The regular #ICYMI feature is a roundup of notable incidents involving the California Highway Patrol (CHP) over the past couple of weeks. including continued positive results from the ongoing crime suppression efforts, a major bust from an enforcement stop in Bakersfield, more people answering the call to join the CHP, an arresting wakeup call for a sleeping driver, and a “hoppy” ending on Highway 17.

Partnership Results

In Over 470 Arrests

A press release issued by the Governor’s Office on June 4 highlighted the CHP’s joint operations with Bakersfield law enforcement, which have resulted in 470 arrests for illegal activity and 244 vehicles recovered –a monthly increase of 24 percent. Since March, the CHP and Bakersfield Police Department have worked together to address crime in the region.

Enforcement Stop

Six men were arrested on May 29 following an investigation stemming from an enforcement stop on a suspected stolen vehicle in Bakersfield. The Kern County Auto Theft Taskforce, which is comprised of detectives from the CHP and Bakersfield Police Department, conducted the initial stop, resulting in the arrest of the first two suspects and seizure of a loaded weapon. Further investigation led the officers to a nearby residence where they discovered additional stolen vehicles, a non-serialized pistol, ammunition, and ballistic body armor. All six suspect were from Bakersfield and were booked into Kern County Jail.

Surge In CHP

Applications

The CHP continues to experience a surge in applications to become an officer in 2024, with May marking a particularly significant milestone. Last month, the CHP received an impressive 2,047 applications, making it the highest number of monthly applications this year. To date in 2024, the CHP has received over 9,600 applications. This substantial increase highlights the growing interest and commitment among individuals to join the ranks of the CHP, reflecting the public’s desire to contribute to community safety and service. More details are available at CHPMadeformore.com.

Sleeping Driver

Found With Drugs

CHP officers responding to a call for service on June 2 in Redding arrived to find the driver asleep behind the wheel. The vehicle was sitting at the stoplight of the Interstate 5 offramp at South Bonnyview Road. Officers attempting to wake the sleeping motorist spotted several bags of suspected narcotics on his lap. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of more than a pound of suspected methamphetamine, over three ounces of suspected fentanyl, and $900 in cash. The driver was arrested on drug-related charges and booked at the Shasta County Jail.

Giant Rabbit Rescue

Along Highway 17

A massive rabbit was safely rescued on June 2 after he was found hopping along Highway 17 in Santa Cruz. Construction workers spotted the enormous rabbit close to traffic winding along the highway and called the CHP for help. Responding CHP officers took the gray bunny, dubbed “Bugs”, into custody and transported him to Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists for treatment of injuries.