SCV Sheriff - News Room

Second Fifty-Six Store Robber Arrested **UPDATE**

Wednesday - January 30, 2008 - 5:45 p.m. - Unincorporated Los Angeles County - Canyon Country:

Commit Crime? - Not in the Santa Clarita Valley -  The second suspect has been arrested in connection with the robbery of the Stevenson Ranch Fifty-Six Store which occurred on Monday, January 21st, 2008, at 5:50 p.m. - refer to original press release by clicking here: Robbery Investigation - Stevenson Ranch and the fist update by clicking here: Fifty-Six Store Robber Arrested **UPDATE**  . 

Through further investigation and follow-up, Detective Welch of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Robbery and Assault Team was able to identify the second suspect.  Detectives determined the suspect was reportedly living in the 18000 block of Annes Circle, Unincorporated Los Angeles Country - Canyon Country. 

Information regarding the suspect was passed on to patrol units and last night deputies patrolling in the area spotted the suspect driving near Jakes Way and Sandy Drive, Unincorporated Los Angeles Country - Canyon Country.  The deputies conducted a traffic stop and the suspect was taken into custody without incident.  A search of the suspect's residence reportedly revealed additional items directly connected to the Fifty-Six Store robbery. 

The suspect, Deandre Myles, MB/20, was booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station on a felony Robbery charge.  He is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail pending future court proceedings.  Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Rick Welch of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Robbery and Assault Team at (661) 255-1121.  The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information at this time.  -ref 01267

If You See Something, Say Something!  Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661) 284-2-TIP / (661) 284-2847. 

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.  Three other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal and SCV TV. For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.

Employee of Local Business Nabs Serial Tagger

Monday - January 28, 2008 - 5:50 p.m. - Canyon Country:

Commit Crime? - Not in the Santa Clarita Valley -  Deputies arrested a Canyon Country youth on felony Vandalism charges Monday evening.  The deputies responded to the 18700 block of Soledad Canyon Road where an employee of a local business was detaining an alleged tagger. 

The subject reportedly entered the restroom at the establishment and used a marker to write tagging related monikers on the mirror.  The quick thinking employee detained the subject until deputies arrived.  Further investigation revealed the youth is believed to be responsible for at least seven incidents of vandalism and tagging in the City of Santa Clarita, which have resulted in more than $3,000 in damages.   

The other incidents occurred on bridges, overpasses, sidewalks, bicycle paths, windows and others structures throughout the Canyon Country area, near Whites Canyon Road, Camp Plenty Road, Luther Drive and Soledad Canyon Road, dating back to January 14th, 2008. 

The subject, MW/13, was booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station on felony Vandalism charges and misdemeanor charges of Possession of Vandalism Tools.  He was later released to his father pending future court proceedings.  The investigation is ongoing and their is no further information at this time.  -ref 01712 / 01733 / 01734 / 01735 / 01736 / 01737 / 01738

If You See Something, Say Something!  Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661) 284-2-TIP / (661) 284-2847. 

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.  Three other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal and SCV TV. For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814. 

Detectives Uncover Large Indoor Marijuana Grow

Tuesday - January 29, 2008 - 4:45 p.m. - Unincorporated Los Angeles County - Tesoro *UPDATE*:

While detectives were conducting the operation this afternoon, deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station were monitoring the neighborhood for the primary suspect.  The suspect, Jace Edwards, MW/32, was spotted driving on Avenida Rancho Tesoro.  Deputies conducted a traffic stop and took the suspect into custody without incident.  He was booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station on felony charges of Cultivating Marijuana.  Other potential charges are pending.  He is currently being held in lieu of $30,000 bail pending future court proceedings. 

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Tuesday - January 29, 2008 - 9:30 a.m. - Unincorporated Los Angeles County - Tesoro:

Detectives from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Narcotics Bureau served a search warrant this morning at a residence in the 29300 block of Via Estancia in the Tesoro area of Unincorporated Los Angeles County - Santa Clarita Valley. 

At the location the detectives discovered a substantial indoor marijuana grow estimated to contain more than 1,000 marijuana plants.  The detectives also discovered the electrical meter at the location had been bypassed, which under California law is a felony.  In operations like this one, it is common for the suspects to bypass the power meter in order to avoid substantial electrical bills and detection by authorities.  The bypassing of the meter also creates a substantial fire risk. 

Initial estimates indicate the street value of the plants at this marijuana grow would exceed one million dollars.  The homeowner and suspect was not at the location when the search warrant was served.  The investigation is ongoing and the suspect's name has not yet been released. 

At the time of this posting the detectives are still at the location and credentialled members of the press are invited to photograph portions of the operation and and marijuana plants. 

Contact Sergeant Darren Harris at (661) 799-5814 for additional information or to make arrangements.  Detectives at the scene should not be filmed or photographed.   

If You See Something, Say Something!  Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661) 284-2-TIP / (661) 284-2847. 

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.  Three other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal and SCV TV. For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814. 

Fifty-Six Store Robber Arrested **UPDATE**

Commit Crime? - Not in the Santa Clarita Valley -  After a unique twist, one man is in custody in connection with the robbery of the Stevenson Ranch Fifty-Six Store which occurred on Monday, January 21st, 2008, at 5:50 p.m. - refer to original press release by clicking here: Robbery Investigation - Stevenson Ranch. 

Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Van Nuys Robbery Division were investigating several incidents of robbery in the West Valley and North Hollywood areas.  While conducting follow up investigation to their robberies, they arrested four suspects immediately following the latest robbery in the West Valley area on Thursday, January 24th, 2008. 

As LAPD Detectives were pouring over the case, Detective Stepan, assigned to the LAPD Van Nuys Robbery Division, recalled reading a press story in the Daily News newspaper about the Fifty-Six Store robbery in Stevenson Ranch.  Detective Stepan recalled a very unique description of one of the Fifty-Six Store suspects in that he was described as having silver front teeth.  He quickly realized that one of the suspects they had in custody in their robbery had silver front teeth.  Detective Stepan immediately contacted the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station and Santa Clarita Detectives turned their investigation in that direction. 

Detectives from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Robbery and Assault Team conducted additional follow up investigation and served a search warrant on Friday, January 25, 2008, at a residence in the 13200 block of Louvre Street in Pacoima.  At the location Santa Clarita Valley detectives reportedly recovered several items directly connected to the Fifty-Six Store robbery. 

The suspect, Even Perry, a.k.a. Evan Hardman, MB/18, of West Hills was arrested by LAPD and is facing robbery charges in their area.  He will also face robbery charges in the Santa Clarita Valley.  He is being held in lieu of $315,000 bail pending future court proceedings. 

Captain Anthony La Berge of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station credits LAPD Detective Stepan's quick suspect recognition and the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Robbery and Assault Team's timely search warrant with the quick connection in this case.  "The detectives did an outstanding job of putting the pieces of the puzzle together," Said Captain La Berge.  "This is interagency cooperation at its best!"   

Anyone with information about any of these cases is asked to contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Detective Bureau at (661) 255-1121 or the Los Angeles Police Department Van Nuys Robbery Division at (818) 374-0040.  The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information at this time.  -ref 01267

If You See Something, Say Something!  Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661) 284-2-TIP / (661) 284-2847. 

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.  Three other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal and SCV TV. For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.

Teen Arrested After Reporting False Kidnaping

A thirteen year old Newhall youth was arrested this morning after she filed a false police report stating she had been kidnaped and held against her will in a Newhall area garage for approximately three hours. 

On Wednesday, January 23, 2008, deputies responded to a call where the teenage girl reported she was walking home in the area of Wiley Canyon Road and Lyons Avenue when two men wearing ski masks approached her, rendered her unconscious and kidnaped her.  She reported that she later awoke in a Newhall area garage with the men standing over her.  She claimed she found a cell phone in the garage and managed to escape after the men left the area. 

Numerous deputies converged on the Newhall house the teen had identified as the one she was held in.  Deputies contained the house and called in detectives from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station's COBRA Team.  The COBRA Team began the process of obtaining a search warrant and planning for a potential tactical operation at the house, when the investigation began uncovering several inconsistencies in the young girl's story. 

After additional investigation, detectives report that the teenage girl later admitted she had made the entire story up because she had been out with some friends, was late returning home and didn't want to get in trouble with her parents.   

The subject was booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station on a misdemeanor charge of Filing a False Crime Report.  She was later released to her parents pending potential court proceedings.  Detectives will refer the case to the San Fernando Juvenile Court - District Attorney's Office for filing consideration. 

This incident required the utilization of several station personnel and resources and the potential for a warrant service on a completely innocent Newhall area resident.  Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station officials would like to remind any person who is considering filing a false crime report or a false report of an emergency that it is illegal and could result in criminal charges. 

The investigation is ongoing and their is no further information at this time.  -ref 01412

If You See Something, Say Something!  Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661) 284-2-TIP / (661) 284-2847. 

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.  Three other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal and SCV TV. For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814. 

Community Interaction Team Stops Identity Theft

Commit Crime? - Not in the Santa Clarita Valley - Probation compliance searches result in arrest - Deputies assigned to the City of Santa Clarita / Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Community Interaction Team (CIT), in conjunction with the City of Santa Clarita's - Los Angeles County Probation Officer, conducted several probation compliance checks in the Santa Clarita Valley on Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008.

One of the checks, in the 18000 block of American Beauty Drive, resulted in the arrest of Katherine Seegar, FW/28, on several felony charges. Deputies report that the probationer allegedly had possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia, stolen property and several financial related documents belonging to other individuals.  Deputies collected more than 35 items of evidence including computers, cell phones, jewelry, bank cards, cash cards, check books and social security cards. 

The suspect was booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station. She faces potential felony charges of Unauthorized Possession of Personal Identifying Information, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Receiving Stolen Property. She also faces potential misdemeanor charges of Possession of Prescription Medication Without a Prescription and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  She had several other warrants and is being held in lieu of $345,000 bail pending future court proceedings.  The investigation is ongoing and their is no further information at this time.  -ref 01378

If You See Something, Say Something!  Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661) 284-2-TIP / (661) 284-2847. 

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.  Three other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal and SCV TV. For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814. 

Five Arrested In West Ranch High School Vandalism

Friday - January 25, 2008 - 9:30 p.m. - Unincorporated Los Angeles County - West Ranch:

Commit Crime? - Not in the Santa Clarita Valley -  Five individuals were arrested on vandalism and other charges Friday night after an alert school employee reportedly spotted them spray painting graffiti on the main sign and other property at West Ranch High School.  The employee called the station and provided a vehicle and suspect description.  Responding deputies spotted the car near Pico Canyon Road and The Old Road and made a traffic stop which led to the arrests.  Deputies reportedly recovered several cans of spray paint and other graffiti related items in the car.   

Christopher Gonzalez, MH/18, of Stevenson Ranch was arrested on felony Vandalism charges and a misdemeanor charge of Driving Without a License.  He is being held at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station in lieu of $20,000 bail.  The other four juveniles, male Hispanics, ranging in ages from 14-17, residents of Castaic, Val Verde and Newhall, were booked on felony Vandalism charges and misdemeanor Curfew charges.  Three of them were later released to their parents pending future court proceedings and one was transported to Sylmar Juvenile Hall for housing pending future court proceedings.  The investigation is ongoing and their is no further information at this time.  -ref 01536

If You See Something, Say Something!  Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661) 284-2-TIP / (661) 284-2847. 

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.  Three other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal and SCV TV. For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814. 

Shooting Investigation

Thursday - January 24, 2008 - 10:15 p.m. - Unincorporated Los Angeles County - Canyon Country:

Detectives from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station are investigating a shooting incident that occurred in the unincorporated area of Canyon Country Thursday.  Deputies responded to the 18000 block of Sandy Drive to reports of gunshots. 

A resident in the area reported that he was standing on his balcony when a vehicle drove past and the driver, described as a male Hispanic in his 20's, made eye contact with him.  Suddenly the vehicle stopped and the passenger, described as a male Hispanic in his mid 20's, got out of the car and fired at least four gunshots from a small caliber handgun in the direction of the victim.      

The vehicle, described as a 1990's Honda Civic, 4-door, white in color, drove off westbound on Sandy Drive to northbound Sierra Highway and out of view.  Deputies conducted an extensive investigation and check of the area, but were unable to locate the suspects. 

Some evidence was collected and will be examined.  The investigation is ongoing and detectives have not yet determined if there is any connection between this incident and the Canyon Country robbery (-ref 01466) listed below.  No injuries were reported.         

Anyone with information regarding these crimes should contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 255-1121 or use the anonymous "We Tip" line listed below.  There is no further information available at this time.  -ref 01468

If You See Something, Say Something!  Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661) 284-2-TIP / (661) 284-2847. 

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.  Three other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal and SCV TV. For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814. 

Robbery Investigation - Canyon Country

Thursday - January 24, 2008 - 9:40 p.m. - Canyon Country:

Detectives are investigating an armed robbery which occurred in the 19000 block of Drycliff Street Thursday night. 

The victim said he was sitting in his car when two men approached.  One of the men reportedly pulled a small caliber handgun from his waistband and demanded the victim hand over his wallet and cell phone.  The Victim complied and the suspects fled the area, running southbound on Walnut Springs and out of view. 

A white, 4-door, compact car was seen speeding away from the area.  Deputies checked the area and conducted an extensive investigation, but were unable to locate the suspect.  Both suspects are described as Hispanic males, 5'07" tall, approximately 18 years of age. The victim was not hurt.  The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information available at this time. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident or this vehicle should contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Robbery/Assault Team at (661) 255-1121. -ref 01466

If You See Something, Say Something!  Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661) 284-2-TIP / (661) 284-2847. 

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.  Three other local news outlets are KHTS AM-1220, The Signal and SCV TV. For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.

SCV Sheriff's Search and Rescue Activated

Thursday - January 24, 2008 - 4:30 a.m. - Unincorporated Los Angeles County - Gorman:

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Search and Rescue Team was activated early Thursday morning to assist the California Highway Patrol and American Red Cross on the snow packed Interstate 5 Freeway north of Pyramid Lake, between Highway 138 and Gorman, near the Grapevine. 

Hundreds of motorists were stranded for several hours when snow and ice made the freeway impassable.  Some motorists were stranded for up to 12 hours and had to spend the night in their cars.  The Santa Clarita Valley Search and Rescue team, which is made up of full time deputy sheriffs and reserve deputy sheriffs, received the call in the early morning hours and converged on the area in 4x4 patrol vehicles to assist in distributing food, water, blankets, and hot coffee to the stranded motorists. 

The vehicles were cleared from the roadway late Thursday morning and as of 8:00 a.m. this morning, Friday, January 25th, the Interstate 5 Freeway is open in both directions, between Parker Road in Castaic and the Kern County line. 

For freeway related information visit the California Highway Patrol at the following link: CHP Traffic Incident Information Page or the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).  For local traffic information visit the KHTS Website, The Signal Website or a trusted Local News Source.