The quick-thinking actions of a good Samaritan helped save the lives of two children who were involved in a rollover crash on March 14 in the Santa Cruz mountains. CHP officers in Santa Cruz responded to a rollover crash involving a pickup where two children were still inside the vehicle. As officers were approaching the scene, they were able to help a community member who was attempting to free the children from the vehicle. Both children were secured in their safety seats, which played a critical role in preventing any serious injuries to them. If you are not confident how to properly secure your child in a safety seat, contact your local CHP office, and ask to speak with a child passenger safety technician.
Cadet Class Enters Academy
The CHP reached another recruitment milestone recently amid the campaign to hire 1,000 officers. On March 18, the incoming class of 140 cadets was the largest cadet training class since 2021. The CHP Academy has a total of 350 cadets currently within three Academy classes in training to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security. Anyone interested in a rewarding career of service with the CHP is encouraged to visit CHPMadeformore.com.
Jump In For Special Olympics
Members of the CHP braved the chilly waters to support Special Olympics NorCal at the Fresno County Polar Plunge on March 16, at Millerton Lake. CHP Captain Austin Matulonis, commander of the Fresno Area office, was joined by local law enforcement partners and community members in the coolest event of the year to help fund support programs for thousands of children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
