SCV Sheriff - News Room

Castaic Families to Donate Bicycles

In the spirit of giving this holiday season - Two generous Castaic families have put aside their own family holiday gift exchange and will instead donate ten brand new bicycles to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Annual Toy Drive.  The bicycles will be presented to Deputy Laurie Baylis this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station - 23740 Magic Mountain Parkway, Santa Clairta.  The bicycles will be given to less fortunate Santa Clarita Valley families at the station's "Toy Store" on December 15th and 16th.  Credentialed members of the press are invited to attend the donation event this Saturday and are also welcome at the "Toy Store" event on December 15th and 16th.  Members of the family who are donating the bicycles this Saturday will be available for interviews.

For additional information contact Deputy Laurie Baylis of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Community Relations and Crime Prevention Unit at (661) 799-5164.

Always verify the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's information and news releases by visiting our website at SCVSheriff, the City of Santa Clarita's website at Santa-Clarita, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's website at LASD or a trusted local news source.  For questions about this release contact Sergeant Darren Harris at (661) 799-5814. 

Death Investigation - Stevenson Ranch **UPDATE**

Wednesday - November 28, 2007 - 2:00 p.m. - Unincorporated Los Angeles County - Lennox: 

Sheriff's Homicide Detectives are continuing their investigating into the death of one man and the wounding of another, which occurred in the 25200 block of Steinbeck Avenue, Stevenson Ranch, on Saturday, November 24, 2007 at 12:15 a.m. 

Detectives report that Michael Dean Stephens of Stevenson Ranch has been arrested for the above murder.  Stephens turned himself in at the Lennox Sheriff's Station at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday.  He is being held in lieu of $1,000,000.00 bail.      

Questions or information should be directed to the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500 or Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau at (323) 526-5541.  There is no further information available at this time.  -ref 21728

Recent Fires May Cause Increased Flood Risk

The recent wildfires may increase the risk of flooding, mudflows and landslides in areas of the Santa Clarita Valley.  Properties most at risk are those that were directly affected by the fire, those in Canyon areas and those located below or downstream of the fire areas.  Officials believe that even a single day of heavy rains could cause flooding and mudflows, as there are very few plants, rocks, and debris to hold the soil in place in some areas directly impacted by the fires.  The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station would like to remind all Santa Clarita Valley residents, who live in flood prone areas, to take as many proactive and precautionary measures as possible to help reduce their vulnerability to flooding, mudflows and landslides, before the wet season arrives.

The City of Santa Clarita and Los Angeles County Fire Department have released information for any residents concerned about erosion control after the fires.  Visit the following link: NOTICE TO ALL RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THE FIRES to read the notice. 

Always verify the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's information and news releases by visiting our website at SCVSheriff, the City of Santa Clarita's website at Santa-Clarita, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's website at LASD or a trusted local news source.  For questions about this release contact Sergeant Darren Harris at (661) 799-5814. 

SCV Sheriffs Stress Holiday Safety

The holiday season is a time of generosity and peace. Family and friends gather to celebrate and reflect on another year gone by. As we enter into the season, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station would like to remind all residents to celebrate responsibly and also be aware that not everyone is in the giving mood. This time of year can often be hectic, as we run around and try to balance work, family and other holiday responsibilities.  As a result, some criminal opportunists may try to take advantage.  When we are busy, the tendency to let our guard down and rush around on our local roadways increases.

Captain Anthony La Berge encourages all Santa Clarita Valley residents to allow extra time while traveling and shopping - plan ahead and try not to wait until the last minute to complete your errands, and be especially aware of your surroundings.  We can all try and take a moment this holiday season to slow down, ensure our safety and exercise extra care and caution to avoid falling victim to less thoughtful people or an unfortunate accident. 

By following a few holiday safety guidelines, we can all have the peaceful and uneventful holiday experience we envision and deserve.  Visit the "Safety Tips" portion of our website for additional information.  On behalf of all the staff at your Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station, Happy Holidays! 

If You See Something, Say Something!  Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips. 

Always verify the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's information and news releases by visiting our website at SCVSheriff, the City of Santa Clarita's website at Santa-Clarita, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's website at LASD or a trusted local news source.  For questions contact Sergeant Darren Harris at (661) 799-5814. 

"Every 15 Minutes" - Canyon High School

On November 28th and 29th, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station and Canyon High School will join in partnership to conduct the Bi-Annual "Every 15 Minutes" program.  This emotionally charged program is an event designed to dramatically instill teenagers with the consequences associated with drinking alcohol, reckless driving and poor life choices.  The program will challenge students to think about personal safety and the responsibility of making mature decisions when lives are involved.  The main goal of this week's powerful - high impact and very emotional program, is to educate all individuals regarding the severe dangers awaiting those who make these choices, particularly those related to reckless driving, speed contests and drinking alcohol and driving. 

Deputies will join forces with school officials and selected students to "drive" the message home.  Approximately 20 students and teachers will be taken from classes on the 28th, as if they had been "lost" in a tragic incident.  A driving under the influence (D.U.I.) simulated collision will be set up in front of the school, depicting fatalities and serious injuries to several students.  The "Air-5" rescue helicopter, from the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's Aero Bureau, will fly in and simulate an airlift of a critically injured student to a local hospital.  The drunk driver will be arrested and will be taken to Division 3 of the Santa Clarita Superior Court where a simulated conviction for triple manslaughter will occur.  The program on the 28th will conclude with the entire class visiting the Santa Clarita Valley Youth Grove at Central Park and the Eternal Valley Mortuary. 

On the 29th an assembly will be held at Canyon High School where several guest speakers, who had family members killed in crashes in the Santa Clarita Valley in recent years, will convey their strong and emotional messages.  All involved hope to send a poignant reminder about the dangers associated with poor life choices and bring significant change in the lives of young people who may be considering such choices.  All family and community members are encouraged to get involved and frequently talk to their youths about the topics.  Credentialled members of the press are invited to attend.      

For additional information - to participate or contribute to the event, contact Deputy Mike Lorenzi at (661) 799-5804 or Deputy David Shoemaker at (661) 799-5110.

Red Flag Weather

We are currently experiencing red flag weather in parts of Los Angeles County, including the Santa Clarita Valley.  The National Weather Service is predicting these weather conditions, which constitute a "Red Flag Warning," in areas of the Santa Clarita Valley will last through Sunday night.  The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station would like to remind all Santa Clarita Valley residents to follow a few simple safety measures during this period and immediately report any suspicious activity or vehicles in fire prone areas to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 255-1121. 

Santa Clarita Valley residents should do the following:

• Immediately report any sign of smoke to the sheriff's station and fire department - Call 9-1-1
• Use extreme caution when operating spark or flame producing equipment in fire prone areas
• Have an evacuation plan in place and identify two exit routes from your neighborhood
• Be prepared to follow the instructions of emergency services personnel 
• Immediately report any suspicious persons or vehicles to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station
• Write down information pertaining to suspicious persons or vehicles in fire prone areas such as, time of day, area of travel, license plate number, vehicle description, physical description, etc. 

Additional wildfire safety tips can be found on the Los Angeles County Fire Department Website. 

If You See Something, Say Something!  Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips. 

Always verify the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's information and news releases by visiting our website at SCVSheriff, the City of Santa Clarita's website at Santa-Clarita, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's website at LASD or a trusted local news source.  For questions contact Sergeant Darren Harris at (661) 799-5814. 

Death Investigation - Stevenson Ranch

Saturday - November 24, 2007 - 12:15 a.m. - Unincorporated Los Angeles County - Stevenson Ranch: 

Sheriff's Homicide Detectives are investigating the death of one man and the wounding of another, which occurred in the 25200 block of Steinbeck Avenue early this morning.  Deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station responded to the location regarding an assault call.  Upon arrival, deputies found two male white adults with apparent stab wounds.  One of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene.  The second victim was transported to a local hospital and is listed in critical condition. 

The victims had been part of a physical altercation involving approximately 10-15 individuals, which occurred in the guest parking lot at the location.  The investigation is ongoing and is being handled by the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's Homicide Bureau.  Anyone with any information should contact them at (323) 890-5500 or Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau at (323) 526-5541.  There is no further information available at this time.  -ref 21728

Man Wanted After Attempted Bank Robbery

Thursday - November 15, 2007 - 4:20 p.m. - Newhall:

Detectives from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station are seeking public assistance  in identifying a man who is wanted for questioning in connection with an attempted bank robbery that occurred on Thursday, November 15, 2007, at 4:20 p.m. The man entered the Citibank at 23453 Lyons Avenue, Newhall, and presented a threatening note to the bank teller - demanding cash. The suspect left the location without obtaining any money. The man was also inside the Vallarta Market on Lyons Avenue just after the incident. Anyone with information regarding this crime or the man pictured here is asked to call Detective Dan Stanley of Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station at 661-799-5131. For anonymous tips please call the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station’s Crime Tip Line at 661-284-2TIP (2847). Click Here for additional information or to print a color flier. -ref 21211

Missing Person - Stevenson Ranch

Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are seeking the public’s  assistance in locating a missing person.  The missing person, Adam Christopher Kellner, lives on Hawthorne Place in Stevenson Ranch.  He was last seen at his residence at 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 7th, 2007. The missing person suffers from schizophrenia.  His family is very concerned and is asking for the public’s assistance in locating him.  Anyone with any information on his whereabouts should contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau, Missing Person's Detail.  Special Attention: Detective T. Abraham or Sergeant A. Brackpool. Phone (323) 890-5500.  If you see him in the Santa Clarita Valley area you should immediately contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 255-1121.  For additional information or to print a color flier - click here: Missing Person. -ref 007-20787-0661-400. 

Rock Throwing Vandals Arrested

Monday - November 12, 2007 - 8:40 p.m. - Canyon Country:

Three Canyon Country youths were arrested Monday night after they reportedly threw rocks at passing vehicles near Soledad Canyon Road and Canyon Country Park.  A motorist, whose vehicle was struck as he drove past the park at approximately 6:40 p.m., managed to detain the three subjects and obtain their information.  He then notified the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station.  Deputies later contacted the three juveniles and made the arrests.  A second motorist also came forward stating her vehicle had been hit and her windshield cracked.  The rocks caused more than $2,000 in estimated damages.  No one was hurt.  The three young men, ages 13,14, and 14, face potential felony Vandalism charges.  They were released to their parents on citations pending future court proceedings.  The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information available at this time. -ref 21018