SCV Sheriff - News Room

Shooting Investigation - Newhall

Wednesday - May 28, 2008 - 9:10 p.m. - Newhall:

Detectives from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's COBRA Team are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Wednesday night in the 24000 block of Race Street, Newhall.   

Deputies responded to the location to reports of a shooting and found a Newhall resident, MH/28, had been shot.  Arriving deputies initiated an immediate containment of the area and began an investigation.  Deputies from the City of Santa Clarita - Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's COBRA Team and Community Interaction Team (CIT), along with deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department - Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) North County Crime Impact, immediately converged on the area.   

The investigation continued well into the night.  While searching a nearby residence, deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department - Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) North County Crime Impact Team made an unrelated arrest of a Newhall resident, MH/21, for possession of methamphetamine and possession of a dangerous weapon (dagger). 

The investigation into the shooting, which appears to be gang related, is ongoing and no arrests have been made.  The victim sustained at least two gunshot wounds to the hand and leg that do not appear to be life threatening.  He was transported to a local area hospital for treatment.   

Anyone with any information regarding this incident should immediately contact Detective Mike McPheeters of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's COBRA Team at (661) 799-5176. There is no further information available at this time.  -ref 09417 / 09418

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 The West Ranch Beacon.  For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.   

Sheriff Lee Baca Honors Fallen Peace Officers

Sheriff Lee Baca presided over the 39th Annual Los Angeles County Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, to commemorate the lives of those peace officers who died in the line of duty while serving the residents of Los Angeles County.  Attending the memorial ceremony were numerous federal, state, and local dignitaries, in addition to family members, friends, and co-workers of the fallen officers. Held in the beautiful Memorial Park at the Sheriff’s Training Academy and Regional Services (STARS) Center in Whittier, the ceremony included musical performances by members of law enforcement and the release of white doves on behalf of the fallen officers.

Regrettably, the following memorial plaques were added to the Memorial Wall:

• Deputy Raul V. Gama, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department,
  Major Crimes Bureau, died on May 1, 2007.
• Officer Randal D. Simmons, Los Angeles Police Department,
  Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, died on February 7, 2008.

In addition, historical research determined that the following peace officer, previously killed in the line of duty, was deserving of his place on the Memorial Wall:

• Deputy City Marshal Perman C. Calderwood, Los Angeles City Municipal Court,
  died on December 22, 1930.

Bronze plaques with the names of all three officers now join the other 469 law enforcement officers whose names are inscribed on the Memorial Wall to honor their dedication to duty and the ultimate sacrifice they made.

As part of the ceremony, Sheriff Baca accepted a torch delivered by members of various law enforcement agencies following a three-day Memorial Torch Relay Run totaling 339 miles. The relay run commenced at the Sherman Block Sheriff’s Headquarters Building and traveled to each mainland Sheriff’s Station. The Memorial Flame at the Los Angeles County Peace Officers’ Memorial Wall was ignited in tribute to the fallen officers.

In concluding the memorial ceremony, the Sheriff added, “We recognize the heroism of those who have died, and we have gathered to reinforce our individual memories of those who have been lost and to show their families and friends that their deep sense of loss is shared.” -ref SHB-71A-08

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 The West Ranch Beacon.  For questions regarding this release contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814. 

Youth Injured by Accidental Gunshot

Sunday - May 25, 2008 - b/t 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. - Canyon Country:

A Canyon Country youth, MW/13, was injured Sunday after a gun being handled by his cousin, MW/12, apparently accidentally discharged striking the victim in the head.  Deputies responded to a local area hospital to reports of a youth with an apparent gunshot.  Through additional investigation and follow-up, the deputies determined the two boys were apparently playing with the loaded gun on Sunday morning at a residence in the 15000 block of Violetlane Way, Canyon Country, when the gun accidentally went off and struck the victim.  The bullet apparently entered near the boy's temple and exited near his eye.  The injury was not life threatening and he is expected to make a full recovery.      

Deputies recovered the firearm and the bullet at the location and investigators are considering felony charges against the gun's owner and resident for Criminal Storage of a Firearm.  Under California Law, if a person keeps any loaded firearm within any premise which is under their custody or control and they know or reasonably should know that a child (person under 18 years of age) is likely to gain access to the firearm, they may be guilty of a felony if a child gains access to that firearm and thereby causes death or injury to any person unless the firearm was in a secure locked container or locked with a locking device that rendered it inoperable.  Deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station are encouraging all gun owners to review their current gun safety and storage protocols in order to ensure the safety of all residents in the Santa Clarita Valley. 

The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information at this time.  -ref 09215

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 The West Ranch Beacon.  For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.   

Deputies Catch Armed Carjacking Suspect

Friday - May 23, 2008 - 5:35 p.m. - Canyon Country:

Commit Crime? - Not in the Santa Clarita Valley -  Deputies arrested a San Bernardino man Friday after he allegedly attempted to carjack a Canyon Country resident at gunpoint.  The victim called the station and reported that a man had approached her as she sat inside her car in the drive-thru lane of a fast food restaurant in the 19000 block of Soledad Canyon Road. 

As the man approached her car, he allegedly removed a handgun from his pants pocket and attempted to open the rear door.  When he found it was locked he moved to the driver's door window and tapped the gun on the glass while instructing the victim to open the door.  The victim refused and another car pulled into the restaurant, apparently causing the suspect to walk away. 

The victim immediately called 9-1-1 and deputies quickly responded and began thoroughly checking the area.  The deputies located a man matching the description of the suspect in the 19300 block of Soledad Canyon Road.  The man was detained and then arrested after he was reportedly connected to the crime.  Deputies later recovered a loaded handgun from a planter in the area where the suspect was apprehended.  A second fully loaded ammunition magazine was located in the bathroom of another nearby fast food restaurant. 

The suspect, David Graves, MB/20, was booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station on felony charges of Attempt Carjacking and Attempt Kidnapping.  He was later transported to Men's Central Jail, Los Angeles, where he is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail pending future court proceedings.  No one was injured during the incident. 

The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information at this time.  -ref 09108

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 The West Ranch Beacon.  For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.   

Sheriff's Deputies End Gang Drug Operation - Guns Recovered

Wednesday - May 21, 2008 - 9:27 a.m. - Newhall:

Commit Crime? - Not in the Santa Clarita Valley! - Multiple Sheriff's Department Resources Utilized During Probation Operation - Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department - Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) North County Crime Impact Team, assisted by deputies from the Countywide COPS Team assigned to the Santa Clarita Valley, conducted a probation compliance operation in Newhall Wednesday. 

Deputies converged on a location in the 24000 block of Race Street, Newhall.  The location has been the topic in the past of several community complaints regarding late night drinking and possible drug transactions.  The deputies found the location was surrounded by chain link fence with padlocked gates and had three large Pit Bull dogs in the yard.  They saw a suspect, identified as a parolee at large, run from a rear structure toward the back fence.  When the suspect realized deputies had the location surrounded, he ran into the main house. 

Deputies made entry into the yard and the location where they detained three individuals and found three children living in unsafe, unhealthy, and unsanitary conditions.  Through further investigation, the deputies determined at least two of the residents, MH/25 and MH/26, were suspected gang members.  They also discovered other suspected gang members were apparently living in the main house and rear storage structure on the property, but were not there at the time of the operation.  A third suspect, FH/25, who is also a suspected gang member, arrived at the location a short time later and was also detained and later arrested.   

During a search, deputies reportedly recovered 16 baggies containing rock cocaine, a .25 caliber semi automatic pistol, equipment commonly used in the sales of narcotics, various items covered with gang graffiti, ammunition, bottles of stolen Lidocaine, and drug paraphernalia inside the rear structure.  A scent dog from the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau responded and found a loaded sawed-off shotgun and a loaded revolver also in the rear dwelling.  Deputies also reportedly found 45 bags of methamphetamine on the roof of the structure.   

Inside the main structure deputies reportedly found gang related pictures and materials, nearly $2,000 in United States Currency, and two knives.  A narcotics canine from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Narcotics Bureau was also brought in and found marijuana in one of the bedrooms.         

Three suspects were arrested and booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station.  The first suspect, MH/25, of Newhall faces potential felony charges of Possession of Narcotics with a Firearm, Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales (cocaine), Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales (methamphetamine), Possession of a Short Barreled Shotgun, Possession of a Firearm by a Criminal Street Gang Member, Possession of Ammunition by a Felon, and Gang Enhancements.  He is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail and is due in court tomorrow.   

The second suspect, FH/25, of Newhall faces potential felony charges of Maintaining a Place for Trafficking in Controlled Substances, and Providing a Place for Distribution of a Controlled Substance.  She also faces potential misdemeanor charges of Petty Theft and Child Endangerment.  She is being held in lieu of $30,000 bail and is due in court tomorrow.    

The third suspect, MH/26, was a parolee at large.  He was arrested on a felony Parole Violation and is being held without bail at Men's Central Jail, Los Angeles, pending future proceedings.   

The suspects names have not yet been released pending additional investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's Narcotics Bureau.   

The Department of Children and Family Service's (DCFS) Multi-Agency Response Team (MART) responded to the location and took the three children, ages 3, 10, and 12, into protective custody.  The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control responded and took custody of the three Pit Bull dogs.  The City of Santa Clarita Code Enforcement responded to assess the housing conditions.

The investigations are ongoing and there is no further information available at this time.  -ref 08946

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 The West Ranch Beacon.  For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.   

SCV Sheriff's Personnel Wash Cars to Help Abused Kids

"Wait a minute, I can get my car washed and also help abused kids?"  That's right, come join YOUR Santa Clarita Valley Sheriffs Deputies and Station Staff on Thursday, June 19, 2008, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the Valencia Auto Spa Car Wash - 23440 Valencia Boulevard and help a great cause -

Every year the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station joins in partnership with the Valencia Auto Spa to host the annual "999 for Kids" fund-raiser.  If people in the community need emergency help, they call 9-1-1, but if deputies need emergency help they radio 999.  In 1985 the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Department of Children and Family Services joined together and organized the "999 for Kids" Program as a way to help abused kids. 

This organization was developed in an effort to help children who are victims of the most severe cases of child abuse, neglect and domestic violence.  The Specialized Medical Placement Unit and Deaf Services Unit of the Department of Children and Family Services are responsible for the care of more than 1,000 of these children who benefit from the "999 for Kids" Program. The number of children has been increasing each year.  Although tax dollars provide for the basic needs for these children, there are no funds available for the needs that go beyond basic care. 

That's why your Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station, with the support of the Valencia Auto Spa, and all the generous residents and business owners in the Santa Clarita Valley are stepping in to help. 

The "999 for Kids" Program raises money for the purpose of purchasing special items and services for these children, i.e., sport wheelchairs, computers, special education classes, medically-oriented toys and games, and a yearly holiday party.  A few examples of how some of the funds were spent in the past are:

• Piano lessons for a child who is blind.
• The purchase of a specialized tricycle for a child with a seizure disorder, severe developmental delays and cerebral palsy. 
• A gastro-intestinal feeding switch and pump for a child with cerebral palsy. 
• The purchase of a television/VCR/DVD combo for a child with a chronic lung disease.
• Purchase of a bicycle and helmet fro a child with sickle cell anemia. 

The "999 for Kids" Program is an opportunity for a corporation or individuals to join others in providing much needed funds for this very special program.  Of course, your contribution/donation is tax deductible and a Corporate Federal ID number will be provided. 

Your consideration of support for the "999 for Kids" Program is deeply appreciated and that's why deputies and other staff from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station will wash your car at the Valencia Car Wash fund-raising event.  About 30 deputies from the station participate in the fund-raiser every year by washing, drying and vacuuming the customers cars.  We will also greet the customers as they arrive at the car wash and introduce them to the "999 for Kids" Program. The cost of the VIP Platinum Works car wash is only $10.00 and you will also be helping abused kids (regular cost is $20.00). 

Tickets can be purchased the night of the event or ahead of time by contacting Deputy Mike Lorenzi via e-mail or at (661) 799-5804.  Volunteer opportunities are also available.  For large businesses or corporations it is a great opportunity to buy tickets for your valued employees to show a token of appreciation during these challenging economic times and also help a great cause.   

If you are interested in donating to the "999 for Kids" Program, but do not have time to attend the car wash event, visit their Web site: "999 for Kids" or contact Deputy Lorenzi if you would like to see the funds donated on your behalf directly through the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station. 

Residents, business leaders, community representatives, and media professionals are invited and encouraged to attend the event.  We hope to see you there!     

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 The West Ranch Beacon.  For questions regarding this release or deputy interviews, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.   

Summer Heat is Here - SCV Sheriffs Stress Safety

As the weather heats up, so does the chance of heat and water related emergencies and tragedies.  Deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station already responded to two swimming pool related emergencies this past weekend and one of them, unfortunately, resulted in a tragic outcome. 

Deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station would like to remind all residents to take a few extra precautions and follow some simple safety guidelines that will greatly reduce the possibility of heat or water related emergencies. 

Several common emergencies occur every year which are directly related to the change in weather and participation in outdoor recreational activities.  Just some of these emergencies can include heat related illness, heat exhaustion or death when children or pets are left in hot cars, and water related accidents or drowning. 

According to the United States Consumer product Safety Commission, an estimated 260 children under five years of age drown each year in residential swimming pools and spas.  Nationally, drowning is the fourth leading cause of death for children under age five. 

Drowning happens quickly and silently, often without any splashing or screaming.  The key to preventing tragedies is to have several layers of protection.  This includes placing barriers around the pool to prevent access, using pool alarms, closely supervising children (even if they know how to swim), and being prepared in the event of an emergency.  Remember, drowning doesn't only occur when a person cannot swim, every year children are physically incapacitated due to injuries sustained during a swimming pool accident.  Never assume the gate is always secure at a community pool.  Often times these gates are inadvertently or intentionally left open or the locking/closing mechanism is not working properly.   

Follow these other safety tips and guidelines to help prevent a water related emergency:         

• No child, no matter how proficient a swimmer, should be left unattended. 
• The adult left in charge of watching children in or around a swimming pool should be a proficient swimmer, know CPR, basic first aid, and how to use rescue equipment. 
• If your pool is equipped with a diving board, do not allow swimmers to engage in contests to dive the farthest out in the pool.  The rise between the deep end and the shallow end of the pool bottom is often steep. 
• The storage of pool chemicals should be in a secure, ventilated area, away from the reach of children. 
• If your pool cleaning or maintenance is done by an contracted pool cleaner, make sure that the gate is secure after they leave.
• Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim--this includes adults and children. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To enroll in a course to learn or improve your ability to swim, contact your local Red Cross chapter.  In the Santa Clarita Valley the Red Cross can be reached at (661) 259-1805 or www.redcrossla.org.  The City of Santa Clarita also offers low cost swimming and water safety classes.  For more information call (661) 250-3700 or visit www.santa-clarita.com/seasons.
• Never leave a child unobserved around water. Your eyes must be on the child at all times. Adult supervision is recommended.
• Install a phone by the pool or keep a cordless phone nearby so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
• Learn CPR and basic first aid, insist that babysitters, grandparents, and others who care for your child also know.
• Post CPR instructions and 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.
• Enclose the pool completely with a self-locking, self-closing fence with vertical bars. Openings in the fence should be no more than four inches wide. The house should not be included as a part of the barrier.
• The gate should be constructed so that it is self-latching and self-closing.
• Never leave furniture near the fence that would enable a child to climb over the fence.
• Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the pool and know how to use it. Pole, rope, and personal flotation devices (PFDs) are recommended.
• Keep toys away from the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children into the pool.
• Pool covers should always be completely removed prior to pool use.
• If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom, and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.
• Never use or leave excessive rafts or other toys in the pool that can obstruct the observers view or the swimmers rise to the surface.
• Maintain constant supervision. Watch children around any water environment (pool, stream, lake, tub, toilet, bucket of water), no matter what skills your child has acquired and no matter how shallow the water. For younger children, practice "Reach Supervision" by staying within an arm's length reach.
• Don't rely on substitutes. The use of flotation devices and inflatable toys cannot replace parental supervision. Such devices could suddenly shift position, lose air, or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.  Children have even removed the flotation devices in some past incidents. 

Remember, heat related emergencies can occur very quickly.  California Law prohibits leaving children unattended in a vehicle.  It is never safe to leave a child or pet alone in a parked car.  The trapped air and heat creates an immediate hazard.  Remember, infants and young children are especially vulnerable to heat related emergencies.   

Follow these other simple safety guidelines as outlined by the American Red Cross:

• Never leave your child alone in a vehicle.
• Make sure all the occupants leave the vehicle when unloading.
• Take all children, including sleeping infants, with you.
• Lock your vehicle doors and trunks.
• Keep keys out of children's reach.
• Never let children play in or around cars (not even in the garage).
• Parents, grand parents, babysitters, etc., should always communicate with one and other to ensure they know who has the child and who got the child out of the car seat.  Never assume the other has the child.

Many more American Red Cross Health and Safety tips can be found at the following link: Water Safety Tips      

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 The West Ranch Beacon.  For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.   

The Ride is Over for Reckless Motorcyclist

Tuesday - May 13, 2008 - 8:00 a.m. - Canyon Country:

Commit Crime? - Not in the Santa Clarita Valley -  The ride came to an end for a motorcyclist who is suspected in several incidents of reckless driving and evading Deputy Sheriffs in the Santa Clarita Valley, dating back nearly 18 months.  The incidents apparently all involved the same motorcycle and rider, and occurred when deputies and California Highway Patrol Officers attempted to pull the motorcyclist over for various traffic violations, reckless driving, and no license plates on more than six separate occasions. 

It became common practice for the suspect to immediately flee from the deputies and officers as they attempted the traffic stop.  Although the deputies would immediately terminate their attempts to stop the suspect because of the potential danger to the public, in each incident the rider continued at a high rate of speed, routinely exceeding speeds of 100 miles per hour on Santa Clarita Valley surface streets, with no regard for the safety of other motorists, pedestrians, or himself. 

During one of the incidents on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 (-ref 19570), a deputy was reportedly pulled two feet alongside the suspect's motorcycle when he attempted to grab the suspect's arm and prevent him from fleeing following a traffic stop.  The suspect then reportedly turned around and drove back towards the deputy.  As the deputy attempted to get out of the way, the suspect glanced him with the motorcycle and sped away from the area.   

The latest incident occurred on Monday, May 12, 2008, where a motorcycle deputy from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station used his hand-held laser to document, who they believe is the same motorcyclist, traveling at over 100 MPH in the 22500 block of Soledad Canyon Road.  The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the rider continued at a high rate of speed westbound on Soledad Canyon Road to Creekside Road and out of sight. 

The deputies finally got the break they had been waiting for when another deputy recalled recently spotting a motorcycle matching the description parked in the 14000 block of Begonias Lane, Canyon Country.  Investigators from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Traffic Department set up an operation in the area on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, and arrested the suspect without incident. 

The helmet the suspect was wearing and the motorcycle, 2006 Honda CBR (pictured here), were both recovered.  Ironically, the helmet the suspect was reportedly wearing during one of the incidents (also pictured here) had a sticker with the following phrase on it: "Capable of Evading High Speed Pursuit". Deputies found the suspect was also on probation for Reckless Driving.

 

Joseph Milhoan, MW/21, of Canyon Country, was booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station on several felony and misdemeanor charges and his motorcycle was impounded. 

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office - Newhall filed one felony count of Reckless Evading with Willful Disregard for Public Safety, one felony count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Peace Officer, one misdemeanor count of Reckless Driving and one misdemeanor count of Driving on a Suspended License.  The suspect was in court today and his arraignment was continued to Friday, May 30, 2008.  He was remanded to custody and is currently being held in lieu of $125,000 bail. 

Traffic deputies are grateful this reckless behavior was brought to an end before anyone was seriously injured or killed.  They were very concerned that this unsafe practice could end in tragedy and were especially concerned because of recent increase in the number of incidents involving fatalities of teenagers and young adults who were also riding motorcycles, many times recklessly or without a license or training. 

During a 12 month period, between February 2007 and February 2008, there were five fatality related collisions in the City of Santa Clarita and four of them involved motorcyclists.  The City of Santa Clarita and the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station launched an aggressive Public Safety Months campaign in an effort to raise awareness in the community regarding these types of public safety related matters. 

The February 2008 message was pertaining to motorcycle and bicycle safety.  For more motorcycle related facts, training classes and safety information, visit the following link: Motorcycle and Bicycle Safety.

The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information at this time.  -ref 08370

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 The West Ranch Beacon.  For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.   

Alert Resident Stops Mail Thieves

Saturday - May 10, 2008 - 12:10 a.m. - Saugus:

Commit Crime? - Not in the Santa Clarita Valley! Another Santa Clarita Valley resident stops crime in progress -   

A Saugus resident took direct action which led to the arrest of two suspected mail thieves Saturday.  The man's observation, follow-up, and call to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station led directly to the arrest of two suspects. 

The resident reportedly noticed the suspects vehicle was parked in front of a group of mailboxes in the 22500 block of Oxford Lane, Saugus, early Saturday morning.  A male suspect was standing near the mailboxes while a female waited in the car.  The resident watched as the suspects repeated their activity at three other mailbox locations around the neighborhood.  The resident followed the suspects as deputies responded. 

Deputies contacted the two suspects and reportedly recovered several pieces of mail belonging to other individuals who reside in Reseda, Acton, and Valencia.  The deputies also found personal identification information belonging to other individuals, and tools commonly used to commit mail theft. 

Detectives are continuing their investigation in an effort to determine if these suspects have any connection to another incident of mail theft which occurred in Saugus on Thursday, April 8, 2008 (-ref 08187). 

Both suspects, Stephanie Wasson, FW/26, of Newhall and Jorge Torres, MH/33, of Sylmar were booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station on a felony charges of Reasonable Cause Receiving Stolen Property and Theft of United States Mail.  Suspect Wasson also had an outstanding warrant for Theft and she is being held in lieu of $120,000 bail pending future court proceedings.  Suspect Torres had a warrant for Driving on a Suspended License and he is being held in lieu of $24,648 bail pending future court proceedings.

The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information at this time.  -ref 08253

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 The West Ranch Beacon.  For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.   

Victim Spots Stolen Bicycle

Saturday - May 10, 2008 - 3:30 p.m. - Newhall:

Commit Crime? - Not in the Santa Clarita Valley -  Deputies arrested a Newhall man on a theft related charge Saturday afternoon after an alert resident spotted his own stolen bicycle.  The victim reportedly had his bicycle stolen on Friday after he left it unlocked in a bicycle rack at the mall.  On Saturday, the victim was on Lyons Avenue near Orchard Village Road when he spotted a man riding his bicycle.  The victim's father drove to the location and detained the suspect until deputies arrived. 

Deputies recovered the bicycle and arrested Ivan Garcia, MH/20, of Newhall on a felony charge of Receiving Stolen Property.  The suspect also had three outstanding warrants for Trespassing, Driving Without a License and Theft.  He was booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station and is being held in lieu of $91,740 bail pending future court proceedings.  The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information available at this time.  -ref 08203

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 The West Ranch Beacon.  For questions regarding this release, contact Sergeant Harris at (661) 799-5814.