SCV Sheriff - News Room

Three Vandalism Suspects Arrested - Canyon Country

Wednesday - February 27, 2008 - 9:20 p.m. - Canyon Country:

Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department are investigating the circumstances surrounding a deputy involved shooting which occurred during the arrest of three felony vandalism suspects in the 18500 block of Soledad Canyon Road Wednesday night.  Deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station's COBRA unit were patrolling in an unmarked vehicle in the area when they spotted a male spray painting graffiti on a section of the wall adjacent to the roadway. 

As the deputies got closer, a vehicle containing two occupants drove up and stopped.  The deputies initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle as the vandalism suspect ran and got into the right front passenger seat.  As the deputies approached the vehicle, the deputy on the driver's side ordered all occupants not to move and to show their hands.  Two of the occupants complied, but the right front passenger ignored the deputy's repeated commands and immediately reached under his seat.  The deputy saw an object protruding from underneath the seat and believed the suspect was arming himself with a handgun.  Fearing for his safety and that of his partner who was approaching the passenger side of the suspects vehicle, the deputy fired one shot from his weapon missing the suspect, but striking and lodging in the door panel of the vehicle.  The suspect immediately complied with the deputies orders and all three individuals were subsequently taken into custody without further incident.  No gun was recovered from the vehicle, however, deputies did recover an item protruding from beneath the right front passenger seat that could be mistaken for a handgun. 

It was later determined that these suspects may be responsible for at least six other incidents of vandalism that occurred between Solamint Road and Galeton Road prior to the deputies spotting the suspects.  Detectives are investigating whether or not there is any connection between these incidents and the gang related fight that occurred on Friday night.  In response to the recent events, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station will be bringing additional resources into the area to ensure and maintain the safety of the community.          

All three suspects were booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station on felony Vandalism charges.  Gregorio Prial, MH/21, of Canyon Country, who was the suspect seen spray painting the wall, was also on felony parole and is being held without bail pending future court proceedings.  Jesse James Prasch, MW/21, of Canyon Country and Anthony Mercado, MH/21, of Canyon Country are each being held in lieu of $20,000 bail pending future court proceedings.  No one was hit by the gunfire and the suspects were not injured.  No deputies were injured.  The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information available at this time.  -ref 03635

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 Campout" - Meet Your Sheriffs

The Sheriff's Executive Staff for Field Operations Region I will Visit the Santa Clarita Valley -

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station invites our residents, business leaders, and community representatives to take a moment and join us to meet the men and women of your Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station.  Station representatives will join your Sheriff's Captain, Anthony La Berge, and the Field Operations Region I Command Staff, Chief Neal Tyler, and Commanders Arthur Ng and Cecil Rhambo to make - "Your Sheriffs Accessible to You!" 

On Tuesday, March 4, 2008, executives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will bring their office to the Santa Clarita Valley in an effort to meet you and provide information on Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station programs, such as Neighborhood Watch, the Community Advisory Committee, the Sheriff's Booster Club, Volunteer and Reserve Programs, Youth Programs and much more.  You will even have the opportunity to take a look at your station's Mobile Command Post trailer.   

The visit, dubbed "Community Campout", is part of a region-wide effort to reach out to our communities and offer another avenue of communication to the people we serve.   

During this visit, Chief Neal Tyler, and Commanders Arthur Ng and Cecil Rhambo will be “Camped Out” in the parking lot of the Canyon Country Library at 18601 Soledad Canyon Road (MAP), Canyon Country, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., where they will answer any of your law enforcement related questions pertaining to the Santa Clarita Valley. 

We invite you to stop by anytime and say hello!  Visit the following link to find out more about your Field Operations Region I Executive Command Staff before the campout: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Field Operations Region I.  You can also read more or print a flyer for the event at the following link: "Community Campout". We encourage local businesses and websites to post the flyer if possible.   

For additional information regarding the event, contact Lieutenant Brenda Cambra at (661) 799-5815 or Sergeant Darren Harris at (661) 799-5814.

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 media interviews or questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814. 

Two Arrested After Gunshots

Friday - February 22, 2008 - 10:10 p.m. - Newhall:

Commit Crime? - Not in the Santa Clarita Valley - Deputies responded to a call of reported gunshots near 2nd Street and Arch Street Friday night.  The deputies detained two men near a vehicle on Arch Street, between 2nd Street and 3rd Street, and reportedly found a loaded handgun. 

Further investigation revealed that one of the suspect's had apparently fired the handgun at least three times near 3rd Street and Arch Street.  Both suspects were arrested and booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station. 

Andrew Mendoza, MH/22, of Newhall was booked on a felony charge of Carrying an Unregistered Firearm and a misdemeanor charge of Carrying a Loaded Firearm in a Public Place. He is being held in lieu of $35,000 bail pending future court proceedings.  Alfredo Vargas, MH/43, of Newhall was booked on a felony charge of Negligent Discharge of a Firearm.  He later posted bond and was released pending future court proceedings. The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information available at this time.  -ref 03370

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. 

Deputy Involved Shooting - Canyon Country

Friday - February 22, 2008 - 7:54 p.m. - Canyon Country:

Sheriff's investigators are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding a deputy involved shooting which occurred in the 18300 block of Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country, Friday night. 

Deputies saw four individuals fighting in the parking lot of the location.  As the deputies walked toward the individuals, they saw one of them, later identified as suspect Louie Moreno, MH/20, swing a large metallic object at one of the other individual's head. 

Deputies ordered the parties to stop fighting.  Suspect Moreno ran and entered a vehicle.  Moreno then pointed the metallic object outside the driver's side window toward the deputies.  Believing the object was a large handgun and fearing for their safety, both deputies fired their duty weapons at suspect Moreno, missing him but striking the vehicle.  Moreno then drove out of view. 

Moreno was subsequently arrested at his home and booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station for Assault with a Firearm.  He is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.   No deputies were injured.  The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information available at this time.  -ref 03364

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. 

"Every 15 Minutes" - Valencia High School

On February 28th and 29th, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station and Valencia 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 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 26 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 for the junior and senior classes to view, depicting fatalities and serious injuries to several students.  The injured students will be taken to a local hospital.  The drunk driver will be arrested and will be taken to the Santa Clarita Superior Court where a simulated conviction for manslaughter will occur. 

Following the school demonstration and court proceedings, the program participants will visit the Santa Clarita Valley Youth Grove at Central Park and the Eternal Valley Mortuary.  They will then visit a local hotel for dinner, where representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) and counselors will speak to them and the student participants will draft a letter to be given to their parents that begins with this phrase:  "Yesterday I was killed by a drunk driver and I never got to tell you...."   

On the 29th an assembly will be held at Valencia High School for the entire junior and senior class where several guest speakers, who had family members killed in crashes in the Santa Clarita Valley in past  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.

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. 

Statewide PayQuick Thieves Identified Through Sheriff's Website **UPDATE**

Commit Crime? - Not in the Santa Clarita Valley - You can run but you can't hide from the long electronic arm of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's website at SCVSheriff.com and the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Detective Bureau - Burglary/Fraud Team. 

Created in partnership with the City of Santa Clarita, and launched in September of 2007, SCVSheriff.com has again aided station detectives by leading to the identification of four individuals suspected in two ARCO "PayQuick Island Cashier" (PIC) machine thefts, which occurred in Newhall and the unincorporated area of Stevenson Ranch, on Thursday and Friday, January 18th and 19th. Click Here to read the initial post. 

Details of the crime were initially posted on the "News Room" portion of the SCVSheriff.com website on January 18th, and video stills of the suspects, who were wanted for questioning, were also added to the "Most Wanted" portion of the website. The same day of the posting, an anonymous person from another area of California saw the information on the SCVSheriff.com website, called the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station directly, and positively identified four suspects. 

Good old-fashioned police work did the rest in furthering the investigation.  Led by Detective Steve McCauley, detectives from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Burglary/Fraud Team, in conjunction with ARCO's Retail Security Team, determined these same suspects may be responsible for as many as 80 other similar PIC thefts and attempts, which have occurred in other cities throughout the State of California, from San Diego to Sacramento, dating back to January 2007.  It should be noted that these incidents involve the theft of cash only from the PIC machines and no credit or debit card information has been jeopardized or stolen in relation to these cases.   

The list of areas and cities where similar crimes have occurred is as follows:  San Diego, Moreno, Lodi, Grass Valley, Ceres, Citrus Heights, Long Beach, Merced, Turlock, Riverbank, Salide, Manteca, Kingsburg, Fremont, Tulare, Oakland, Sacramento, Fairfield, Redding, Bakersfield, Madera, Santa Nella, Stockton, Fresno, Modesto, Rocklin, San Leandro, Hayward, Yuba City, Brentwood, San Jose, Milpitas, Foster City, Castro Valley, Santa Clarita, Santa Clara, North Highlands, Newhall, Redwood City, Mountain View, Studio City, Ceres, Riverbank, Oakdale, Desert Hot Springs, Calimesa, Cabazon, Danville, Salinas and Las Vegas Nevada.    

On Friday, February 8th, 2008, detectives from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station went to Central California and, in conjunction with Turlock Police Department, served a search warrant on a location in the City of Turlock.  At the location, detectives questioned two suspects who were directly involved with the Santa Clarita Valley thefts.  SCV Detectives also recovered evidence directly connected to the crimes.  The detectives were also able to obtain information about two primary suspects who may have direct involvement with many of the thefts throughout the state. 

The suspects who are now being sought for questioning in connection with these crimes are Robert Jesse Miller, MW/09-23-1963, and Rhonda Rene Silva, FW/06-24-1958.  The suspects may be driving a red Nissan Pathfinder, CA License #8K65969 or a red mini-van.   

The investigation is continuing into these statewide thefts, and now that these suspects have been identified, detectives from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station are seeking public assistance in determining their whereabouts in the state.  Detectives believe they may currently be in the northern California area of Salinas, as the latest theft occurred on February 13th in that area.  It is believed the suspects also frequently visit casinos throughout the state.      

SCV Detectives would like to thank ARCO for their aggressive efforts toward resolving these cases.  ARCO has maintained solid investigative efforts and unwavering support throughout every phase of this ongoing investigation and authorities attempts to bring this crime spree to an end.

For additional information visit the following link: "SCV Sheriff Most Wanted" or read the following Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Special Bulletin. 

Press inquiries should be directed to Sergeant Harris of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 799-5814 or ARCO Spokesperson Todd Spitler at (714) 228-6717.  Please do not contact the detective directly unless you have information pertaining to the crimes.        

Anyone with information regarding these crimes, similar crimes in their jurisdiction, or the whereabouts of these individuals should contact Detective Steve McCauley at (661) 799-5138 or the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 255-1121.  You can also use the anonymous "We Tip" line listed below.  -ref 00954 / 01031

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.com, 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.

Deputies Arrest Third Shooting Suspect - Canyon Country **UPDATE**

Tuesday - February 19, 2008 - 6:40 p.m. - Canyon Country:

Commit Crime? - Not in the Santa Clarita Valley -  The third suspect was taken into custody this evening in connection with the January 8th, 2008 shooting of a Canyon Country man, near Whites Canyon Road and Lone Rock Street, Canyon Country - Read More. 

Nathaniel Pilkinton, MW/18, of Canyon Country was taken into custody near Soledad Canyon Road and Golden Oak Road at a local military recruiting office. 

Through follow-up investigation, detectives from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station determined suspect Pilkinton had recently visited the local military recruiting office.  When detectives went to the office just after 6:30 p.m. today they found suspect Pilkinton at the location.  He was taken into custody without incident. 

He was booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station on a felony charge of Attempted Murder and is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail pending future court proceedings.  The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information available. 

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 Traffic Alert - Amgen Tour of California

Amgen Tour of California, 2008 - SCV Traffic Alert - The City of Santa Clarita will host the Amgen Tour of California cycling race and event this weekend which will result in several road closures occurring on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, February 22-24, 2008.

Although more than 80 additional Deputy Sheriff's are being added throughout the weekend to work the event and help motorists, periodic delays will be inevitable. We are asking all motorists to remain patient, follow the directions of the deputies, use suggested alternate routes, be aware of the closures, tell a friend, and plan their travels accordingly.  A list of Closures and suggested alternate routes can be found at the following link: Amgen Street Closures and Alternate Routes.

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. 

Operation Lifesaver **UPDATE** Final Statistics

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station, in cooperation with Metrolink, Union Pacific Police, Burlington Northern Santa Fe police, and the California Highway Patrol conducted a joint operation targeting grade crossing and trespassing violations along the railroad lines in the Santa Clarita Valley on February 14. 2008 between 6:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Read initial post here. 

A special train made up of a Union Pacific, Amtrak, BNSF, and Metrolink locomotive and one Metrolink passenger car was brought up to Santa Clarita to use in the operation along with normal train traffic.  Officers were posted at various railroad crossings in the City of Santa Clarita and made 109 contacts with violators, issuing 78 citations and 31 warnings for various California Vehicle Code and trespassing violations.  Five vehicles were also impounded for unlicensed drivers or motorists driving on suspended licenses.

The purpose of the enforcement operation was to remind all motorists traversing the roadways in the Santa Clarita Valley to obey all rules of the road, including those involving the railroad right of way. 

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. 

Deputies Arrest Second Shooting Suspect - Canyon Country **UPDATE**

Friday - February 15, 2008 - 12:30 p.m. - Canyon Country:

Commit Crime? - Not in the Santa Clarita Valley -  The second suspect was taken into custody this afternoon in connection with the January 8th, 2008 shooting of a Canyon Country man, near Whites Canyon Road and Lone Rock Street, Canyon Country - Read More. 

Pablo Blanco, MH/19, of Canyon Country was taken into custody at his Canyon Country residence after detectives from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station received information that he was seen in the area.  Deputies quickly surrounded the suspect's residence in the 18000 block of Delight Street just after 12:00 p.m. today.  Suspect Blanco was taken into custody without incident. 

He was booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station on a felony charge of Assault with a Deadly Weapon.  He is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail pending future court proceedings.  The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information available. 

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.