Sacto 9-1-1

A sex offender sought by Idaho law enforcement authorities has been arrested at a Meadowview residence, where guns and drugs also were found, according to a U.S. Marshal's Service news release.

In May 2010, officials said, Mack Phanmaha, 39, failed to register as a sex offender in Idaho. He previously had been convicted of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, according to the news release.

The Ada County Sheriff's Office in Idaho issued a probation warrant, and when Phanmaha fled his last known address in Boise, the U.S. Marshal's Service was asked to help locate and apprehend him.

Deputies have arrested two men on suspicion of stealing copper wire from a property in McClellan Park this afternoon, and attempting to sell it at a nearby recycling center about 15 minutes later, a Sacramento County Sheriff's Department spokesman said.

Authorities received a report around 4:55 p.m. Friday, of two males loading copper into a black Honda Accord at a Regional Transit building near the intersection of Dean Street and Kilzer Avenue, sheriff's spokesman Deputy Jason Ramos said.

When deputies arrived, the car was not on scene. However, they found that copper wiring had been removed from a large pole in a fenced-off yard behind the building, Ramos said.

A Sacramento County Sheriff's Department deputy sustained minor injuries while struggling with a man he was attempting to detain in North Sacramento this morning, a sheriff's department spokesman said.

The man, who ran from deputies and was not located during an ensuing search, is now wanted on suspicion of assaulting an officer, said department spokesman Deputy Jason Ramos. Another man was arrested during the search on an unrelated weapons charge, Ramos said.

Deputies responded to Dawn Way near Howe Avenue at about 9:45 a.m. today, after a resident called to report a suspicious subject, Ramos said. They located the man, who was uncooperative and refused to identify himself.

Three teens were arrested for allegedly vandalizing a South Lake Tahoe elementary school targeted in the past with graffiti.

A citizen called police to Bijou Community School, 3501 Spruce Ave., Wednesday night where police found 6 boys on school grounds. Four were determined to be marking the campus with graffiti, police said.

Three were immediately arrested and a fourth arrest is pending. None of the graffiti appears to be gang-related.

The school has been a target of graffiti vandals for years, South Lake Tahoe police said.

Davis police have arrested three suspects in connection with a Wednesday night home invasion robbery, the police department reported.

Three residents of a home in the 1400 block of Notre Dame Drive reported that two male suspects had broken in shortly before 8:30 p.m., sprayed them with a chemical and displayed what appeared to be a handgun before fleeing with the victims' property, according to a police department news release.

A man sought in connection with a 20-year-old homicide in Redding was booked into Shasta County Jail today, a year after DNA evidence linked him to the case.

Brian Eric Norton is being held on a no-bail warrant accusing him of murder in the death of Despina Magioudis, according to a Redding Police Department news release.

Magioudis, 53, was found in a field on the north side of East Cypress on Aug. 10, 1991. The police investigation revealed that she had been sexually assaulted and died as a result of strangulation and bludgeoning. Redding police and the California Department of Justice Crime laboratory pursued the case for years, but it finally went cold, officials said.

A 41-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the stabbing of a man in broad daylight at a busy Sacramento intersection Wednesday afternoon, a Sacramento Police Department spokeswoman said.

The stabbing occurred shortly before 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, at the corner of Broadway and Alhambra Boulevard, police reported. The 54-year-old male victim was transported to a local hospital with "very serious" injuries, said police spokeswoman Officer Laura Peck.

Auburn police said the man being chased by police into downtown last night was eventually arrested.

Police said this morning that an Auburn Police Department officer recognized Neal John Bugnatto, 28, of Auburn about 10:45 p.m. on High Street near Cleveland Avenue. Police said that he was wanted and had an outstanding warrant.

During a short interview, police said that Bugnatto provided a false name and then ran away. A short chase ensued into downtown Auburn's central square area.

That's where police said they caught up with Bugnatto and arrested him. He was taken to Placer County Jail where police booked him on the outstanding warrant and suspicion of providing false information to a peace officer, resisting and possession of methamphetamine.

By Debbie Arrington
darrington@sacbee.com

Two men are in custody on suspicion of breaking into seven cars Sunday morning in the economy parking lot at Sacramento International Airport.

Officials said Mark Poe, 35 (above, left), and Marshall Young, 33 (above, right), were arrested after Sacramento sheriff's deputies found numerous items believed taken from other cars in the trunk of the suspects' vehicle.

Sheriff's spokesman Jason Ramos said an attendant spotted two men breaking the window of a parked car in the economy lot at about 6:30 a.m. Sunday and alerted deputies assigned to the airport. After the suspects exited the lot through the toll plaza, they were stopped and questioned. A search of their vehicle revealed the stolen property, Ramos said.

By Debbie Arrington
darrington@sacbee.com

Call it the case of the naked gun woman.

At a Super 8 motel in Vacaville, a night clerk convinced a nude woman brandishing a handgun to surrender to police early Sunday morning.

Patricia Wright, 32, of Fairfield, was arrested by Vacaville police at about 3 a.m. following a 20-minute standoff, officials said.

According to police, Wright entered the motel's lobby around 2:40 a.m. Sunday wearing no clothes but waving a gun. The female desk clerk called 911, then tried to calm Wright, who was staying at the motel with a male companion.

The victims, a husband and wife, called the sheriff's dispatch center at 3:07 p.m. to report that three men, one of whom they knew, had entered their Dry Creek Road home and stolen marijuana and other items. They reported that the men brandished a gun during the robbery and told the couple to stay in a confined area of the home as they left, according to a Sheriff's Office news release.

At 3:25 p.m., deputies spotted the three suspects driving westbound on Interstate 80 near Douglas Boulevard in Roseville. The car was stopped on the side of the freeway and the suspects were taken into custody without incident. Inside the car, deputies found a handgun that matched the description of the gun used during the robbery. Officials said some property also was discovered.

Roseville police on Tuesday arrested three men in connection with a marijuana robbery and are looking for a fourth suspect.

About 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, three Sacramento men met with four other men in the parking lot of a Galleria Boulevard restaurant to conduct a marijuana sale, according to a Police Department news release. Instead of paying, the four suspects robbed the Sacramento men of their marijuana at gunpoint, then fled in a black Toyota sedan, police said.

A Roseville police officer spotted the vehicle on westbound Interstate 80 and followed it to the dead end of Kenroy Lane, off Riverside Avenue. Two of the passengers got out of the car and fled on foot. The other two remained with the car and were taken into custody.

Sacramento County Sheriff's Department deputies arrested a 23-year-old man Monday in Rancho Cordova on suspicion of animal cruelty for allegedly leaving his dog in a car for more than an hour in the afternoon heat, a sheriff's spokesman said.

Deputies staffing the Fourth of July celebration at Hagan Community Park were alerted around 5 p.m. to a dog locked in a car in the parking lot, said sheriff's spokesman Deputy Jason Ramos.

They found the dog, believed to be an 8-to-10-week-old pit bull, "panting heavily on the floorboard of the car," Ramos said. Deputies smashed the window of the car, unlocked the door and retrieved the dog.

About 20 CHP officers, sheriff's deputies and Sacramento police had to break up a what law enforcement officials said was a rowdy Fourth of July party in South Sacramento.

Before the show of force by the officers was over, a Taser was used on two people, deputies said. Officers also reported that someone in the crowd threw a beer bottle and large firecrackers called M-80s at law enforcement.

The night's events began when a resident complained to the sheriff's department that someone was using illegal fireworks in the 4500 block of 28th Avenue. The patrol officers who responded did not see or hear any illegal fireworks, but noted a large crowd blocking street access.

By Jane Braxton Little
Bee Correspondent

QUINCY - A Reno man who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder stemming from a Saturday night car chase in the remote backcountry near Antelope Lake could face additional charges after one of the men he shot died today.

Gregory Wallen-Reed, 36, who owns a home near Janesville, pursued a blue sedan that left his property after its occupants allegedly stole solar lights from his driveway, said Plumas County Sheriff Gregory Hagwood.

When an occupant of the sedan fired on his truck, Wallen-Reed fired back, Hagwood said.

Two of the occupants hit by gunfire were taken by helicopter to hospitals in Reno and Chico. A third was treated and released from a Quincy hospital.

Folsom police have arrested three people in connection with the robbery of a Beverages and More store this afternoon.

The incident occurred at the store at 2595 East Bidwell St. about 2:40 p.m. A man placed two large bottles of tequila in his shopping cart before meeting two women accomplices at the back of the store, according to a Police Department news release. The women placed the bottles inside their empty purses, and the three left the business without paying for the alcohol, police said.

An employee observed the entire incident and confronted the three suspects, who were in a red Saturn Vue sport utility vehicle, and asked them to return the merchandise. The man allegedly pulled a black semiautomatic pistol, and the employee fled, returning to the store where he called police.

Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies have arrested two 23-year-old men in connection with the explosion of a device in a residential mailbox early Wednesday morning.

The sheriff's department received a call just after midnight from a resident in the 4300 block of Vulcan Drive in Sacramento, who reported hearing a loud explosion, according to a sheriff's department news release.

A neighbor also called in and reported seeing somebody place an object into the first caller's mailbox just before the explosion, the release states. The neighbor said the suspect then got into a vehicle that fled the scene.

Tam Nguyen wants everyone to know he was just a forgetful traveler in a hurry, not a bad guy intent on terrorism after a loaded handgun was found in his backpack at Sacramento International Airport.

Nguyen, 49, of Sacramento was arrested Tuesday in Terminal B on weapons charges when federal Transportation Security Administration personnel found a loaded firearm in his backpack when his belongings went through an X-ray machine. In an interview with The Bee at the Sacramento County Jail Wednesday morning, Nguyen said he is innocent.

Three people were arrested early this morning after a home invasion robbery was reported at an Arden Arcade apartment.

Sacramento County sheriff's deputies responded at 4:20 a.m. to the robbery report at the Town and Country Garden Apartments in the 2900 block of Marconi Avenue. A man reported that his neighbor had been robbed at gunpoint in his apartment and that the suspects, a man and woman, had left the scene in a white Chevrolet. The victim was not injured, according to the Sheriff's Department news release.

At 4:41 p.m., a deputy spotted a white Chevy Tahoe, which matched the description of the suspects' vehicle, traveling south on Howe Avenue near Hurley Way. Deputies stopped the vehicle and detained two men and a woman. They were identified as Lori Voorhies (above, left), 44, Robert Wynne (above, center), 22, and Richard Kohls (above, right), 30.

A 49-year-old man was arrested at Sacramento International Airport this afternoon after Transportation Security Administration employees determined that he had a firearm in his backpack.

Sacramento County sheriff's deputies assigned to the Airport Division responded to a security checkpoint in Terminal B at 1 p.m. today. During the screening process, TSA personnel reported that they believed a passenger was carrying what appeared to be a firearm in his personal backpack.

A search of the passenger's belongings revealed a loaded handgun at the bottom of the backpack, along with several rounds of live ammunition in a magazine, according to a Sheriff's Department news release.

The Marysville Police Department announced the arrest of six people in a recent sting operation targeting people who furnish alcohol to minors.

Marysville police officers and investigators from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control created a joint task force and conducted undercover decoy operations focusing on people who buy alcohol for underage drinkers. Six people were arrested during the operation, which ran for about five hours on Thursday, according to a Police Department news release.

Police said those arrested, cited and released after they were observed furnishing alcohol to a minor decoy were Ryan Edward Trocki, 23, of Yuba City; James B. Johnson Jr., 47, of Marysville; David Robert James, 32 of Marysville; Timothy Warren Penn Jr., 26, of Yuba City; Justin Ernest Chisick, 25, of Lathrop; and Jenny Fay Oneal, 33, of Yuba City.

Maggie the cattle dog, run over during a livestock drive last week in Sierra County, is getting better -- and canine lovers are paying her vet bill.

Maggie, an 8-year-old border collie, was injured when an impatient driver in a Jeep veered into cattle being driven to summer pasture last week.

"She's continuing to improve," said dog owner and cattleman John Reader. "With time, it appears she is going to be fine."

By Carlos Alcalá
calcala@sacbee.com

It may be the 21st Century, but cattle crimes still get punished, at least in Sierra County, where officials arrested a man suspected of intentionally plowing through a cattle drive and injuring a highly praised herding dog.

Maggie, an 8-year-old border collie, was among the injured when an impatient driver in a Jeep (Cherokee, not Wrangler) veered into cattle being driven to summer pasture last week.

By Carlos Alcalá
calcala@sacbee.com

A monthlong fire investigation has led to the arrest of a woman suspected of setting fire to an occupied motor home, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District officials said today.

Sac Metro firefighters responded to a reported vehicle fire May 27 on Den Avenue, off Stockton Boulevard south of the Florin Mall area.

By Denny Walsh
dwalsh@sacbee.com

Steven Navarro of Sacramento was arrested today by federal agents on charges of trafficking in counterfeit Viagra and cultivating marijuana.

Navarro, 29, advertised on the Internet what he represented to be Viagra, a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction, a grand jury indictment says. A year ago, according to court documents, he sold 16 tablets to an FBI informant, and laboratory testing showed that, while the tablets did contain some sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient of Viagra, they were not authentic. The tablets and their packaging looked legitimate and could easily be confused for genuine Viagra, the documents say.

Subsequently, agents intercepted two packages from China addressed to Navarro that contained counterfeit Viagra and, in a search of his residence, found more of the bogus tablets and approximately 400 marijuana plants, court papers say.

Navarro advertised his pills as "100% real" at "the cheapest price around," according to U. S. Attorney Benjamin Wagner. "The pills....were manufactured somewhere in China by an unknown entity," he said. "This case is a reminder to consumers that they should only obtain prescription pharmaceutical drugs by prescription. Otherwise, they may be putting themselves at risk."

Auburn police have arrested another suspect thought to be involved in the stabbing of a man who tried to chase down two people he believed had broken into his car.

Gavin Rasmussen (left), 20, was arrested after turning himself into authorities at the Placer County Jail on Wednesday. Police earlier arrested Joseph Montgomery, 19.

Police say the incident began Friday before 11 p.m. when a 19-year-old Cool resident discovered his vehicle had been broken into while it was parked. The victim saw a car driving away from the scene and gave chase in his own vehicle.

By Sam Stanton
sstanton@sacbee.com

Auburn police have arrested one man and are seeking another in the attempted murder of a victim who was stabbed as he chased a pair of men after discovering his car had been broken into.

Police said they arrested Joseph Montgomery, 19, and are seeking 20-year-old Gavin Rasmussen in connection with the incident.

Police say the incident began Friday before 11 p.m. when a 19-year-old Cool resident discovered his vehicle had been broken into while it was parked. The victim saw a car driving away from the scene and gave chase in his own vehicle.

By Ben Schenkel
bschenkel@sacbee.com

During her attempted getaway from a bar fight, a Redding woman reportedly struck a middle-aged passerby with her vehicle.

The non-fatal incident occurred just before 2 a.m. Wednesday, according to a Redding Police Department news release, outside Bert and Ernie's Bar at 825 Industrial St.

Officers said they responded to a call about an altercation at the bar, involving a number of female patrons. When bouncers tried to intervene, the women reportedly took their dispute to the parking lot.

By Ben Schenkel
bschenkel@sacbee.com

Folsom Police have arrested a local man for allegedly downloading child pornography onto his cell phone, according to a news release issued late Friday by the department.

Taylor James, 24, of Folsom, was arrested for "possession of obscene matter depicting persons under 14 years of age." He was booked into the Sacramento County Jail.

Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies arrested a man Friday after he allegedly stole merchandise from a Kmart in Rancho Cordova, punched a loss-prevention agent at the store and attempted to elude authorities on a freeway on-ramp, a sheriff's spokesman said.

Deputies responded to the Kmart in the 2300 block of Sunrise Boulevard after receiving a call from the store at 4:15 p.m., said sheriff's spokesman Deputy Jason Ramos.

Deputies were told a shirtless man had entered the store, picked up a shirt and put it on, Ramos said. When a loss-prevention agent tried to stop the man, he allegedly punched the agent in the face and left southbound on Sunrise Boulevard, Ramos said.

Seven Sacramento and Bay Area residents are among 18 people charged in federal court in Virginia for allegedly participating in a nationwide distribution ring smuggling high-quality marijuana from Northern California to mid-level dealers in numerous states throughout the county.

After coordinated arrests Thursday, 17 of the alleged conspirators are in custody, according to a new release issued by Neil H. MacBride, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Officials said Marvin Powers Jr., 39, of Vallejo, remains at large.

According to court documents, the ring is led by Anthony Guidry Sr., 46, of Vallejo, who allegedly trained and worked with three other men as interconnected wholesale dealers of marijuana that they either grew or purchased in California. From 2005 to the present, the conspirators allegedly took orders for various marijuana strains and shipped quantities to suppliers in a dozen states.

The Sacramento County Sheriff's Department today released the names of 13 people arrested Tuesday in raids of suspected copper theft operations in and around Walnut Grove.

Law-enforcement officials believe the operations may have been responsible for more than $1 million in damages resulting from copper thefts in the area.

Those arrested the allegations against them are:

• Greg Owen, 54, grand theft/burglary

• Stephen Hart, 31, grand theft/burglary/possession of stolen property

• Georgina Hart, 25, grand theft/burglary

• Andrew Boudreaux, 23, grand theft/felony vandalism

• Jose Lopez, 29, grand theft/felony vandalism

• Leland Hanson, 50, grand theft/felony vandalism

• Lance Blair, 63, arrested for outstanding warrants

• Melodie Owen, 27, unlawful possession of a deadly weapon

• Dawn Kilgore, 49, arrested for outstanding warrants

• Robert Shelton, 47, failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements

• Adam Schwartz, 34, possession of stolen property

• Jose Nunez-Duarte, 30, forgery/possession of fictitious note/possession of marijuana

• Luis Lozano-Mena, 25, forgery

A South Lake Tahoe man was arrested early this morning after a standoff that lasted more than six hours, police said.

Stephen Shaver, 44, was taken into custody outside his residence around 1:30 a.m., according to a South Lake Tahoe Police Department press release. No one was injured, and no shots were fired.

Police have made a third arrest in connection with a shooting and robbery in Rocklin early Sunday morning. They are no longer seeking additional suspects.

The arrest last night concludes a round-the-clock, interagency investigation that lasted several days.

The Rocklin Police Department has arrested a second person and is looking for a third in connection with a shooting early Sunday at the intersection of Sunset and Blue Oaks boulevards.

Police say the shooting occurred at 1:57 a.m. and the victim drove himself to Sutter-Roseville Medical Center, where he was treated for a gunshot wound to the neck.

Jamie Payton, 28, of Weimar was arrested 5:30 p.m. Sunday and booked into Placer County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of a controlled substance. Detectives seized two vehicles related to the shooting and processed them for evidence, according to a Police Department news release.

Elk Grove police have taken a 21-year-old man into custody after he initially retreated into a house when officers tried to serve a warrant for his arrest Wednesday, causing SWAT personnel to respond, a police spokesman said.

Officers originally responded at about 1 p.m., to the 8700 block of Corbally Court to serve a felony arrest warrant for Brandon Gutierrez, wanted on suspicion of probation violation and a weapons charge, said Elk Grove police spokesman Officer Chris Trim.

When the suspect exited the residence and saw officers outside, he ran back into the home, Trim said. Officers attempted to contact him verbally and by phone, but were unsuccessful, he said.

Sacramento police arrested two people Tuesday after officers serving a search warrant confiscated drugs, guns and cash at a Florin-area residence.

Members of the department's problem-oriented police team served a search warrant at 7 a.m. in the 9200 block of Wenlock Court. Inside, officers found a variety of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, hash and an ounce of methamphetamine. They also located 28 guns, including two assault rifles and stolen property taken in recent burglaries, according to a Police Department news release. The team began its investigation after receiving tips from the community regarding criminal activity by the suspects, police said.

The Elk Grove Police Department announced that a 30-year-old Sacramento man has been arrested in connection with the June 5 attack on a man in the parking lot of Strike's Family Entertainment Center in Elk Grove.

Joel Olivarez is accused of aggravated battery.

Detectives believe that Olivarez confronted Seth Parker, 26, of Sacramento at 11:19 a.m. June 5. Olivarez allegedly punched Parker in the face during an argument, then fled with a companion. Parker suffered facial fractures.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

A West Sacramento man was arrested in Woodland this morning after a 12-year-old boy called 911 to report that someone was trying to break into his home.

Police arrived at the home within minutes of the 8:10 a.m. call and arrested Jason Philip Navarrete, 24, on suspicion of residential burglary.

Police say Navarrete had forced his way into the home in the 100 block of Third Street. He first pounded on the door demanding entry and, when there was no response, he forced his way through the back door, walked around and removed a bottle of wine, according to a Police Department news release.

By Max Ehrenfreund
ehrenfreund@sacbee.com

The Rocklin Police Department has announced an arrest in connection with a shooting there early Sunday.

The department received a report of a shooting at the intersection of Sunset and Blue Oaks boulevards just before 2:00 a.m. Sunday. Police detectives detained Jamie Payton (photo right) of Weimar around 5:30 p.m. that afternoon.

On Tuesday the department announced that Payton was suspected of attempted murder and possession of a controlled substance.

The Vallejo Police Department has arrested a special education teacher on suspicion of raping a developmentally disabled student aide.

Jerry Johnson, 57, of Elk Grove, is accused of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old at Loma Vista Elementary School on campus and during school hours. The assault occurred during the latter part of February, said a department spokesman. Police do not know if the incident was isolated or if Johnson committed other assaults.

Johnson was arrested in Elk Grove yesterday around 5:30 p.m. with the assistance of the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office.

The second suspect wanted in the April shooting death of a 19-year-old in a south Natomas parking lot has turned himself in, the Sacramento Police Department reported.

Fred Huante, 19, left, turned himself in to authorities at the Sacramento County Main Jail on Monday, said Sacramento police spokeswoman Officer Laura Peck.

Huante had been wanted in connection with the April 14 shooting at Northgate Boulevard and San Juan Road that left Francisco Flores, 19, dead, and Flores' 20-year-old brother with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, police reported.

Sacramento County Sheriff's detectives have arrested a 22-year-old man in connection with the 2007 slaying of 39-year-old John Pogacar near Rancho Cordova, the sheriff's department reported.

Kirk Jared Rivers, 22, left, walked into the sheriff's department Monday afternoon and handed a security officer a note in which he claimed responsibility for the killing of a man in 2007, said sheriff's department spokesman Deputy Jason Ramos.

Rivers was detained and interviewed by homicide detectives, who determined there was enough evidence to arrest Rivers in connection with Pogacar's death, according to a sheriff's department news release.

Folsom police arrested Katheran Willis, 24, and James Armstrong, 41, yesterday on suspicion of stealing cash from fast-food restaurants with a simple scam.

According to the Folsom Police Department, Armstrong called the restaurants and pretended to be from their corporate headquarters. He told managers that the restaurants overcharged a customer by $80 and that she would be returning to collect a refund. Then, Willis would go the restaurant, and staff would hand her the cash.

They repeated this scheme at a Subway, a Togo's, a Straw Hat Pizza, and an It's a Grind, according to the department. When Armstrong called the Smash Burger on East Bidwell Street in Folsom, the manager recognized the scam from a police department press release circulated by the Folsom Chamber of Commerce.

Bee Metro Staff

It was a busy weekend for Sacramento's downtown police officers. Starting Saturday afternoon and moving into the wee hours Sunday, the officers of Central Command responded to the following incidents. These items are taken from the police blotter.

1:30 p.m., 13th and J streets: Man out of prison for two hours found with crack cocaine

Officers stopped a man for aggressive panhandling. He was acting nervous and wearing prison release clothing. Michael Milligan, 48, kept trying to leave as officers spoke to him. Officers determined that Milligan had just been released from prison two hours earlier. A parole search was conducted and officers located crack cocaine and a narcotic smoking pipe on him.

10:16 p.m., 1900 block of Seventh Street: Intoxicated man stabs himself with butter knife

Officers checked out a report of a man who was intoxicated, off his meds and stabbed himself. Officers located the man on the north side of a park with a butter knife sticking out of his abdomen. They took him to the hospital.

A man shot by California Highway Patrol officers after a chase Saturday night in South Sacramento sustained wounds that are believed to be non-life threatening, a Sacramento County Sheriff's Department spokesman said Sunday.

Deputy Jason Ramos said the Sheriff's Department is investigating the officer-involved shooting.

He identified the wounded suspect as Adrian Olivera-Tahua, 27, of Sacramento.

The incident started when a CHP officer saw Olivera-Tahua's vehicle weaving on southbound Highway 99, Ramos said.

By Hudson Sangree
hsangree@sacbee.com

A convenience store clerk in Redding scared off an armed robber this morning by brandishing a mop.

A Redding Police Department news release recounted events: At about 5:00 a.m., officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at a Circle K store at 2220 Westwood Ave., Redding.

The 31-year-old clerk told officers the suspect had worn a ski mask and wielded a baseball bat and a knife.

The clerk "fearing for his own safety, armed himself with a four-foot-long, wood-handled mop. The suspect grabbed a package of gum and a lighter and fled," police wrote.

Two men were arrested for suspicion of drunken driving in a road rage incident on Highway 50 early this morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The wild driving began near Sunrise Boulevard on westbound Highway 50 and continued toward the Bradshaw Road off-ramp. Near the Bradshaw Road exit, the trailing car bumped the car in front.

That maneuver only sent the ramming car out of control and caused it to overturn. The car in the lead exited at Bradshaw and stopped, apparently in sight of those in the crashed car.

Woodland police arrested a 31-year-old woman today on suspicion of running over her boyfriend with her car after an early-morning argument.

Elena Lund-Tessler, 31, was taken into custody in Davis at 12:40 p.m. following the alleged assault on her boyfriend at 1:55 a.m. in Shiloh Court, according to police.

Officers booked Lund-Tessler for assault with a deadly weapon. Her 33-year-old boyfriend was transported to UC Davis Medical Center with injuries to his arm, leg and hand. Authorities did not release his condition.

Witnesses said Lund-Tessler and her boyfriend were at Kenny's Bar in Woodland when their argument began, according to police.

By Denny Walsh
dwalsh@sacbee.com

After earlier eluding officers in three high-speed car chases, state parolee Anatoliy Rudan was finally cornered and arrested Tuesday, according to U.S. Marshal Albert Najera.

On May 12, the 32-year-old Rudan was spotted in North Highlands driving a stolen Audi S5. He fled when a California Highway Patrol officer attempted to stop him, running red lights at more than 100 mph and losing the officer, Najera said in a press release.

By Matt Kawahara
mkawahara@sacbee.com

The man accused of killing three people at a Loomis home over the weekend entered not guilty pleas to all charges at his arraignment in Placer County Superior Court on Wednesday.

Jeremy Ray Baker, 36, of Roseville, was formally charged with three counts of murder and one count of possessing a firearm silencer.

He was also charged with a special allegation of personally and intentionally discharging a firearm causing death or great bodily injury, and a special circumstances allegation of multiple murder.

The latter allegation could make Baker eligible for the death penalty, although that decision has yet to be made, said Placer County Assistant District Attorney Jeff Wilson.

Sacramento police announced Tuesday the arrest of a 28-year-old man in connection with a robbery that occurred at a church in Sacramento's Southside Park neighborhood on Good Friday.

The robbery occurred in the early morning hours of April 22 at the Our Lady of Guadalupe church in the 700 block of T Street.

The victim, who had arrived at church for the early service and was carrying $2,000 to give to a friend who needed to buy a car, was robbed at gunpoint as he exited a church restroom, The Bee reported.

On April 27, at 1:36 a.m., a Sacramento police officer stopped a suspicious subject in the area of 28th and C streets after responding to an activated alarm in the area, according to a Sacramento Police Department news release.

A 27-year-old Davis man was arrested early today after he was reported lurking around an apartment with a camera.

Davis police officers responded at 2:40 a.m. to a report of a suspicious man at 707 Sycamore Lane. A resident of the complex reported that a man was lurking around a specific apartment with a camera. It was determined that the apartment was occupied by a 20-year-old woman.

When officers arrived, they detained Chad Jones. Jones initially tried to flee but was pulled over in his vehicle leaving the scene, according to a Police Department news release. Police said camera equipment found in Jones' car contained images suggesting that he was videotaping and taking photographs of the 20-year-old woman.

A Loomis woman is in Placer County Jail accused of poisoning her husband.

Rachel Melody Bettencourt (left), 53, was booked early today on suspicion of willful poisoning and inflicting corporal punishment on a spouse. She is being held on $100,000 bail.

Placer County Sheriff's deputies were called to Sutter Roseville Medical Center at 8:30 p.m. Monday at the request of South Placer Fire Department officials. Firefighters had responded to Bettencourt's Tudsbury Road home and found the situation suspicious, according to Sheriff's Department news release.

A fight between two Redding brothers ended in an arrest and a hospitalization Monday evening.

Redding police arrested Joseph Kenney, 18, on suspicion of beating his brother Garrett, 20, in what police say was a dispute over medical marijuana. The fight occurred on Southgate Drive in Redding's Westwood Village neighborhood.

Sacramento County Coroner's officials identified the man killed in a collision early Sunday in Elk Grove that closed a portion of Power Inn Road for several hours.

Ivan Oscar Camero, 20, of Elk Grove, was pronounced dead 5 a.m. Sunday, coroner's officials said.

Elk Grove police said the 4:30 a.m. crash happened when a car driven by Heile Gantan of Elk Grove crossed the center divider on Power Inn Road south of Blue Maiden Way, struck a tree, then rolled onto its roof. Gantan and a second woman, LaDonna Torres, were able to escape with what police said were minor injuries.

Camero was trapped inside.

Gantan was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident. Torres was arrested on suspicion of felony conspiracy and hit and run with death or injury.

- Darrell Smith

A Woodland High School student was taken into police custody Friday afternoon after being found in possession of an unloaded pistol on campus, according to a Woodland Police Department release.

School resource officers were called to the campus at about 12:45 p.m. Friday, after school administrators were told a juvenile student was on campus with a firearm, according to the release. Responding officers found the student in class and located an unloaded pistol in the student's backpack, the release states.

The student was taken into custody without incident. Though the investigation is ongoing, it does not appear that the student brought the pistol to campus with malicious intent, the release states.

The student was reportedly booked into the Yolo County Juvenile Hall on suspicion of possessing a firearm on school grounds.

The Placer County Sheriff's Department is reporting that a Sacramento man was arrested Thursday in connection with a nationwide fraud case.

Michael Stephen Moynihan, left, was arrested by Placer County Sheriff's detectives and Sacramento Police Department officers after a short foot pursuit in Sacramento, according to a sheriff's department release. The sheriff's department had been seeking Moynihan, and he had fled from investigators on two prior occasions, the release states.

The release states that Placer County Sheriff's detectives were recently contacted by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office in Colorado Springs, Colo., which had been conducting an investigation involving Moynihan.

Sacramento police arrested a man on suspicion of attempted kidnapping of a 12-year-old girl on her way home from school.

Rojelio Cuevas, 27, was booked in Sacramento County Jail.

Police said that on May 16 a girl was walking home from school near Belmar Street and Wissemann Drive when a man told the 12-year-old she was sexy. The girl ignored him and kept walking away in the neighborhood near Watt Avenue and Highway 50 .

Four more people have been arrested in the Marysville sting operation aimed at adults who purchase alcohol for minors.

Three Marysville residents and one Yuba City man were arrested Thursday.

In the so-called "Shoulder Tap" stings, decoys who are minors ask adults to buy them alcohol. The decoys tell adults that they are not old enough to buy alcohol themselves, a Marysville Police Department press release states, and show them real identification.

The arrests bring the number of people arrested in the undercover operation to 43 since it began in February.

- Max Ehrenfreund

A registered sex offender arrested last week by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department on suspicion of failing to update his registration within five days of changing his address, was arrested again Thursday by South Lake Tahoe police on a federal warrant, the police department reported.

On May 16, South Lake Tahoe police responded to a report of a suspicious person at the city-owned Ice Arena, next to the City Recreation Center on Rufus Allen Boulevard. During their investigation, officers identified Joseph Scanio, a registered offender on federal probation for possession of child pornography, according to a police department release.

Scanio, above, was not arrested at the time, but an ensuing investigation determined he was in violation of his mandatory obligation to register his correct physical address with law enforcement, according to the release. On May 18, police arrested Scanio on suspicion of failing to comply with that obligation, a felony violation, the release states.

A former employee of the UC Davis veterinary school has been arrested on suspicion of felony embezzlement in connection with her work at the university, according to a UC Davis news release.

Emily Ramos, of Woodland, turned herself in at the Yolo County Jail at 10 a.m. Thursday, according to the release. She was arrested on suspicion of 38 counts of embezzlement and was released from jail after posting a bond for $20,000 in bail, campus police announced in the release.

The Sacramento Police Department is reporting that its gang detectives thwarted a potential drive-by shooting Wednesday afternoon when they pulled over a car containing two validated gang members and multiple weapons, including an assault rifle.

The detectives were in a known gang area in south Sacramento at about 3 p.m., when they observed members of a rival gang driving in the area, said Sacramento police spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong. Detectives determined the driver was acting suspicious and pulled the vehicle over in the area of Florin Road and Franklin Boulevard.

Detectives found that the driver of the vehicle was sitting on a loaded gun, and they located an assault rifle hidden near some stereo speakers in the vehicle, Leong said.

UC Davis police police have arrested a student as a suspect in two sexual assaults on the campus last night.

Robert Schaerges, 26, was booked into Yolo County Jail on suspicion of sexual battery, false imprisonment and assaulting a police officer.

Campus police said that two sexual assaults took place on a bicycle path near the ARC Pavilion about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. The attacker also assaulted a police officer before running off.

Three people were arrested today after a clerk at a Sutter County market was robbed at gunpoint.

The robbery occurred about 3:20 a.m. at Sutter Food and Gas, 7505 Highway 20, in the community of Sutter, according to a Sheriff's Department news release.

The clerk reported that two people entered the store. One had a handgun and demanded money from the cash register.

Woodland police have arrested a 23-year-old man who allegedly broke into a home on Leake Circle and was found by officers in an upstairs bedroom, according to a Woodland Police Department news release.

Officers responded to the 1000 block of Leake Circle at 4:36 p.m. Monday, after receiving reports that a man had gone into the backyard of a house and possibly broken the back patio glass door to gain entrance, according to the release. Police surrounded the home, checked the backyard and found the rear patio door shattered.

Upon entering the home, officers heard a man yelling from an upstairs bedroom, the release states. They located and detained the man, whom property owners said had no lawful right to be in the house.

Sacramento police chased and arrested a man after he fled when officers approached a group of six in Oak Park.

Police approached the group near 14th Avenue and La Solidad Way, police reported.

When one subject fled, police chased him behind a house described in the official activity log as "a known gang hangout."

Sacramento police arrested two teens and the mother of one of the juveniles in the wake of a Wednesday burglary in the 2100 block of Bell Avenue.

Investigation indicated that burglary was carried out by the 17- and 16-year-old grandsons of a neighbor, according to the police report.

Furthermore, the 54-year-old mother of the 17-year-old was believed to have sold some of the stolen property at a pawn shop. The mother was not identified.

Police arrested all three Thursday.

Two suspects were sent to juvenile hall after a 14-year-old said he was robbed of his cellphone at a Woodland park last night.

The teen was at Schneider Park on Schuler Ranch Drive about 6 p.m. where he was allegedly robbed of his cellphone at knifepoint. Arriving Woodland officers found three boys near the park who matched the descriptions of the robbery suspects provided by police dispatch.

A 15-year-old boy suspected of wielding the knife and a14-year-old boy identified by police as his accomplice were booked into juvenile hall. The third boy was interviewed but not charged.

A former Sacramento business owner was arrested today by federal agents in Florida,

A federal grand jury in Sacramento in April returned a 16-count indictment charging Carlos B. Jerez, 34, with fraud, according to a federal Department of Justice news release.

According to the indictment, Jerez, owner of the Sacramento-based 1st Class Mobility, advertised medical mobility products, such as motorized wheelchairs and scooters, and accepted payment without the ability to deliver the products. The indictment alleges that Jerez made false representations about shipping delays, the availability of refunds and the status of missing orders.

South Lake Tahoe police today announced the arrest of a registered sex offender who is on federal probation for possession of child pornography.
Police on Monday responded to a citizen's report of a suspicion person at the city-owned Ice Arena, next to the City Recreation Center on Rufus Allen Boulevard. During their investigation, officers identified Joseph Scanio, left, a registered sex offender on federal probation.

Scanio was not arrested at the time, but subsequent investigation revealed that he was in violation of his mandatory sex registration obligation, according to a Police Department news release. Officers discovered that Scanio was living at 2275 Wyoming Ave., but in June 2010, he had reported that he was living at a different residence in South Lake Tahoe. At that time, police said, Scanio signed an acknowledgement that he was aware that he was obligated to update his registration within five days of changing his address.

Redding police said they suspect a husband of threatening to kill his teenage son last night with a baseball bat and peppering the floor with gunshots near at his wife's feet when she wouldn't make him dinner.

Steve Florreich, 43, of Redding, was booked into Shasta County Jail for suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, assault with a firearm, negligent discharge of a firearm, terrorist threats, spousal assault and brandishing a firearm.

A press release from the department said that officers were told that Florreich had been drinking beer before they were called to the family's trailer in the 2200 block of Concord Lane. His wife and son said Florriech became angry when his spouse would not cook him dinner.

Two Woodland police officers were treated for injuries suffered in a struggle with a 16-year-old boy who had allegedly stabbed his family's dog.

A police sergeant and officer responded to a residence on Yolano Drive at 7:42 p.m. after receiving a report that a juvenile had stabbed the family's Labrador retriever. Family members told police dispatch that the youth had mental health issues, according to a Police Department news release.

Officers found that the boy had left the scene before they arrived, but they located him at a residence in the 1300 block of East Oak Avenue.

Sacramento police have arrested a man they say is a suspect in at least one attempted burglary in the Pocket Area.

Officers were dispatched to a report of a suspicious incident at a home near Parkway Oak Park late Monday morning. The resident said a man rang the doorbell and then tried to open the front door.

The resident made noise, prompting the stranger to ride away on a bicycle.

While officers were on their way to that call, another request for service from a resident was received to police dispatch that was similar.

A neighborhood battle with bats and sticks sent a Redding man to the hospital today, police reported.

Redding officers responded to the 3700 block of Churn Creek Road at 12:43 a.m. after receiving reports of numerous people fighting.

Upon arrival, they heard additional reports of shots fired, but those were later found to be inaccurate.

A parolee who was reported prowling behind a north Auburn apartment complex and looking in windows was arrested by Placer County Sheriff's deputies early this morning, a sheriff's spokeswoman said today.

Steven Allen Shade (left), 43, refused to comply with the orders of a deputy who chased him from the area behind the Terracina Oaks Apartments, according to a Sheriff's Department news release. When Shade repeatedly ignored the deputy's commands and kept reaching into his pocket, the deputy used his Taser to control Shade, the release states.

An apartment resident called the Sheriff's Department's emergency dispatch center at 5:50 a.m. to report that a man was outside of his rear bedroom window, peering inside. The area behind the apartments is gated and fenced, but officials said Shade entered through a damaged section of fencing.

Eight people were arrested in 8 hours during a sting in Marysville on Thursday that targeted adults selling alcohol to underage police decoys.

The 8 adults, ranging in age from 21 to 53, are suspected of buying alcohol for the undercover decoys used by Marysville police. The decoys "are obviously under the age of 21 and disclose to adults they are not old enough to purchase alcohol themselves," according to a police press release.

The decoys typically ask outside a store for the adults to buy them beer or other alcoholic beverages. Those arrested Thursday were cited for a misdemeanor and released.

So-called "shoulder tap" stings in Marysville have resulted in 39 citations being written since February.

The Sacramento County Sheriff's Department announced that three known gang members were arrested Wednesday in connection with a rash of graffiti incidents in the Arden Arcade area.

Dana Aviles (left), 18, Jesus Nava (right), 19,and a 14-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism and participation in criminal street gang activity, according to a Sheriff's Department news release.

Nava and Aviles were booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail and the 14-year-old was booked at Sacramento County Juvenile Hall.

UC Davis officials announced today that Whole Earth Festival's DJ Stage will be shut down beginning next year, citing the campus Police department's investigations of three violent crimes, including the reported rape of a 16-year-old girl, in and around the music venue last weekend.

Police also are investigating reports of two other incidents, a sexual battery and a beating, in the DJ Stage area, which was set up west of Wellman Hall, away from the Quad where most of the festival took place.

"We are sending message that people cannot come to our campus and behave this way," Fred Wood, vice chancellor for student affairs, said in a written statement. "It can't continue and it won't be tolerated. We need to create a safe environment for everyone at this university.

A C.K. McClatchy High School teacher has been arrested by Sacramento police on suspicion of molesting a female student in March, a Sacramento Police Department spokesman said.

Brian Aguilar, 37, left, was arrested just before 4:30 p.m. today in downtown Sacramento, said police spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong. He was arrested without incident and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on suspicion of molesting a child under the age of 18, a misdemeanor, jail booking logs show.

His bail was set at $5,000. He was released from custody tonight, jail booking logs show.

An Elk Grove man has been arrested on suspicion of collecting illegal upfront fees in connection with loan modification services.

Rodney Andrews, 56, operated Andrews Investment Group, which offered loan modification services, according to a Sacramento County District Attorney's Office news release.

In 2009, the California Legislature passed a law prohibiting the collection of such upfront fees to prevent individuals from preying on vulnerable borrowers facing foreclosure or unaffordable mortgage payments, officials said.

By Kim Minugh
kminugh@sacbee.com

Vacaville police arrested an off-duty California Highway Patrol officer Monday after he allegedly stole an Xbox gaming system from Target, according to authorities.

Police allege it was 36-year-old Shawn Hammonds' fourth successful burglary from the store, and that he has sold stolen property over the Internet, said Vacaville police Sgt. Jeff King.

Hammonds, a 5-year veteran of the CHP, was booked into the Solano County Jail on suspicion of four counts of burglary, King said. He later posted $30,000 bail and was released.

A man sought in connection with the Sunday night robbery of a sandwich shop in Woodland was arrested today after he was found hiding in a trash bin.

The robbery of the Subway sandwich shop in the 300 block of California Street occurred shortly before 10 p.m. Sunday.

Employees were in the rear of the business, preparing to close, when they heard sounds of someone in the front part of the shop. An employee went to the front of the store and found a man trying to open the cash register. The man threatened the employee with a knife and ordered her to open the register.

The suspect, however, had broken the register and it wouldn't open. He then left the store, taking the cash register and an undisclosed amount of cash, according to a Woodland Police Department news release.

The Sacramento Sheriff's Department identified Marvin Barksdale, 22, as the gunman accused of leading the California Highway Patrol on a chase Friday, before holing up in an audio business.

Barksdale is a validated gang member, officials said.

The Sheriff's Department responded at 5:24 p.m. Friday to aid the CHP with a pursuit.

Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies have arrested a man who holed up in an Arden Way business for nearly two hours this evening after fleeing from a California Highway Patrol Officer.

Sheriff's spokesman Officer Jason Ramos said that shortly before 5:30 p.m. a CHP officer attempted to stop a vehicle that was speeding and traveling in the wrong direction on Fulton Avenue near Hurley Way. At Fulton and Arden Way, the driver jumped out of the vehicle and took off running, and the officer saw that the man had a handgun.

The man also left his vehicle in gear, and it continued rolling after he got out, striking another vehicle.

By Matt Kawahara
mkawahara@sacbee.com

Sacramento police have arrested a 48-year-old man in connection with a 1987 homicide in midtown, after cold case detectives and the Sacramento County Crime Lab were able to use DNA to identify a suspect, the Sacramento Police Department reported.

Gregory Samuel Olguin was arrested Friday morning in the 9100 block of Elk Grove Boulevard in Elk Grove, nearly 24 years after the killing of 52-year-old Richard Schultz near 21st and K streets, according to a police department news release.

At 9:39 p.m., on June 1, 1987, Sacramento police officers responded to a report of a subject lying in blood at 21st and K streets, the release states. Officers arrived on scene and located a male white adult who had been stabbed in the chest.

Special enforcement by Folsom police on Cinco de Mayo resulted in a variety of arrests, ranging from public intoxication to fighting with bouncers, according to a police spokesman.

The department's special investigations unit, working in plainclothes, covered the entire community. The special enforcement funding was provided by a grant from California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control.

Arrests or citations included:

- Two Sacramento men in their 20s for causing a public disturbance by fist fighting.

A parolee swam across a Folsom pond to evade capture Wednesday night, but was eventually nabbed by a police dog, a Folsom police spokesman said today.

The soggy escapade began when a motorist reported a suspected drunken driver swerving down Blue Ravine Road near Big Valley Road, the spokesman said.

The caller provided a license plate number, which allowed police to catch up with the driver near Oak Avenue Parkway and Blue Ravine.

The spokesman gave this account of events:

A chase escalated to 100 mph in two minutes.

The driver, Eric Joseph Souza, left, 29, of Mather, crashed the stolen Acura Integra when he missed at turn onto Iron Point Road from Oak Avenue Parkway.

Sacramento County District Attorney Jan Scully announced today that 13 people were arrested last week on suspicion of committing In-Home Supportive Service fraud and other types of public assistance fraud.

The individuals were arrested on warrants issued by the multi-agency IHSS Fraud Task Force.

IHSS is a $5 billion federal, state and county funded program designed to allow peopled who are aged, blind or disabled to remain safely in their homes by providing in-home rather than institutional care. The District Attorney's IHSS Fraud Task Force, with investigators from the District Attorney's office, the Department of Human Assistance an the California Department of Health Care Services, along with an agent from the federal Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General conducted the warrant sweep, according to a District Attorney's Office news release.

By Jane Braxton Little

A Yuba City man suspected of murder is being held without bail in the Sutter County jail pending his arraignment, scheduled for 3 p.m. today in Sutter County Superior Court.

Ricky Rae Kingsley, 53, was camping at Murphy Creek on state Highway 70 Friday when two U.S. Forest Service law enforcement agents patrolling the area encountered him.

The officers discovered a body inside Kingsley's vehicle that appeared to be a homicide victim, said Plumas County Sheriff Greg Hagwood.

Elk Grove Police have arrested a Sacramento man in connection with a March 10 armed robbery at the Extended Stay America motel, 2201 Longport Court, Elk Grove.

Luke Garlinger, left, 30, was arrested this morning following a vehicle stop in Wilton.

Detectives received several tips from the Sacramento Citizen's Crime Alert Program regarding the identity of the person responsible for the robbery, according to a Police Department news release.

A manhunt in Carmichael Wednesday eventually ended with Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies arresting a convicted felon.

It took two searches of a Carmichael neighborhood, but deputies eventually arrested 18-year-old Shakeel Ali-Mapp. He was booked into Sacramento County Jail on suspicion of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person and resisting an officer.

The determined police work, aided by citizen involvement, began at 11:45 a.m. when Sacramento County probation officers went to the 3300 block of Mensch Court near Garfield and Whitney avenues to check up on his residence. While in the home, officers saw a firearm in plain view.

Sacramento County Sheriff's Department homicide detectives have arrested a 57-year-old homeless man in connection with the January shooting death of a woman in south Sacramento, according to a department news release.

Teng Thao, 57, left, was taken into custody Wednesday near 37th Street and 41st Avenue -- just blocks from where Jennifer Cha, 25, was found shot to death in the early morning of Jan. 9, according to the release.

A Yuba County man is credited with alerting sheriff's deputies when he spotted his neighbor's pickup truck in a fast-food parking lot, leading to the arrest of a suspected burglar.

A neighbor of the truck's owner called the Yuba County Sheriff's Department about 1 p.m. Monday to report that he had seen the vehicle in the parking lot of a Burger King restaurant on North Beale Road. Soon afterward, a deputy spotted the pickup near the Burger King and tried to stop it, but the driver, later identified as Michael Gorham, 32, sped up and led deputies down Arboga Road to 11th Avenue, according to a Sheriff's Department news release.

Gorham then turned around and drove north on a fire trail near the Union Pacific Railroad tracks that parallel Arboga Road. He abandoned the stolen truck at the dead end of Second Avenue and ran off on foot.

Sacramento police said today that have arrested a suspected Natomas burglar with the help of home surveillance footage.

The suspect's image, left, was captured by a home surveillance camera when he allegedly attempted to burglarize a home near Natomas Boulevard and Club Center Drive on the afternoon of Dec. 20, 2010, according to a Sacramento Police Department news release.

The suspect is believed to have knocked on the front door of the home and, when there was no answer, gone around to the back of the home and attempted to force entry, police reported. He then fled when the alarm activated.

A 56-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with a fire this morning that damaged the Crestwood Manor psychiatric facility.

Wendy Vergeson, an occupant of the facility, was arrested a few hours after the fire on suspicion of arson and is being held in Sacramento County Jail, a Sacramento Fire Department news release states.

The fire broke out at 7:25 a.m. at the psychiatric facility at 2600 Stockton Blvd. It was contained to one room due to activation of the fire sprinkler system and fast action by firefighters, fire officials said.

San Francisco police have arrested a suspect in the April 14 shooting death of Francisco Flores in Sacramento, local police officials reported today.

Based on information from the Career Criminal Apprehension Team, Vincent Rivera (photo below, left), 25, was located and taken into custody today.

No further details on the arrest were available.

Two children were placed into protective custody after their parents were arrested in Sacramento on suspicion of sexual abuse.

Officials at a Solano County correctional facility contacted Sacramento Police Department after an inmate received a photo that showed an adult male doing something sexually inappropriate with a child in the presence of another child.

Officials identified an address on Bonfield Way in the Robla area as the source of the photos.

A Shasta County Sheriff's deputy was accidentally shot by another deputy Friday while they were attempting to apprehend a fugitive, but the injuries were not considered life-threatening.

The incident began when National Park Service Rangers requested assistance finding a couple wanted on multiple felony warrants in the Whiskeytown Lake area.

Elizabeth Hope Riley, 46, was sought on a warrant for marijuana sales and transport.

Woodland police have arrested a suspect in the alleged drugging and attempted sexual assault of a homeless man.

Police reported detectives contacted a homeless Woodland man on April 8 who said he was given a beverage laced with something that rendered him unconscious. He was then taken to an "obscure" area in the 100 block of West Court Street where the victim told police he was possibly a victim of an attempted sexual assault.

After an investigation, police arrested another homeless Woodland man, 58-year-old Robert Talley, as a suspect. Talley was booked into Yolo County Jail on suspicion of torture, attempted forced sexual assault, assault with a deadly weapon and false imprisonment.

Sacramento police have arrested two suspects, including an 11-year-old girl, after an attempted home invasion robbery in the Valley Hi area.

The incident began around 1 p.m. Tuesday when four juveniles knocked on the door of a home in the 6500 block of Valley Hi Drive, according to information from the Sacramento Police Department.

When a 16-year-old answered, the juveniles demanded her cell phone.

Elk Grove police said they booked a 19-year-old man who allegedly crashed a stolen SUV into a video store this morning into Sacramento County Jail on multiple charges.

Police arrested Marquis Youngblood, left,19, about 4 a.m. after they said he crashed a stolen 2002 Toyota RAV 4 into a Blockbuster Video store at Elk Grove Boulevard and Bruceville Road. Police said they had attempted to pull the SUV over but Youngblood refused to stop, leading to a vehicle pursuit and eventual damage to the SUV and the retail building.

After the crash, police said Youngblood fled on foot. Officers set up a perimeter and eventually found and arrested Youngblood.

A Roseville couple is out on bail after being arrested on suspicion of tax evasion.

Franchise Tax Board special agents arrested Dino Puma, 48, a real estate broker and his wife, Jennifer Puma, 43, on Friday for allegedly failing to file their 2004-2007 state income tax returns and report more than $700,000 income, according to a press release from the board.

The state said the couple owes more than $44,000 in unpaid tax. Additional interest, penalties and cost of investigation will also be sought.

Auburn police have arrested a 20-year-old homeless man on suspicion of raping a 14-year-old girl while she was intoxicated and possibly unconscious.

Patrol officers investigating the attack that allegedly occurred Saturday, located the suspect, Taylour Francis Jordan, left, at a camp in Auburn, where he was living, according to a police department news release. He was arrested and booked at the Placer County jail, where he is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail.

Police said he is accused of rape with the victim unconscious of the nature of the act and unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor more than three years younger than he is.

The Davis Police Department today released preliminary statistics showing that Picnic Day enforcement efforts resulted in 54 arrests and 207 citations Friday and Saturday.

Officers patrolling on foot, bicycle and in cars focused their attention on downtown Davis and neighborhoods that traditionally hold large house parties. The California highway Patrol and a countywide DUI enforcement team kept a lookout for drunken drivers, and California Alcohol Beverage Control agents were in town enforcing violations associated with alcohol consumption and sales, according to a Police Department news release.

Police officials in a written statement said they were not prepared to issue opinions on whether this year's Picnic Day was better or worse than last year, saying they would further analyze enforcement activities, and would seek comment from the community and other interested parties before offering conclusions.

The California Highway Patrol has arrested a man from Smartville who they say fell from a razor-wire topped fence when he tried to flee.

The CHP said they had been looking for Donald Harter Likens, 22, of Smartsville, Yuba County, for a number of vehicle thefts. He was also wanted for outstanding warrants in Yuba and Nevada counties.

An officer spotted him Saturday morning in Linda. After a short vehicle pursuit, Likens got out of his vehicle at a levee near Park Avenue. A foot chase began as other CHP and Yuba County Sheriff's deputies moved in.

A piano teacher who provided piano and music lessons to about 150 students in the south Sacramento area over the last five years has been arrested for investigation of molesting a 9-year-old music student, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department reported.

The piano teacher, 41-year-old Hao "Henry" Nguyen, was booked into the Sacramento County jail Saturday and was held in lieu of $1.2 million bail.

He was held for investigation of committing a lewd act with a child and sexual assault, according to Sheriff's spokesman Deputy Jason Ramos.

A Sacramento parolee, 27-year-old Jose Martinez, was taken into custody early today for investigation of possessing a firearm, discharging it at an occupied vehicle and drug possession, the Sacramento Sheriff's Department reported.

Sheriff's authorities said they were called to an apartment complex in the 1200 block of Fulton Avenue shortly after 1 a.m. following a citizen's complaint of shots being fired at a sports utility vehicle.

The caller told deputies that the shooter had gone into an apartment unit inside the complex after the shooting, according to Sheriff's spokesman Deputy Jason Ramos.

Two Grass Valley residents have been arrested after Nevada County sheriff's deputies responded early this morning to a report of a seriously injured man.

Deputies, who were called to the 13000 block of Ballantree Lane in the Grass Valley area at 3:36 a.m., suspected foul play and began an investigation involving the major crimes unit, according to a Sheriff's Department news release.

The victim was taken to Sutter Roseville Medical Center via air ambulance and is listed in critical condition, sheriff's officials said. The man's identity has not been released.

Sacramento County Sheriff's detectives arrested today the sixth and final suspect in the south Sacramento barbershop shootout that left two people dead last December, according to a sheriff's department news release.

Larry Dean Jones, Jr., 29, was taken into custody today at about 1:30 p.m. without incident, in Sacramento County, according to the release. (Photo at left is a jail booking from a prior arrest of Jones.)

Detectives from the Sheriff's Major Crimes Bureau and Gang Suppression Unit arrested Jones without incident at a residence in the county, the release states.

The California Highway Patrol says the arrests of three men found with Home Depot merchandise Wednesday may help solve thefts from the big box stores stretching from Salinas to Oroville.

The CHP said their big break began when an officer stopped a black Cadillac at 7:25 p.m. Wednesday in Marysville for an expired vehicle registration. During a search of the car, five boxes of Dewalt and Makita drill sets from Home Depot were found.

Officers calling from the scene of the stop discovered that the Yuba City Home Depot had suffered a theft on Tuesday and that an Oroville Home Depot had been hit about one hour before the traffic stop.

An Auburn man has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting his wife and threatening to kill her and their 2-year-old daughter, the Auburn Police Department reported.

Last Friday, an Auburn Police officer met with an 18-year-old woman who reported being assaulted by her husband, later identified as 24-year-old Tyler Monsen (left), according to an Auburn police news release.

The victim claimed that she had gone to Monsen's residence on April 5 at his request to discuss financial matters after he had allegedly threatened to kill her and their daughter if she did not comply, the release states.

A Yuba City man has been arrested on charges of receiving, distributing and possessing child pornography.

A federal grand jury in Sacramento on April 7 returned the two-count indictment against Joseph Wood, 61.

The indictment alleges that Wood received and distributed images via the Internet depicting the sexual exploitation of minors and possessed other similar images when law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at his house.

By Melody Gutierrez
mgutierrez@sacbee.com

A Sacramento special education teacher was arraigned today on six counts of lewd acts with a 7-year-old boy and one count of communicating with a 14-year-old boy with the intent to commit a sexual offense.

Preston Howard Lewis, 50, was placed on paid administrative leave Sept. 3 from Sacramento City Unified School District, where he is a teacher at Sam Brannan Middle School near Riverside Boulevard and South Land Park Drive.

The alleged abuse of the 7-year-old occurred between 2004 and 2005, according to the criminal complaint filed by the District Attorney's office. Preston is accused of communicating with the 14-year-old between March 1, 2010 and Sept. 1, 2010.

By Loretta Kalb
lkalb@sacbee.com

A San Francisco man was being held on $100,000 bail in Redding today after he was arrested on suspicion of hijacking an Amtrak bus Saturday night, Redding police said.

The suspect - Robert A. Fender, 43 - was arrested after a foot chase near the Redding bus terminal, police said.

Quick-thinking by the bus driver, who threw a kill switch on the outside of the bus, apparently prevented the suspect from driving away from the Redding Area Bus Authority station in the 1500 block of Yuba Street, according to police spokesman Cpl. Bart Langley.

An Auburn-area martial arts instructor has been arrested on suspicion of committing lewd acts with a child.

Auburn Police Department detectives arrested Matthew Barraza, 31, on Monday following an investigation. He is accused of committing lewd acts with a 14-year-old who was one of his martial arts students, according to a Police Department news release.

Barraza was booked into Placer County Jail with bail set at $250,000.

Eleven people were arrested and dozens of live, dead and wounded roosters were found at a Rio Linda cockfighting operation, the Sacramento County Sheriff's department reported.

Deputies were called 3:30 p.m. Saturday when a citizen reported that cockfighting was occurring at property in the 1500 block of Q Street. When deputies arrived, dozens of men bolted from a detached garage.

Inside, the deputies found a wooden pen they believe was being used as a cockfighting ring. Also recovered were razor-sharp spurs both on and off the roosters.

By Carlos Alcalá
calcala@sacbee.com

Sacramento police arrested a man wanted on a felony assault warrant Friday after he tried to clean up his act in the wrong way.

After reports of a fight, police attempted to handcuff the suspect in the area of Lemon Hill Avenue and the 65th Street Expressway.

The man ran off with one hand in the handcuffs.

By Matt Kawahara
mkawahara@sacbee.com

Sacramento police have arrested two suspects in connection with the killing of a 19-year-old man last month in north Sacramento.

Alanzo Jackson Banks, 30, and Herbert Antonio Alvarez, 19, were arrested today in Rodeo in Contra Costa County, Sacramento Police Department spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong said.

Rashad Stephen Alexander was shot to death in the parking lot of a bar in the 3200 block of Northgate Boulevard in the early hours of March 12, police reported.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

Two Sacramento men were arrested in Auburn on suspicion of burglary and identity theft, after a Target store security guard recognized them as individuals suspected of previously using a stolen credit card at the business.

The men, identified as Stacy Alan King (above, left), 22, and Michael Raymond Adame (above, right), 28, are suspected of vehicle burglaries in Sacramento and Placer counties.

They entered the Target store on Bell Road in Auburn at 6 p.m. Saturday, and the security guard recognized them as suspects in an incident that had occurred the previous week, according to a Placer County Sheriff's Department news release. Store security officers monitored the men and called the Sheriff's Department. Deputies detained the men as they left the store.

By Bee Staff

Sacramento police arrested today two armed robbery suspects in the process of robbing a convenience store - and found the suspects' two young children waiting in the getaway car, a police spokesman said.

One of the suspects tried to shoot the store clerk, but his handgun was empty, said Sgt. Norm Leong. The man hit the clerk with the gun, Leong said.

Leong gave this description of events:

By Bee Staff

Based on information from Sacramento-based U.S. marshals, an Amador County murder suspect was arrested today in Mexico.

Justin Bryan Bergo was arrested by Mexican authorities in Tijuana, according to a news release from the U.S. Marshals Central Valley Fugitive Task Force for the Eastern District of California

A warrant was issued in Amador County on Thursday for Bergo, charging him in the murder of his mother, the release states.

By Bill Lindelof
blindleof@sacbee.com

Sacramento Police Department officers were kept busy tracking, tackling and running after four suspects last night and early this morning in separate incidents.

At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, security officers at a Northgate Boulevard parking lot provided police with a description of a getaway vehicle involved in a vehicle burglary. An officer found the vehicle behind a store.

Inside the vehicle were Manuel Rodriguez, 25, Angelina Grubb, 19, and a child, police said. The officers said they also found a laptop believed to have been stolen from the burglarized vehicle.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

A high-speed chase along Highway 50 and Rancho Cordova and Sacramento streets this morning ended in the arrest of a parolee.

Sacramento County sheriff's detectives arrested Jacobi Sanford, 34, on suspicion of evading a peace officer and violation of his parole.

At 11:22 a.m., detectives with the Sheriff's Department's Gang Suppression Unit attempted a traffic enforcement stop near Zinfandel Drive and Highway 50 in Rancho Cordova. The driver, later identified as Sanford, failed to yield to officers and fled, leading officers on a pursuit onto westbound Highway 50.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

A man has been arrested in connection with the fatal crash of a Folsom woman in late January.

James Beckwith (photo right), 52, of Rancho Cordova, was arrested by Folsom police on a felony warrant for suspicion of vehicular manslaughter on Tuesday.

By Matt Kawahara
mkawahara@sacbee.com

An eighth person has been arrested in the shooting death of an 18-year-old at a high school graduation party in Elk Grove last summer, the Elk Grove Police Department announced.

Jahmal Dawson, 18, was arrested Tuesday morning at an apartment complex in Sacramento in connection with the killing of D'Andre Blackwell, according a department news release. Detectives were acting on a tip from the Sacramento Citizen's Crime Alert Program, the release states.

Blackwell, who had recently graduated from Valley High School, was shot in the chest during a confrontation at a Holiday Inn Express in Elk Grove on June 5, 2010. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

By Bill Enfield
benfield@sacbee.com

The recent arrest of a Sacramento woman on suspicion of shoplifting marked at least her 15th arrest since 1988, 13 of which resulted in her pleading guilty or no contest to various charges, Sacramento sheriff's reports and court records show.

The latest arrest for Lajoy Duncan, 49, was 4 p.m. March 1 outside a store in the 9100 block of Kiefer Boulevard, according to a sheriff's crime summary released this week.

A search of Sacramento Superior Court records shows Duncan has a conviction record stretching back to 1988 when she pleaded guilty to burglary.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

Davis police report a seven-day spike in vehicle thefts in the area, with 10 vehicles reported stolen since Feb. 26.

The thieves appear to be targeting Honda Civics and Acura Integras, with thefts taking place overnight between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m., according to a Police Department news release. Five of the stolen cars have been recovered in Davis, and one was found by the California Highway Patrol in Sacramento.

At 2:56 a.m. today, Davis police officers made a traffic enforcement stop of a 2000 Honda Civic occupied by three males at 500 Pole Line Road. Officers discovered that the car had been reported stolen out of Davis on Tuesday.

By Kim Minugh
kminugh@sacbee.com

Sacramento County sheriff's detectives have added a suspicon of murder charge to the sole suspect in custody in connection with the killing of a Rancho Cordova woman earlier this year, according to authorities.

Demetrius Shaffer (left photo), 32, is accused in the fatal strangulation of Rajeet Kor Singh, 37, whose body was found near light rail tracks on New Year's morning, said sheriff's spokesman Deputy Jason Ramos.

Shaffer, who already was in custody on an unrelated rape charge, also was booked on suspicion of penetration with a foreign object, Ramos said.

By Kim Minugh
kminugh@sacbee.com

Sacramento police have arrested a husband-and-wife team, who are accused of pimping young women, at least one of whom alleged she was raped, according to authorities.

This morning, police arrested 32-year-old Tamaia Okeema Faletogo on suspicion of four prostitution-related charges, including deriving support from proceeds of a person's prostitution and making threats causing a person to remain in a house of prostitution, according to jail booking records.

Police spokeswoman Officer Laura Peck said officers arrested Faletogo's husband, 36-year-old Dante Bowens, Jan. 30 on suspicion of false imprisonment, oral copulation, sodomy and rape.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

A man in midtown Sacramento who once hung a swastika banner in the front window of his midtown home to prevent the next-door neighbors from renting their house was taken into custody for violating a court order this morning.

Joe Ongaro, an electrical contractor, was taken into custody after police served a search warrant and arrest warrant about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at the man's home near 25th and U streets.

By Matt Kawahara
mkawahara@sacbee.com

A man was arrested Sunday night in the Poverty Ridge neighborhood of Sacramento after he allegedly tried to sell stolen meat to two employees of the store it had been stolen from, according to Sacramento Police Department activity logs.

According to the logs, officers responded to a call of a man selling meat that had been stolen from a local store. The suspect had approached two people in a bar at 24th and S streets and asked them to buy the meat, not realizing that the two subjects worked at the store from which the meat was stolen, according to the logs.

The two subjects called police, who responded and arrested the suspect.

David Jones, 45, was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on suspicion of possessing stolen property and parole violation.

Call The Bee's Matt Kawahara, (916) 321-1015.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

Auburn police used Tasers on a woman who they say refused to put down a knife.

Police were asked to respond to the Holiday Inn on the Grass Valley Highway at 2 p.m. Saturday. Hotel staff complained that a woman was angry after she was locked out of her room for not paying her entire bill.

While officers were en route, hotel staff again called the police department and reported that the same customer had a knife. Upon arrival, officers approached Jelissa Warkentin, 24, from opposite directions as she exited an elevator.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

Elk Grove police have arrested a seventh person in the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old at a high school graduation party.

Graylon Lindsey (left), 18, of Elk Grove was arrested on suspicion of homicide. Detectives are also seeking an eighth person, Jahmal Dawson (right), 18, who should be considered armed and dangerous, police said.

The six adults and a 15-year-old are suspected in the shooting of D'Andre Blackwell at a Holiday Inn Express in Elk Grove on June 5. Blackwell was celebrating his high school graduation when he was shot in the chest during a confrontation.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

Davis police say a Sacramento area man is a suspect in the rape of a 21-year-old woman in February.

Leonardo Avalos, 28, was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, rape and other sexual charges on Thursday, police said.

Police said that the woman Avalos at a bar in downtown Davis on Feb. 5. She had been out at the bar with her friends and shared a few drinks with Avalos, police said.

By Kim Minugh
kminugh@sacbee.com

Sacramento County sheriff's detectives arrested a 20-year-old man this morning in connection with the September death of Danielle Benefield, according to authorities.

Accused in the fatal shooting at the Fastrip gas station in south Sacramento County is Marquise Vincent Smith (left), said sheriff's spokesman Deputy Jason Ramos.

Smith already was in custody on suspicion of driving under the influence when officials added the murder charge this morning. He is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

Police officers on routine patrol last night in South Sacramento tried to make a traffic stop but ended up in a vehicle chase, foot chase and finally arrested a man they said tossed his drugs over a fence.

The officers were driving just south of Florin Rod about 10 p.m. Thursday when they noticed a Toyota van being driven erratically on 24th Street near Gardendale Road, according to a Sacramento Police Department crime report.

The report gave this account:

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

A Sacramento man who investigators dubbed "the Goat-Man Bandit" has pleaded guilty to serial bank robbery.

John Raymond Porter, 43, entered the plea today before U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release.

During the early stages of the investigation, the Sacramento Violent Crimes Task Force dubbed the perpetrator the Goat-Man Bandit because victim tellers in some robberies indicated the robber had facial hair in the form of a goatee. (See photos below taken from surveillance cameras at several banks.)

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

Elk Grove police announced that detectives have made an arrest in connection with last week's armed robbery of the Mechanics Bank, 8235 Laguna Blvd.

Bobby Evans (left), 52, is being held in Sacramento County Jail without bail and is to be arraigned Thursday in Sacramento Superior Court.

Evans was arrested at his Sacramento residence Tuesday on suspicion of robbery and parole violation, according to a Police Department news release. He is accused of entering the bank about 1 p.m. Feb. 14 and using a semi-automatic handgun to rob a teller.

By Andy Furillo
afurillo@sacbee.com

South Lake Tahoe police arrested a heavy equipment operator Sunday night on suspicion of driving under the influence and other charges after he turned his front end loader on an officer's car and tried to ram it, according to a press release.

Steve Beattie, 55, was taken into custody after the 9 p.m. confrontation with officers that came to a conclusion on dead-end Terry Lane. He was booked on charges of drunken driving, assault with a deadly weapon on an officer and felony evasion of officers, the press release said.

Police said they responded to a call of a snow-removal tractor knocking over a light standard and traffic control signs on Ski Run Boulevard. They said that when officers tried to stop the vehicle, the driver refused to stop, then flipped them the middle finger and drove his vehicle toward a police car driven by Officer Ray Poole.

By Carlos Alcalá
calcala@sacbee.com

Sacramento County homicide detectives have arrested two men in what had been the baffling slayings Feb. 13 of a young man and two teenagers on Malaga Way in Rancho Cordova.

Detectives arrested Francisco Ignacio Delgado, 20, and Juan Isidoro Aucencio, 24, at their residences early today, in connection with the deaths of Robert Corpos, 20; Richard Ward, 16; and Jamir Miller, 15.

The three youths were shot around 4 p.m. from a car that drove up alongside them while they were riding bicycles.

By Bill Lindelof
blindleof@sacbee.com

Sacramento police have arrested a man they say spent bank robbery money on sex toys and a photo shoot.

Steven Wilson (left), 25, was released from state prison on Feb. 2, police said. Investigators said they believe he was the man who held up a bank in the 1800 block of North Sacramento on Feb. 12.

Detectives said that Wilson became a suspect when they cross-checked the photos of recent parolees with the image of the robber on bank security video.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

Alert neighbors are credited for a quick police response and arrest of two suspects in several home burglaries Wednesday afternoon in Roseville.

The search began about 1:45 p.m. when a resident of the 1300 block of Greenborough Drive reported that a young man knocked on his door and asked for a person who had never lived at the house.

The resident saw a silver compact sedan pull up, and the man got a backpack from the driver and started walking around the neighborhood, the release states.

By Sam Stanton
sstanton@sacbee.com

Five members of a Yuba City white supremacist gang have been arrested in connection with an unusual scheme to smuggle heroin into the Susanville State Prison, Attorney General Kamala Harris said today.

The five members of the "New Order" gang allegedly planted 1 gram of heroin onto the glue strips of envelopes, then mailed them to inmates inside the prison, Harris said.

Each heroin-laced envelope was valued at $500 inside the prison, more than five times its street value, Harris said.

By Sam Stanton
sstanton@sacbee.com

A 58-year-old Woodland woman was arrested this afternoon following a dispute that led to her 35-year-old daughter being stabbed, police said.

Woodland police were called to an apartment complex in the 100 block of West Lincoln Avenue at 1:26 p.m. today in response to a report of a domestic dispute.

Police said that upon arrival they found the victim with a stab wound and that the woman said she had been wounded after a fight with her mother.

By Carlos Alcalá
calcala@sacbee.com

Good Samaritans chased down a bicycle-riding purse snatcher in Citrus Heights Friday evening.

A woman was eating with her children at Carl's Jr. on Sunrise Boulevard when Roman Banada, 18, grabbed her purse, according to Citrus Heights police Lt. Doug Fletcher. The 32-year-old victim had left the purse on a table while she ate.

Banada entered the restaurant, grabbed the purse and left, jumping onto a bicycle outside.

By Carlos Alcalá
calcala@sacbee.com

Elk Grove police have arrested Lovie James, 52, who was wanted in connection with the attempted murder of his female roommate.

Police had been looking for James for a week, since the 69-year-old woman attempted to evict James from the residence.

James reportedly reacted violently, punching and choking the victim, police said.

By Carlos Alcalá
calcala@sacbee.com

Auburn police have arrested a man wanted in connection with a September home invasion after Roseville police jailed the man on other charges.

Roseville police arrested Kenneth Amick, 45, on suspicion of stealing water backflow devices.

Amick, who was already wanted by Auburn police, was interviewed by Auburn detectives in Placer County Jail and rebooked on suspicion of burglary, battery with serious bodily injury and conspiracy.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

A Grass Valley man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a man was found severely injured at the Alta Sierra Airport runway Thursday.

Nevada County sheriff's deputies received a report of a man vandalizing property and making threats to homeowners on Norlene Way in the Grass Valley area about 3:30 p.m. Thursday.

Deputies responded and contacted Cody Robert Feiler, 30. Deputies detained Feiler because of his bizarre behavior and unusual statements, according to a Sheriff's Department news release.

By Kim Minugh
kminugh@sacbee.com

Sacramento County sheriff's officials thanked the community this morning for assisting detectives in the complicated and lengthy investigation into December's deadly barbershop shootout, a review that yielded murder charges against five suspects this week.

Charges also have been filed against a sixth suspect who remains at large, according to authorities.

At a news conference to discuss the case, sheriff's officials said the charges could not have been filed without the tips and information that came in from residents.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

Sacramento police report that a tip has led to the arrest of the person believed to be responsible for a recent series of hotel robberies.

Because the investigation is continuing, Sgt. Norm Leong said the suspect's name has not been released. He said the man was arrested in North Sacramento in connection with 11 robberies within the city and three outside the city.

The series of five hotel robberies began Jan. 19 and the most recent one occurred Monday morning. In each case the man approached the front counter, demanded money and either displayed or indicated that he had a gun.

Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

A man wanted in connection with a Sacramento shooting and narcotics trafficking was arrested Monday night by Sacramento police and federal authorities.

About 8 p.m. Monday, the Sacramento Police Department's Career Criminal Apprehension Team partnered with the U.S. Marshal's Service and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's Fugitive Apprehension Team in tracking down Thomas Vail, 39, a wanted fugitive. The Marshal's Service was looking for Vail in connection with a drug trafficking case involving Oxycontin being moved between California and Alaska, according to a Police Department news release. He also was wanted by Sacramento Police for allegedly breaking into an apartment and shooting an individual with whom he had a fight earlier in the evening.

Vail was found driving near Greenback Lane and Auburn Boulevard, and was taken into custody without incident. He is being held without bail in Sacramento County Jail on suspicion of both the state and federal offenses.

Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

Two people have been arrested in connection with church vandalism that included the destruction of a set for a children's Christmas play.

Burglars caused thousands of dollars of damage and destroyed a set for an upcoming children's Christmas play at New Hope Lutheran Church in Foresthill, Placer County, on Dec. 13.

By Anita Creamer
acreamer@sacbee.com

Sacramento Sheriff's deputies busted an illegal cockfighting operation before noon Sunday at a residence in the 9000 block of River Road in South Sacramento.

Officers arrested six people on cruelty to animal charges: Jose Pimental-Lopez, 35; Jose Magdaleno, 34; Rafael Gallegos-Herrera, 32; Alejandro Jimenez, 27; Luis Navarro, 30; and Vicente Hernandez, 39.

Dozens of people fled the scene, said department spokesman Sgt. Jason Ramos.

By Sam Stanton
sstanton@sacbee.com

The driver in a wreck that killed a 23-year-old Elk Grove man Tuesday night has been booked into the Sacramento County Jail on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter and drunken driving, authorities said today.

Joshua Phillip Barksdale (left), 22, was arrested and booked Thursday afternoon after being treated for moderate injuries in the crash, which killed Jarrod Francis Harrington, a passenger in the truck Barksdale was driving, Elk Grove police said.

The crash occurred in the 9300 block of Calvine Road about 10:35 p.m. Tuesday when a red Ford pickup hit a retaining wall and flipped over, trapping Harrington under the vehicle.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

Sacramento police said a hit-and-run suspect left his false teeth behind at the scene.

James Robert Brown, 53, was booked into Sacramento County Jail today on suspicion of motor vehicle theft, receiving stolen property, hit and run and giving a false name to police.

Police said that officers were in the area of 24th Street and John Still Drive in Meadowview around midnight Thursday when they were hailed by a citizen about a reckless driver.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

Sacramento County sheriff's detectives said today they have arrested a 5th person in connection with the June 15 killing of 50-year-old Fernando Vichez in the Town & Country Village neighborhood.

On Wednesday, Sacramento County sheriff's deputies arrested Alexander Marquis Lewis (left), 18, on suspicion of murder and robbery. He was taken into custody at his home in the 4800 block of Pasa Robles Way.

Witnesses told investigators that Vichez was walking on Howe Avenue near Whippoorwill Lane when a vehicle stopped and suspects got out. They approached Vichez and a fight began.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

The attempted getaway in a Regional Transit bus by a suspect in an attempted burglary was thwarted when he was arrested Tuesday by Sacramento police.

A woman who lives in the 8700 block of Pocket Road was alerted by her dog to look toward her patio door about 11:45 a.m. Tuesday. There, she came face-to-face with a 17-year old boy standing at the half-open door, perhaps preparing to enter, police said.

The teen fled, hopping over a fence and running to a nearby bus stop at Pocket Road and Greenhaven Drive. The woman said she saw the boy get on the bus in an attempt to flee via Regional Transit.

By Bill Enfield
benfield@sacbee.com

A purse-snatching suspect suffered an asthma attack while fleeing, was hospitalized and eventually ended up in jail, according to a Sacramento Sheriff's Department crime summary released this week.

The summary gave this account:

At about 4 p.m. Jan. 27 in the 11000 block of Howe Ave., a woman grabbed the purse of a 62-year-old woman and fled with an accomplice through an apartment complex.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

A Woodland man was arrested this afternoon after leading police on a foot chase through city streets, alleys and residential yards.

Woodland police were dispatched at 3:40 p.m. to 1059 Court St. regarding a report of a suspicious person lurking in the area and apparently hiding behind trees at a business complex. Two officers arrived and found a man wearing clothing that matched that described by the initial caller, according to a Police Department news release.

When officers approached the man, he ran away and officers gave chase, eventually apprehending him at the rear of an apartment complex in the 100 block of Fourth Street.

By Bill Enfield
benfield@sacbee.com

A road-rage incident led to a fight between two motorists with the one who outweighed the other by 130 pounds getting the better of the fisticuffs until Sacramento County sheriff's deputies broke it up - and said they found illegal drugs on the winner.

Booked into Sacramento County jail on suspicion of possession of drugs was Enrique Barrientos, 41, a crime summary released this week states. Jail records show Barrientos also is being held on suspicion of possession of a loaded firearm. He has been denied bail.

The crime summary gives this chain of events:

By Bill Enfield
benfield@sacbee.com

Two Sacramento robbery victims turned the table on their assailants by chasing two suspects and ramming the suspects' vehicle despite being shot at, according to a Sacramento County Sheriff's Department crime summary released this week.

Here's the chain of events the summary stated:

Four robbers used a gun and a knife to force a 21-year-old man and a 19-year-old man to lie on the ground as they were robbed of personal property at about 10:20 p.m. Jan. 20 near Sunrise Boulevard and Coloma Road.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

Elk Grove police say they have arrested a woman suspected of being the "red glove" robber.

Police on Wednesday put out a for the public's help in finding the woman who held up a sandwich shop and attempted to hold up a supermarket over the weekend in Elk Grove while wearing red gloves. She was seen leaving the scene of both crimes in a dark silver or gray Volkswagen. (At left is surveillance photo that police released on Wednesday.)

Patrol officers Wednesday afternoon saw Michele Lee Cooper, 34, driving a 2004 silver Volkswagen Jetta at Bungalow Way and Ancestor Drive Wednesday afternoon, police said.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

One Reno man is in custody and four other suspects are sought in connection with a Jan. 12 robbery in the Yuba County community of Dobbins in which the victim was threatened by armed intruders who stole cash and 30 marijuana plants.

Douglas Gilliland, 43, was arrested Jan. 15 by Reno police detectives and was transferred to the Yuba County Jail on Monday, according to a Yuba County Sheriff's Department news release.

Reno detectives checked Gilliland's old address at the request of Yuba County investigators and found a car matching the description of the suspect vehicle from the Yuba County robbery, officials said. They soon spotted Gilliland at the home, where they took him into custody. He was subsequently taken to a Reno hospital for treatment of dog bites he received from the robbery victim's dog.

By Loretta Kalb
lkalb@sacbee.com

An off-duty Sacramento Police Officer who suffered major injuries after being hit by a suspected drunken driver in Roseville remains hospitalized in intensive care today after undergoing surgery Saturday night, a police spokeswoman said.

Officer Bobby Daniels, 47, is "doing better" a day after he was struck by a motorist who drove his sport utility vehicle onto the sidewalk in front of a Chili's Restaurant shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday, Sacramento Police spokeswoman Officer Laura Peck said.

Peck said additional details are not available.

By Carlos Alcalá
calcala@sacbee.com

Police officers subdued a distraught UC Davis student Friday and found two loaded weapons in his truck, according to a Davis Police Department news release.

A family member of Nicholas Benson, 25, told police that Benson was suicidal and armed, the release states.

Police also received information that he had a rifle and had threatened to kill others.

By Bill Lindelof
cphua@sacbee.com

Sacramento police said today they have arrested a man and two teenagers in the drive-by killing of a 20-year-old Sacramento resident - but still need to find the possible murder weapon.

Police believe another motorist found the missing gun and are asking him to turn it in.

The dead man has been identified by Sacramento County Coroner's deputies as Deandre James Ellison. Ellison was shot and killed about 4:40 p.m. Wednesday in the driveway of a home in the 900 block of Carmel Avenue in Del Paso Heights.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

Woodland police officers this morning arrested a 44-year-old man on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and child abuse.

Mark Edward Hereford of Woodland was arrested after officers were called at 8:30 a.m. to a fight in the parking lot of Cross Roads Village Apartments at 555 Matmor Road. During the investigation, they determined that Hereford allegedly used a wooden walking cane to assault a boy with whom he had no relation, according to a Police Department news release.

The boy, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries, was treated at the scene by paramedics and released to his mother.

Hereford was booked into Monroe Detention Center and is being held on $25,000 bail.

Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

Sacramento police found a gun in a diaper bag during a traffic stop in the city's Northgate neighborhood Tuesday.

Police made the stop of the car near Northgate Boulevard and Sotano Drive about 5:30 p.m. When the car came to a halt, a passenger in the rear seat bolted, police said.

He was detained by police and found to be on parole. Officers searched the car's interior where the man had been seated and found a gun stuffed into a diaper bag, police said.

By Hudson Sangree
hsangree@sacbee.com

Sacramento sheriff's detectives have arrested a suspect in a home-invasion sexual assault that occurred Jan 10.

In a statement, the sheriff's department said a 50-year-old woman woke to find a man sexually assaulting at her home in Rancho Cordova.

Investigators said the suspect entered the house through a window, assaulted the woman, and left through the front door.

They released a composite sketch of the suspect and asked for the public's help.

By Cathy Locke and Matt Kawahara
mkawahara@sacbee.com

Sacramento County sheriff's deputies have arrested a 43-year-old woman in connection with a homicide at a Foothill Farms apartment complex Thursday night, a department spokesman said.

Tiffany Renee Henry was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on suspicion of murder early this morning, according to booking logs. She is ineligible for bail.

Sheriff's deputies responded to reports of a woman with a gun at the apartment complex on Andrea Boulevard near Elkhorn Boulevard shortly before 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

By Chelsea Phua
cphua@sacbee.com

Sacramento police have arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the death of a 50-year-old man whose dismembered body was found inside an apartment fire in early August.

Department spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong said detectives believe that Daniel Foalima (pictured) was trying to rob Arun Singh on Aug. 7 at about 2:45 p.m. inside an apartment in the 900 block of North Avenue when Foalima killed Singh.

"There were items we believe were missing from the apartment," Leong said, but he did not divulge what was taken.

To try to conceal evidence of the crime, Foalima dismembered Singh and tried to burn down the apartment, police said. However, the apartment's sprinkler system activated and prevented the fire from spreading.

Firefighters arrived to find Singh's charred and dismembered body inside. Investigators are withholding some details of the crime - such as the extent of the dismemberment and whether the victim and suspect knew each other- because they hope someone may still come forward with more information, Leong said.

Neighbors and friends of the victim's family said Singh's arms and legs had been cut off, and his chest set on fire. The Sacramento County Coroner's officials later released information that Singh was beaten, choked and stabbed, but did not describe the condition of the body.

Police said Foalima was arrested Aug. 26 on a parole violation and held at the Deuel Vocational Institution, a state prison in Tracy. Leong said Foalima was scheduled to be released Friday from the facility when Sacramento police arrested him on suspicion of Singh's murder.

Call The Bee's Chelsea Phua, (916) 321-1132.

By Peter Hecht and Bill Lindelof
phecht@sacbee.com

Police have arrested two more suspects in connection with the death of 48-year-old Scott Hanson on New Year's Day in Sacramento.

Five people have been arrested to date in connection with the case. The fifth, Camicia Soto, 31, of Sacramento, was arrested today for investigation of having helped plan the robbery that led to Hanson's murder and critical injuries to a second man.

"We do not believe she was present at the homicide," said Sacramento police spokesman Norm Leong. "However, she did play a role in the planning of the robbery."

On Thursday night, Citrus Heights police stopped a vehicle on Interstate 80 near Longview Avenue Thursday night and arrested a fourth suspect, Jaime Charles Sandoval, 35.

He was booked into Sacramento County Jail on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and attempted robbery.

Already arrested in the fatal beating of Hanson on suspicion of murder are Joseph Conn, 22; Arsenio Barajas, 21; and Bryan Smith, 19.

A second victim, a 46-year-old man who lived with Hanson, survived the attempted robbery and attack but was hospitalized in critical condition. He remains in the hospital.

Officers responding to reports of an assault found Hanson in the backyard of a home on the 2100 block of Amanda Way about 4:20 a.m. Jan. 1. The second victim was found inside.

Detectives suspect that the four men and the victims did not know each other and that the attack was random. Leong declined to say what detectives believe the suspects sought in the robbery.

Call The Bee's Peter Hecht, (916) 326-5539.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

Sacramento firefighters in midtown were called upon to subdue a knife-wielding robbery suspect on Wednesday night, police said today.

Sacramento police gave this account:

At about 6:30 p.m. a man was suspected of hiding a bottle of brandy in his pants and then attempting to leave the Rite Aid store, 1125 Alhambra Blvd., without paying. Confronted by a store-loss prevention employee, he fought the employee.

The man is alleged to have pulled out a knife and tried to stab the store employee. He then began to run and allegedly hit another store employee with the brandy bottle, police said.

The man fled to a nearby fire station at 3145 Granada Way where firefighters were busy working on equipment maintenance, police said. The firefighters confronted the man who is alleged to have pulled the knife on them. The man tried to stab a fire captain before he was subdued, police said.

Douglas Lee Chinn, 35, was booked into Sacramento County Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a fireman and robbery, police said.

Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.

By Kim Minugh
kminugh@sacbee.com

Sacramento police have arrested three men in connection with the death of 48-year-old Scott Hanson on New Year's Day - the fatal outcome of what detectives suspect was a robbery attempt, according to authorities.

Joseph Conn, 22; Arsenio Barajas, 21; and Bryan Smith, 19 are in custody on charges related to the fatal beating of Hanson and the serious beating of another man, said police Sgt. Norm Leong.

Barajas has been booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on suspicion of murder, booking records show. Conn was booked on suspicion of felony conspiracy and violating the terms of his probation. Smith has not yet been booked.

The second victim, a 46-year-old man who lived with Hanson, survived the attack but was taken to a local hospital in critical condition, Leong said. He remains in the hospital.

Officers responding to reports of an assault found Hanson in the backyard of a home on the 2100 block of Amanda Way about 4:20 a.m. Jan. 1. The second victim was found inside.

Detectives suspect that the three men and the victims did not know each other and that the attack was random. Leong declined to say what detectives believe the suspects sought in the robbery.

Call The Bee's Kim Minugh, (916) 321-1038.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

A 20-year-old man was arrested Monday afternoon at a north Auburn bank as he attempted to cash a check that had been stolen from a woman he recently befriended, according to the Placer County Sheriff's Office.

U.S. Bank officials called the Sheriff's Office when Kyle L. Estes (mugshot at left) of Auburn and a female companion were still inside the bank attempting to cash a $550 check. The victim had been in the bank 20 minutes earlier to report recent unauthorized activity on her account, according to a Sheriff's Office news release.

Estes, who was wanted on two warrants, was arrested on suspicion of numerous felonies, including burglary, identity theft, possession of stolen property and forgery. The woman with him at the bank, Crystal Welty, 31, was questioned, but investigators determined that she was not involved in the crime. However, Welty was arrested for an outstanding petty theft warrant. She was booked at Placer County Jail and released today.

Estes is being held on $70,000 bail.

Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

A 43-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide and elder abuse.

Galt police responded to the Royal Delta Inn, 1040 North Lincoln Way, about 9:45 p.m. Friday to check on the welfare of a long-term resident. Officers discovered a 71-year-old man bleeding and unconscious in his motel bathroom. At the time, the circumstances of his injuries were not known, according to a Police Department news release.

During their follow-up investigation, detectives identified Lisa Lea, who they believe was involved in a physical fight with the victim that caused his injuries. Police said they believe Lea and the victim knew each other, but the nature of their relationship is unclear.

Police interviewed Lea on Sunday and subsequently arrested her. She is being held in Sacramento County Main Jail without bail.

Police said the victim is in critical condition and the case remains under investigation.

Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.

By Ryan Lillis
rlillis@sacbee.com

Two men were arrested over the weekend in connection with the New Year's Eve shooting death of a 15-year-old boy in the Meadowview neighborhood of Sacramento.

Johnathan Mendivil, 20, and Jeremy Mendivil, 18 - who are brothers - face charges in connection with the death of the boy on the 7400 block of 29th street on Friday night, according to a Sacramento Police Department news release.

Police said the Mendivil brothers sought out the victim as retribution for an assault on Johnathan Mendivil on Dec. 18. Detectives said the suspects were driving in the area when they recognized the victim as one of three people who had taken part in the alleged assault.

Johnathan Mendivil was arrested Saturday on unrelated charges. His brother was arrested on Sunday and both were being booked on suspicion of murder, according to the police news release.

Call The Bee's Ryan Lillis, (916) 321-1085.

By Andy Furillo and Matt Kawahara
afurillo@sacbee.com

A former Sacramento State professor was arrested in Idaho last weekend after a teenaged Idaho girl reported that he allegedly exposed himself while on a flight from Salt Lake City to Lewiston, according to media reports and records. Police said the man told them that he had spilled Tabasco sauce on his groin and the girl mistook his actions.

Rafael Escamilla, a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Sacramento State until he left the university last year for a new job in Florida, denied any wrongdoing.

"I can't say much," Escamilla said in a telephone interview with The Bee today. "My attorney advised me not to say anything about it, other than I'll be pleading not guilty. I am not guilty."

The Lewiston Morning Tribune reported the 17-year-old girl, who was sitting next to the man, told Lewiston police that she moved to a different seat after seeing the 50-year-old Escamilla's exposed his genitals.

When the flight landed, the girl told her father, who told Transportation Security Administration personnel, the Morning Tribune reported. TSA personnel informed Lewiston police about the incident.

Escamilla said the case "was more of a misunderstanding type thing. She thought one thing was going on and in effect it was totally different that what she perceived. She went by perceptions. That's what's going to come out in the trial if there is one."

Escamilla told police that he had spilled Tabasco sauce on his groin area, causing it to itch, the newspaper reported.

The Nez Perce County Jail confirmed that Escamilla, who gave an address in Gulf Breeze, Fla., was booked into the jail on Dec. 26 on suspicion of indecent exposure, a misdemeanor.

Escamilla told The Bee he had been employed at Sacramento State for eight years until his move to Florida last year. According to the university's web site, Escamilla taught biomechanics-related courses. The web site web site still lists Escamilla as a faculty member.

Earlier this month, the Tallahassee Democrat newspaper reported that Escamilla left Sacramento State after being appointed an affiliate professor in the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of South Florida.

Escamilla is also director of research for the Andrews Institute's Andrews-Paulos Research and Education Institute, based in Gulf Breeze, Fla.

Call The Bee's Andy Furillo, (916) 321-1141.

By Matt Kawahara
mkawahara@sacbee.com

An Auburn parolee-at-large is in jail today after leading a Sacramento police officer on a foot chase in North Sacramento Thursday afternoon.

At about 5:30 p.m. Thursday, an officer spotted a suspicious vehicle in an alley between Las Palmas Road and Alamos Avenue, according to the Sacramento Police Department's activity logs.

The driver of the vehicle fled on foot, according to the logs. The officer pursued, but lost sight of the suspect.

A perimeter was set up and K-9 units were brought in. They found the suspect hiding on the front porch of a residence.

The vehicle was determined to be a stolen vehicle, the logs state. Drugs and stolen property were found inside the vehicle, police said.

Stephen Crouch, 31, of Auburn, was found to be a parolee-at-large, arrested and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on suspicion of felony counts of motor vehicle theft and receiving stolen property, and a misdemeanor count of resisting officers, police said.

Call The Bee's Matt Kawahara, (916) 321-1015.

By Matt Kawahara
mkawahara@sacbee.com

Elk Grove police have arrested one suspect in connection with a home-invasion robbery that took place Thursday afternoon, said Elk Grove Police Department spokesman Chris Trim.

Chavez Jordan (left), 19, of Elk Grove, was arrested and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on suspicion of kidnapping, residential robbery and conspiracy. His bail was set at $120,000.

Jordan was arrested after being detained for questioning from the residence next door to the crime scene. A 17-year-old male, who was also detained, has been released, Trim said.

The investigation is ongoing, Trim said.

The robbery occurred at about 2:30 p.m. in the 9500 block of Stone Springs Drive.

Three children were at home when the doorbell rang, Trim said. A 15-year-old boy opened the door, and one of two men on the doorstep displayed a handgun, Trim said.

The intruders handcuffed the 15-year-old boy and ordered the other two children to stay in their rooms, Trim said. The robbers stole three TVs, other electronic items, jewelry and personal property.

When police officers arrived, they learned that individuals of interest in the case might be at the house next door, Trim said.

Officers contacted three occupants of the house, including Jordan, and found items that matched the description of items taken in the robbery, Trim said.

One occupant, a 22-year-old woman, was released after making a statement to police.

Call The Bee's Matt Kawahara, (916) 321-1015.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

Woodland police have arrested an 18-year-old woman and two juvenile girls on suspicion of burglarizing a Quick Stop market.

A Woodland Police detective on Wednesday spotted a vehicle parked next to Campbell Park, 701 Thomas St., with a license plate number that matched that of a vehicle used in the theft of beer from the Quick Stop at 10 Kentucky Ave. earlier in the day. Several females had been reported as suspects in the theft, according to a Police Department news release.

The detective noticed several females sitting together in the park. When patrol officers arrived, they contacted the group and found them in possession of the same brand of beer reported stolen from the store. A witness was brought to the scene and identified some of the females as those involved in the theft and also identified the beer as having come from the store, police said.

The three females were taken into custody, and police reported finding numerous other items on their possession and in the vehicle that officers suspect may have been stolen. Included were clothing, cell phones and wristwatches.

The 18-year-old, identified as Adolaria Herrera of Yuba City, and the two juveniles were arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Police said the case is still under investigation and more arrests may be forthcoming.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call the Woodland Police Department at (530) 661-7800 or (530) 666-2411.

Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.

By Chelsea Phua
cphua@sacbee.com

Sacramento police have arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with the death of an 18-year-old who died in a hospital Monday night.

About 7:35 p.m. Tuesday, about 24 hours after a 16-year-old girl brought Tiekarian Troutman to a medical clinic for his gunshot wound, police arrested Marquis Greenwood for allegedly shooting and killing Troutman.

Police said they believe Greenwood, Troutman and the girl tried to rob a business near 12th and E streets about 6:15 p.m. Monday. During the robbery, a struggle apparently ensued between the robbers and an employee of the business and investigators believe Greenwood shot Troutman by accident.

The 16-year-old girl then took Troutman to a medical clinic on 30th and Q streets. He was later transported to UC Davis Medical Center, where he died a few hours later.

Police arrested Greenwood near 14th Avenue and 42nd Street on suspicion of murder and attempted robbery. The teenage girl was also arrested on suspicion of murder, attempted robbery and possession of narcotics, police said.

Call The Bee's Chelsea Phua, (916) 321-1132.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

Galt police said today that officers captured a fugitive wanted by U.S. marshals after a foot chase on Monday.

Thomas Kirby Birt (left), 35, of Lockeford, was arrested on an outstanding federal warrant for violation of probation, suspicion of possession of a loaded and concealed firearm, resisting arrest and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Birt, whom police considered armed and dangerous, was arrested after a foot chase through Meadowview Park at Meadowview Drive and Kost Road Monday about 1:15 p.m.

The foot pursuit ended when a police dog stopped Birt, police said.

Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.

By Carlos Alcalá
calcala@sacbee.com

A man died Thursday when his car was hit head-on in Oroville by a van driven by an apparently intoxicated woman, the California Highway Patrol reported.

Peggy Castaneda, 46, of Oroville was driving a Dodge Grand Caravan east, while Robert Alexander, 69, was driving west, both on Oro Dam Boulevard East, near Rusty Dusty Road.

Castaneda, due to her intoxication level, allowed her van to drift over the double-yellow lines, according to the CHP incident report.

The left front of her vehicle hit the left front of Alexander's Suzuki Samurai. Both cars overturned.

Alexander was taken to a hospital where he died.

The Butte County Sherriff Office's online jail records showed Castaneda still in custody this afternoon.

The collision is still under investigation, the CHP said.

Call The Bee's Carlos Alcalá, (916) 321-1987.

By Matt Kawahara
mkawahara@sacbee.com

Two people have been arrested after they led Sacramento police officers on a chase in South Sacramento Thursday night.

Officers responded to the 1300 block of Florin Road around 10:30 p.m. after receiving reports of a suspicious occupied vehicle possibly involved in narcotic activity, Sacramento police reported in the department's crime logs.

The logs gave this account:

The officers briefly talked with the occupants of the vehicle, at which point the driver of the vehicle started the engine and sped away.

Officers followed the vehicle, which pulled into an apartment complex in the 6000 block of South Land Park Drive and continued to the rear of the complex.

Just before reaching a dead end, the driver and passenger jumped out of the vehicle. The vehicle rolled into a fence and caused minor damage.

The passenger, a 33-year-old male, was caught by an officer and found to have a loaded gun in his pocket.

The driver, a 31-year-old male, hopped a fence and ran through a creek into an adjacent neighborhood.

After an extensive ground search that was joined by air and K9 units, the driver was found and arrested.

Police did not identify the arrested men.

Call The Bee's Matt Kawahara, (916) 321-1015.

By Matt Kawahara
mkawahara@sacbee.com

Woodland police arrested four males this morning on suspicion of burglary and auto theft, according to a Woodland Police Department news release.

At 1:04 a.m., a Woodland police officer encountered a man in a construction area south of Tyler Drive, according to the release.

The officer detained the man due to recent thefts of copper wire in the area, the release states.

The officer later located an unreported stolen vehicle. The detained man - identified as 22-year-old Leonidas Constable of Woodland - told the officer that three other people with Constable ran away upon seeing the officer. The officer linked Constable and the three others to the stolen car, police said.

Another officer found the trio and contacted the car owner, who reported that the vehicle had been stolen from the 700 block of Bourn Drive and that the victim's residence had also been burglarized, according to the release.

Constable, 20-year-old Mathew Nichols of Woodland, and two 17-year-old males were arrested, police said.

The two adults were booked into the Yolo County Jail, police said. The juveniles were taken to the Yolo County Juvenile Hall.

Call The Bee's Matt Kawahara, (916) 321-1015.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

Three Loomis men were arrested over the weekend, accused of residential and vehicle burglaries.

Placer County sheriff's detectives arrested Jacob Ronald Dalaney, 20, Philip Hodge, 23, and Kevin Johnson, 56. Delaney is being held on suspicion of burglary, possession of stolen property, and possession of a controlled substance and needles. Hodge is accused of possessing stolen property and burglary tools, and parole violation. Johnson was arrested on suspicion of theft of a firearm.

Sheriff's officials say they found property taken from several Loomis-area homes and vehicles and are seeking the owners of power tools and a camera that may have been taken from garages and vehicles. Anyone who believes those items may have been stolen from them in the past two weeks is asked to call Detective Ryan West at (916) 652-2423.

Hodge is being held without bail. Delaney's bail is set $60,000 and Johnson's bail at $80,000.

Sheriff's officials remind residents that unlocked garages and vehicles are easy targets for criminals and urge people to keep their belongings secure.

Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

A part-time coach at Mesa Verde High School in Citrus Heights has been arrested on suspicion of possessing marijuana and prescription drugs for sale.

Citrus Heights police arrested Nathanael Matthew Milburn (left), 36, Wednesday after serving a search warrant at his Citrus Heights residence.

Lt. Ray Bechler said police found large quantities of separately packaged Vicodin and more than six ounces of marijuana in ready-for-sale packages.

Trent Allen, a spokesman for the San Juan Unified School District, confirmed that Milburn coached girl's basketball at Mesa Verde High and had previously coached the freshman boy's football team.

Allen said the district had been advised of Milburn's arrest and that he is no longer employed at the school. Milburn was not a faculty member.

Because Milburn had considerable contact with students, Bechler said police are looking into whether he was selling prescription drugs or marijuana to students.

He said police detectives received tips regarding the possible drug activity about a week and a half ago. In addition to the drugs, officers seized Milburn's cell phone and are seeking to identify other people who may have been involved, Bechler said.

Milburn was booked into Sacramento County Jail on Wednesday. The jail's website indicated he was released today.

Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

Sacramento police nabbed three suspected burglars in South Land Park Monday morning.

Officers responded to a report of a burglary at a residence in the 5400 block of South Land Park Drive shortly before noon.

They found a car they believed belonged to the burglary suspects and attempted to detain the occupants. The suspects in the vehicle fled on foot and two were quickly collared.

The third suspect was detained a few blocks away. Stolen property was found in the suspect's vehicle, police said.

The three men arrested on suspicion of burglary were Joshua Gonzales, 22, Robert Kim, 19, and Robert Green, also 19, police said.

Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.

By Ed Fletcher
efletcher@sacbee.com

A 51-year-old Rocklin man arrested with four pounds of marijuana in his pickup truck last month was sentenced to six months in Placer County jail.

Brian Kirk will also receive three years of probation, according to a press release from the Placer County prosecutor's office.

Kirk entered a guilty plea to a felony charge of illegally transporting marijuana. He was initially stopped for a moving violation on the night of Nov. 7. At that time he was issued a citation for driving with a suspended license and instructed to leave the vehicle. Kirk left the truck, but returned a short time later where upon he was arrested for driving without a license.

A search of the vehicle yielded a suitcase with glass jars filled with marijuana, officials said.

During sentencing, Kirk was instructed by Superior Court Judge Colleen Nichols that he could continue to use marijuana for medial condition, but she instructed him to not drive while under the influence.

Call The Bee's Ed Fletcher, (916) 321-1269.

By Kim Minugh
kminugh@sacbee.com

Sacramento police officers on Thursday night arrested a 44-year-old man in the Hagginwood neighborhood who was wanted in connection with a homicide in Oregon, according to authorities.

Aaron Henry Harrison was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail at 3 a.m., according to booking records. He is expected to be extradited to Oregon.

Harrison is accused in the death of 64-year-old Larry Cline, who was found dead Sunday in his Klamath Falls home, according to local news reports. The coroner found Cline died from blunt force trauma to the head.

Klamath County authorities contacted Sacramento police Thursday, indicating that Harrison might be staying with relatives in the area, said police spokeswoman Officer Laura Peck. Just before 6 p.m., officers - including the SWAT team - responded to a home on Rosalind Street and found Harrison.

SWAT officers assisted because Harrison was considered a "high-risk" suspect, Peck said. However, he was arrested without incident.

Call The Bee's Kim Minugh, (916) 321-1038.

By Matt Kawahara and Kim Minugh
mkawahara@sacbee.com

The man at the center of an extensive police search in downtown this morning was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail today - on a misdemeanor charge of being under the influence of narcotics.

Sgt. Norm Leong, a police spokesman, said officers could not prove that 29-year-old Jonathan Robert Adams was behind the alleged threats that prompted a search and SWAT team call-out lasting more than four hours.

Adams is being held in lieu of $1,000, according to booking records.

The ordeal began just before 6:30 a.m., when police received a report that an armed subject had threatened security guards near the parking garage at 7th and Q streets, Leong said. The man confronted the guards, and a third party who approached them told police that he had seen the suspect with what he believed to be a rifle, Leong said.

Officers surrounded the garage about 7 a.m., setting up a two-block perimeter because of the possibility that the man could be armed and hiding in the garage, Leong said. They also evacuated buildings in the area.

The perimeter stayed up for over four hours while SWAT teams arrived and moved into the garage. SWAT teams deployed gas into one loft and later determined that the garage was empty, Leong said.

Police obtained information about who the suspect might be and the car he might be driving and located the car on Serra Way, Leong said. The suspect was detained without incident just before noon as he was walking toward the car, Leong said.

A pellet rifle was found nearby, Leong said.
The suspect later was identified as Adams. Earlier today, police indicated that Adams faced charges of making threats, but those could not be substantiated, Leong said.

Call The Bee's Matt Kawahara, (916) 321-1015.

By Kim Minugh
kminugh@sacbee.com

Sacramento police have arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with the Nov. 26 shooting near midtown's Safeway, according to authorities.

Police allege the shooting stemmed from a gang rivalry between the 16-year-old suspect and the 21-year-old victim. Detectives believe a 10-year-old boy who also was shot was not hit intentionally, said police Sgt. Norm Leong.

About 8 p.m. Nov. 26, the two victims were walking to the Panda Express located at the shopping complex at 19th and S Streets - anchored by Safeway - when they were approached by the 16-year-old suspect and another person, Leong said.

The suspect and the 21-year-old, who is dating the 10-year-old's sister, got into an argument about their gang affiliations, Leong said. The 16-year-old then pulled out a gun and shot at the older victim, accidentally hitting the younger victim as well, Leong said. The Bee is not identifying the suspect because he is a juvenile.

The injuries were not life-threatening.

Detectives identified the alleged shooter after receiving a tip, and they arrested the 16-year-old at his home Tuesday, Leong said. They also recovered a gun at the home.

The suspect faces charges of attempted murder and possession of a firearm by a minor and a gang enhancement, Leong said.

The second subject who was with the 16-year-old suspect has not been arrested and is being treated as a witness, Leong said.

Leong said the shooting is a "reminder that our community is facing serious challenges with youth involved in gangs," and police urge the public to be part of the solution.

"It's not just a police problem," he said. "Obviously, it's a bigger societal problem, trying to keep youths away from crime and gangs."

Call The Bee's Kim Minugh, (916) 321-1038.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

Lincoln police arrested three men on suspicion of stealing a car and tampering with another vehicle this morning.

Officers were called about 1 a.m. today to the 2100 block of Mount Errigal Lane on a report that two men were tampering with a vehicle in a driveway. The suspects fled in a dark-colored Honda before police arrived.

The responding officers saw a similar car on Highway 65 and stopped the vehicle.

Officers arrested the three men in the Honda and allegedly found burglary tools, stolen property and a controlled substance during a search.

Officers believe that the men were also involved in the theft of a sedan in the 1900 block of Letterkenny Lane. Police believe that the men parked the stolen car nearby, intending to come back for it later.

Officers returned the vehicle to its owner.

Police said the suspects arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft, vehicle tampering and other charges were Anish Arjun, 20, of Elk Grove; Selvin Prakash, 22, of Sacramento; and Rajneel Kumar, 28, of Sacramento.

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Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.

By Chelsea Phua
cphua@sacbee.com

Authorities have arrested two more people in connection with the Oct. 29 shooting death of a 35-year-old Sacramento man in what sheriff's detectives believe to be a marijuana deal that went bad.

Sacramento County Sheriff's officials said Kern County Sheriff's deputies on Sunday arrested Nathanial James Carter, 22, during a vehicle stop in Weldon. Sacramento's major crimes bureau detectives, who knew Carter was in the Bakersfield area, had alerted Kern's deputies of his whereabouts. Carter was booked into the Kern County Jail on suspicion of murder and attempted robbery, and officials from both sheriffs' departments are working to return Carter to Sacramento to face his charges.

The other person arrested was a 16-year-old girl from Sacramento, authorities said. She was arrested Tuesday at her home. Authorities are not releasing her name because she is a juvenile. She was also booked into Sacramento County Juvenile Hall on suspicion of murder and attempted robbery. She is ineligible for bail and scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in Sacramento County Superior Court.

Last Thursday, Dejohng Mariedenie Taylor, 21, of Citrus Heights and Latics Marcus Collins, 24, of Sacramento, were arrested after they voluntarily met with homicide detectives for questioning. They remain in Sacramento County Main Jail on suspicion of murder and attempted robbery, according to booking records.

The night of Oct. 29, sheriff's deputies found Steven Carmassi behind the wheel of his white Chevrolet pickup truck, which had crashed into several cars in the parking lot of Hard Times Billiards, near Auburn Boulevard and Garfield Avenue. Carmassi was suffering from injuries.

Hospital staff alerted the Sheriff's Department that Carmassi had suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body and had died.

Detectives said they believe the four suspects had met Carmassi in a nearby parking lot to buy marijuana from him. The suspects attempted to rob Carmassi of the pot, and Carmassi was shot during the robbery, authorities said.

Photo credit: Sacramento County Sheriff's Department

Call The Bee's Chelsea Phua, (916) 321-1132.

By Carlos Alcalá
calcala@sacbee.com

Woodland police nabbed a suspected burglar early this morning more than six hours before the crime was reported.

Police stopped bicyclist Royce Allan Johannes at about 2:30 a.m. and found him in possession of a switchblade knife, a bank deposit bag full of cash and a set of what appeared to be business keys.

They arrested Johannes, a Woodland resident. He was held for possession of the knife and "misappropriated found property," both misdemeanors, according to a police release.

Police were called to a Little Caesar's Pizza restaurant on E. Gibson Road at about 9 a.m., to investigate a burglary that took place between 2:09 and 2:13 a.m.

The stolen property was the same as some of the items found in Johannes' possession 17 minutes after the break-in.

Johannes, still at Monroe Detention Center, was re-arrested on suspicion of felony burglary.

Call The Bee's Carlos Alcalá, (916) 321-1987.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

Citrus Heights police announced the arrest of eight people in connection with residential burglaries.

The city has experienced a slight increase in daytime residential burglaries in recent months, leading officers to focus on the affected areas, according to a Police Department news release.

About 2:30 p.m. Nov. 26, officers responded to a burglary that had just occurred in the 7800 block of Spring Valley Drive. Based on witnesses' statements and other information, a patrol officer stopped and detained one person in the general area of the burglary.

That stop led to the arrest of five people allegedly involved in that and one other residential burglary. Arrested were Dwayne Thomas, 21; Dorian Craig, 27; Brian Bailey, 18; Benjamin Bailey, 20; and a 16-year-old boy, who was not identified because he is a juvenile, police said.

Three teenagers also were arrested Wednesday after officers responded to a burglary about 1 p.m. in the 7300 block of Bayoak Way. An officer detained and subsequently arrested two 16-year-old boys and a 17-year-old boy in the general area of the burglary.

Based on further investigation, police said they suspect the individuals arrested in these incidents are responsible for numerous other residential burglaries in Citrus Heights.

Police encourage residents to be alert to suspicious activity in their neighborhood.

Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.

By Kim Minugh
kminugh@sacbee.com

Sacramento County sheriff's detectives have arrested two suspects in connection with a fatal shooting they allege stemmed from a marijuana deal in October.

Accused of killing 35-year-old Steven Carmassi on Oct. 29 are 21-year-old Dejohng Mariedenie Taylor (left below) of Citrus Heights and 24-year-old Latics Marcus Collins (right below) of Sacramento, said sheriff's Sgt. Tim Curran.

Both were arrested Thursday night after they voluntarily met with homicide detectives for questioning, Curran said. Later that night, they were booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on suspicion of murder and attempted robbery, according to booking records.

The night of Oct. 29, sheriff's deputies responded to a call regarding a white Chevrolet pickup truck that had crashed into several cars in the parking lot of Hard Times Billiards, near the intersection of Auburn Boulevard and Garfield Avenue.

Deputies found Carmassi behind the wheel of the pickup, suffering from injuries. After Carmassi was transported to a local hospital, staff members alerted the Sheriff's Department that he had suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body and had died.

After investigating the shooting, detectives allege that Taylor and Collins had met Carmassi in a nearby parking lot to buy marijuana from him, Curran said. The two suspects attempted to rob Carmassi of the pot and, during the robbery, Carmassi was shot, Curran said.

Both suspects are scheduled to be arraigned in court Monday, according to booking records.

Collins has one previous criminal case in Sacramento County, according to online Superior Court records. In 2004, he was charged with drug possession, but the case appears to have been dismissed after Collins was diverted to a treatment program.

In 2009, Taylor was charged in separate cases with petty theft and possession or purchase for sale of a controlled substance, but both cases were dismissed, according to Superior Court records.

Call The Bee's Kim Minugh, (916) 321-1038.

By Matt Kawahara
mkawahara@sacbee.com

Two men - one of them a juvenile - were arrested Wednesday in Citrus Heights after they allegedly snatched two women's purses in a parking lot, a Citrus Heights Police Department spokesman said today.

A loaded revolver also was found on the juvenile, said CHPD spokesman Lt. Daman Christensen.

He gave this account of events leading to the arrests:

The two men approached the women in a parking lot in the 7800 block of Greenback Lane and "forcibly grabbed" a purse from each of them. The men then ran away.

CHPD officers arrived and radioed descriptions of the suspects to other officers.

An officer in the area of the 7700 block Greenback Lane saw a person who matched the description. The man fled into an apartment when contacted by officers.

Officers then set up a perimeter and made contact with a resident at the apartment, who gave them consent to search the apartment.

Inside, officers found two males who matched the descriptions of the suspects and were identified as the purse snatchers by the victims.

Parts of the stolen purses were found in the apartment complex near where the suspects were found, Christensen said.

The juvenile suspect was found to be in possession of a loaded revolver and was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm.

The adult suspect, Deanquon Green, 20, was booked into Sacramento County Jail on suspicion of robbery, participation in a criminal street gang and conspiracy - all felonies, jail records show.

The juvenile suspect was found to be in possession of a loaded revolver and was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm, Christensen said.

Both suspects admitted to being gang members, Christensen said.

Call The Bee's Matt Kawahara, (916) 321-1015.

By Matthew Kawahara
mkawahara@sacbee.com

Woodland police have arrested a parolee-at-large after he led them on a short chase Wednesday afternoon.

At 4:36 p.m. Wednesday, a Woodland police officer driving in the area of West and Elliott Street saw a man who he believed had a warrant out for his arrest, according to a Woodland police department press release.

The officer checked and found that Denver Thomas Roberts, 35, of Woodland, was a parolee-at-large, wanted by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, according to the release.

The officer attempted to contact Roberts, who quickly rode his bicycle away from the officer, the release states. After the officer found Roberts hiding behind a parked van, Roberts again fled, leaving behind his bike as he entered a neighboring yard, the release states.

According to the release, Roberts was apprehended within minutes while attempting to hide in an alley near Grand and Elliott Street.

Roberts was taken to the Monroe Detention Center and booked on the felony no-bail warrant from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Call The Bee's Matthew Kawahara, (916) 321-1015.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

Two people are in Placer County Jail on suspicion of attempted robbery and attempted murder after a shooting incident at an Auburn-area motel late Sunday night.

Ruthie Ann Barnes, 20, and Zane Aaron Davis, 28, are being held without bail.

Placer County Sheriff's Department spokesman Lt. Mark Reid said deputies responded to a report of shots fired to the Super 8 Motel at 140 E. Hillcrest Drive. As they were en route to the site, they were notified that a vehicle was seen leaving the area.

The deputies stopped the vehicle with Davis and Barnes inside, and found the weapon believed to have been used in the shooting, Reid said. The two were taken into custody.

Reid said the incident is believed to have been drug related.

The victim fled before deputies arrived at the motel but was located Monday. Reid said the man had suffered minor injuries but was not struck by the gunshots. He was arrested on warrants.

Reid said the incident is still under investigation.

Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.

By Kim Minugh
kminugh@sacbee.com

Sacramento County sheriff's detectives have arrested an 18-year-old man in connection with the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy Saturday morning, according to authorities.

Detectives booked Luis Prudente into the Sacramento County Main Jail this morning on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, according to booking records. He also was placed on an immigration-related hold because he is undocumented.

Prudente stands accused in the death of Jesse Dean Jones, who was shot behind Encina High School as he was walking home early Saturday morning with a 15-year-old female friend, said sheriff's Sgt. Tim Curran. A second suspect remains at large, Curran said.

A car pulled up to the pair at the intersection of Wittkop Way and Clinton Road about 2 a.m. Saturday, Curran said. A person got out of the car and fired shots before getting back into the car and fleeing, Curran said.

Jones was shot in the stomach, and his friend in the foot. They were taken to a nearby hospital, where Jones was pronounced dead. The girl was treated and released.

Detectives suspect Prudente pulled the trigger, but they are not clear whether he was driving the car. They are still searching for a second suspect who was in the car with Prudente and who has not been identified, Curran said. However, Curran noted that Prudente is cooperating with authorities.

At this point, detectives suspect the shooting was gang-related and fueled by "rival gang affiliations," Curran said. Prudente previously had been validated by law enforcement as a gang member, the spokesman said.

Prudente is scheduled to be arraigned in court Tuesday, jail booking records show.

Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at (916) 874-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP. Tips also can be texted to 274637 with the word "SACTIP" followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and might be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Call The Bee's Kim Minugh, (916) 321-1038.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

A dispute over a loose dog ended with one man being arrested for pointing a gun at his neighbors, police said.

Woodland police officers responded to the 600 block of Conner Lane at about 5 p.m. Sunday and arrested David Hodges, 52, of Woodland.

The argument between neighbors revolved around Hodges being upset over the neighbor's dog being on his lawn. Hodges argued with his neighbors, a disagreement that escalated into Hodges allegedly swinging a board at one of them, police said.

Police said Hodges then got a handgun from his home and came back outside where he pointed the weapon at several people, threatening to kill them.

A board and handgun were recovered at the scene. Hodges was booked into Yolo County Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.

By Bee Staff

Four men are in custody facing federal criminal charges following the execution of search warrants Thursday at two Sacramento area residences that allegedly housed large-scale counterfeiting operations responsible for producing phony immigration and identity documents, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said today.

The counterfeiting operation was capable of producing fake "green cards," birth certificates and driver's licenses from California and five other states, according to the agency's news release.

During Thursday's searches, authorities seized a large cache of document-making equipment, including multiple computers, high quality printers, laminators, card stock, along with dozens of counterfeit documents, the release states. (A spokesman for the California Department of Motor Vehicles said that the newest version of California's driver's license was not being counterfeited as an earlier version of this story erroneously indicated. The DMV spokesman said the old version of the state driver's license was being produced by the suspects.)

The recovered documents included counterfeit versions of the latest generation of the Permanent Resident Card, often known as a "green card," a federal spokesman said.

The searches and arrests are the latest developments in a year-long ongoing undercover probe involving the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Homeland Security Investigations and the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the release states. The investigation originated with a call to federal agency's toll-free tip line: (866) DHS-2ICE.

According to the search warrant affidavit, which describes several document buys by undercover agents, the suspects charged $120 for a single counterfeit card, or $250 for a "set" of phony documents. The "sets" typically included a "green card," Social Security card and a driver's license, the release states.

The transactions took place in the parking lots of businesses in south Sacramento, including The Home Depot and Hacienda Market, the release states.

When an undercover agent expressed interest in setting up his own document mill, the affidavit alleges one of the defendants told him that for $20,000 he could help him obtain the illegal software and training to create good quality counterfeits.

"Targeting those responsible for making and selling fraudulent documents is an enforcement priority for ICE Homeland Security Investigations," said Daniel Lane, assistant special agent in charge for the agency in Sacramento. "Anyone who knowingly and indiscriminately sells phony identity cards is putting the security of our communities and even our country at risk. Documents like this could potentially be used by dangerous criminals and others seeking to obscure their identities and mask their motives."

George Valverde, director of the California Department of Motor Vehicles, said the security and privacy of DMV's customer database and the state's driver's license is a top priority for the department, the release states.

"The DMV will continue to do whatever is necessary to assist local, state and federal law enforcement entities in their efforts to assure the integrity of the license," Valverde said. "The California Driver License is now the primary identification document for our citizens, and the Department is absolutely dedicated to protecting it from the criminal element such as counterfeiters. Californians expect no less."

According to the release, arrested were:

- Javier Hernandez-Lopez, 39.

- Juan Hernandez-Lopez, 33, Javier's younger brother.

- Luis Eduardo Torres-Hernandez, 25.

- Alejandro Bielma-Ortiz, 40.

The suspects are all Mexican nationals who are in the United States illegally, the release states. They are charged with manufacturing false identity and immigration documents.

In addition to the criminal arrests, agents encountered two Mexican national males at one of the document mills who were taken into custody on administrative immigration violations, the release states.

By Kim Minugh
kminugh@sacbee.com

Sacramento police have arrested four suspects in connection with the November 2009 death of 47-year-old Donald Kirby, who detectives allege was killed in a robbery gone bad, according to authorities.

This morning, police arrested Elias Garcia, 23; Christopher Merrill, 22; Roman Hooker, 24; and Calvin Holmes, 21 (from left to right below), said police Sgt. Norm Leong. They face one charge each of murder, burglary and attempted robbery, he said.

Detectives suspect the four men went to Kirby's V Street apartment on Nov. 12, 2009 to rob him of marijuana and other property, Leong said. What soured the mission is not known for sure, however detectives believe the victim resisted, prompting the shooting, Leong said.

Police have identified Garcia as the alleged gunmen, Leong said. Detectives believe at least one of the suspects had bought marijuana from Kirby before.

Garcia, Hooker and Holmes were arrested this morning without incident, Leong said. Merrill has been in custody for a parole violation since September; his new charges will be added.

Call The Bee's Kim Minugh, (916) 321-1038.

By Sam Stanton, Marjie Lundstrom and Bill Lindelof
sstanton@sacbee.com

Real estate executive Michael Lyon was arrested this morning on charges that he secretly filmed sex acts with three women inside his home, at least one of them an "escort," authorities said.

Lyon, 54, faces four felony counts involving three alleged adult victims, the Sheriff's Department said.

He will be charged with surreptitious filming of sexual encounters he had with the women in 2008 and 2009. The encounters apparently occurred inside the Arden Arcade home he shared with his then-wife, some of them at Christmas time.

Lyon was released this morning from jail on $60,000 bail and exited the jail with his attorney and public relations man.

"These are all allegations and I'm intent on clearing my good name," Lyon said, declining to take questions.

He referred all questions to his attorney and left in an automobile that was parked at the curb.

Detectives arrived at Lyon's Carmichael home at 7:45 this morning and "caught him completely off guard," said sheriff's Lt. Craig Hill, who recently retired but was brought in especially for this case.

About eight detectives searched the Lyon home and a similar number searched his ex-wife's home. The family's vacation home in Homewood, near Lake Tahoe, also was searched.

Sacramento County Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney Jeff Rose said a priority of investigators is to examine the new electronic material seized from the homes, which may shed light on Lyon's past as well as current activities.

Authorities already have reviewed recordings turned over by Lyon's ex-wife, Kimarie "Kim" Lyon, and a former girlfriend.

"Now we have three sets of data," said Rose.

However, the "voluminous" amount of material that Kim Lyon placed into storage in 2006 falls beyond the statute of limitations for prosecution, he said.

For the alleged crimes, prosecutors have a three-year window in which to bring charges from the date of the incidents.

Rose said the older material could be used at trial, though, to demonstrate a pattern of conduct and an intent to secretly record houseguests, he said. Lyon told an investigator last year that his surveillance equipment was for security purposes.

During the investigation, the three women were shown images and asked to identify themselves engaging in sex acts with Lyon, according to the affidavit in support of the arrest warrant. At one point in a video, one woman sees an object she believes to be a camera.

"She points to the camera that is recording her and Lyon with a surprised look on her face and asks what it is," the document states. "Lyon tells her it is just equipment and it is nothing. She asks if it is a camera and Lyon told her it was not."

At the beginning of longer videos of a second woman, Lyon is seen adjusting the camera, the affidavit states. That woman had placed an ad for services as an "escort" on an Internet site.

A third woman is depicted in at least six video files. At one point, Lyon can again be seen adjusting the camera, the document states.

"Therefore he is clearly aware the video camera is present," the affidavit reads.

Lyon's GMC Yukon, with its distinctive FLYON HI license plate, was parked in front of the house this morning.

Hill said Lyon appeared to have just awakened when investigators arrived. Lyon had a female house guest who is not involved in the case and was released, Hill said.

Detectives searched the home for computers and other electronic storage devices that may contain evidence in the case, Hill said. Authorities are investigating whether Lyon's alleged taping activities continued even after he learned he was under investigation, Hill said.

Lyon's attorney, William Portanova, questioned the strength of a case built on testimony from the women.

"That's the allegation," Portanova said of the claim that Lyon secretly filmed the women, "although, frankly, the credibility of the complaining witnesses in this case is suspect."

"These are women who were paid for their time, and now they're being paid for their testimony," he said, adding that he believes the women will be promised immunity from prosecution in exchange for testimony.

Although Lyon stepped down as CEO of Lyon Real Estate shortly after the scandal erupted in late August, the arrest poses fresh public-relations problems for the firm.

"As it relates to the company, clearly there are challenges," said Doug Elmets, a spokesman for the firm, which is the largest in the area. "But it is a strong brand. It is important that it is a company that is well known throughout this region with 60 years of success...The company and the brand will stay the course."

More than 30 agents have jumped to rival firms in the past few weeks, according to Department of Real Estate records. But Elmets said the Lyon firm has hired roughly as many as have quit, although they haven't shown up on the state agency's records yet. He said the firm employs about 950 agents and brokers.

A felony conviction could cost Lyon his real estate license. The Department of Real Estate has the authority to suspend or revoke a license if the holder is found guilty of a felony or a crime "substantially related" to real estate work.

In this case, where the alleged acts are not directly related, the department would not enter into any investigation until the case is concluded and meets those parameters, said Joe Carrillo, spokesman for the Department of Real Estate.

"Nothing's automatic. Everything would be reviewed," he said.

The state's real estate commissioner has ultimate authority over whether to suspend or revoke a license.

Bee staff writer Dale Kasler contributed to this report. Call The Bee's Sam Stanton, (916) 321-1091.

By Bill Lindelof and Chelsea Phua
blindelof@sacbee.com

Sheriff's homicide detectives have arrested a 36-year-old man in connection with the stabbing of an acquaintance at a Fair Oaks apartment complex.

James Edward Jones (photo right) was booked into Sacramento County Main Jail shortly after 8 p.m. Tuesday on a count of murder. He was arrested earlier in the day by detectives in the 7800 block of Sunset Boulevard.

The body of Victor Manuel Vega, 39, was found early Tuesday morning on a second-story landing between two apartments at the complex in the 4800 block of Sunset Terrace.

Vega, who lived at the complex, is suspected to have gotten into a fight with Jones, who fled the scene, according to deputies. Vega suffered significant blood loss and was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is not known what led to the fight between the two men, sheriff's deputies said.

Vega's death was preceded by a call to the department about 2:45 a.m. from apartment complex security guards about a man causing a disturbance.

Guards said that a man, apparently Vega, was wandering through the complex "being loud and obnoxious."

Deputies were not able to find the man who was earlier causing the disturbance.

However, they returned about 45 minutes later to the same complex on a call to dispatchers about the sounds of a fight. They discovered Vega's body on the landing.

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at (916) 874-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-4357.

Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.

Previous story:

Bloodied body found at Fair Oaks apartment complex - Nov. 2, 2010

By Laurel Rosenhall
lrosenhall@sacbee.com

An American River College student was arrested Friday night after misbehaving at campus Halloween celebration, a college spokeswoman said.

Timothy Lee Allen, 27, was booked in Sacramento Main Jail on suspicion of assault, battery and resisting arrest, all felonies, around 8:30 p.m. Friday, according to booking records.

Allen had been at the American River College "Haunted Festival," which included pumpkin carving, horror movies, trick-or-treating and a costume contest.

When he began to act out, a staff member asked him to leave and called campus police, said Susie Williams, spokeswoman for the Los Rios Community College District.

Allen did not leave, Williams said. When police arrived, they asked for his ID. He gave officers the identification but then grabbed it back and started to run, Williams said.

Allen ran into one of the officers, who then arrested him, Williams said.

He is being held on $25,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.

Call The Bee's Laurel Rosenhall, (916) 321-1083.

By Queenie Wong
qwong@sacbee.com

Three men who led Galt police officers on a high-speed chase early yesterday morning after burglarizing a Raley's shopping center on Twin Cities Road have been arrested, police said.

Dwayne Wade Osborne, 20; Allan Wayne Sherman, 20; and Anthony Lynn Pinkins, 21, face charges of burglary, conspiracy, assault on an officer and felony evading.

Sherman is currently out on bail from Bakersfield for robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, Pinkins is on parole and Osborne is on probation in Riverside for burglary.

Galt police officers arrived at about 2:54 a.m. at an Aisle 1 gas station on Twin Cities Road yesterday after they received reports of a man breaking through the store's window with a large rock, said Lt. Brian Vizzusi, a spokesman for the Galt Police Department. The suspect stole packs of cigarettes and a large amount of cash from the register.

When police tried to pull the driver of the vehicle over about an hour later on Lincoln Way, he took off going east bound on Twin Cities Road at about 100 mph and almost struck the officer. The chase ended on Highway 104 near the Sacramento-Amador county line after Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies put down a spike strip to try and stop the car. The driver swerved to try to avoid the strip and the car rolled over once after hitting a tree stump.

Police arrested Pinkins after 8 a.m. after spotting him in a field off Twin Cities Road near Rancho Seco. Sherman and Osborne were located in a field near Carbondale Road and Ione Road at about 11:45 a.m. yesterday.

Call The Bee's Queenie Wong, (916) 321-1008.

By Chelsea Phua
cphua@sacbe.com

Sacramento County Sheriff's detectives have arrested a fourth person in connection with the Sept. 26 shooting death of 33-year-old Oquitzin Bravo and said they now believe that a suspect they arrested earlier fired the shot that killed him.

On Sept. 29, authorities arrested Ignacio Leyba, 26, on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly shooting a second person at a party in the 5600 block of 47th Avenue, where Bravo was killed.

On Wednesday, authorities amended the charges to include murder during Leyba's court appearance. Investigators say they believe Leyba was also responsible for shooting Bravo at about 2:30 a.m. after he and another suspect, David Goodier, 27, started a fight in the back yard of the home where the party was held. Goodier was arrested for allegedly assaulting a third victim.

On Tuesday, detectives arrested Patricia Laura Castellano, 40, who was the party host, on suspicion of being an accessory after the fact. They said she helped her daughter, Olivia Castellano, move Bravo's body from the backyard of the home to the street in front of the home after he was shot. Olivia Castellano was arrested Oct. 12 on suspicion of being an accessory.

Patricia Castellano is ineligible for bail and is scheduled to be arraigned at 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

Call The Bee's Chelsea Phua, (916) 321-1132.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

A Rescue man was arrested Monday afternoon after he allegedly set off a homemade explosive device, an El Dorado County sheriff's spokesman said today.

Lt. Bryan Golmitz, El Dorado County Sheriff's Department spokesman, said Jeffrey Scott Shaw, 40, was taken into custody shortly before 6 p.m. Monday in the 2600 block of Hastings Drive, just north of Green Valley Road. Residents of a nearby subdivision had reported hearing a loud boom.

Golmitz said it appeared that a milk carton possibly filled with a gasoline mixture had exploded, burning a 1-foot to 2-foot area. He said the explosion posed to threat to nearby residents.

Golmitz said Shaw was arrested on suspicion of threatening and obstructing law enforcement officers, and information will be forwarded to the District Attorney's Office alleging possession of a destructive device. He said deputies had had previous contact with Shaw regarding a number of issues.

According to inmate information available on the Sheriff's Department's website, Shaw is being held on $258,000 bail, including $115,000 related to enhancements for prior felony convictions.

Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.

By Kim Minugh
kminugh@sacbee.com

A 24-year-old man is being held in the Sacramento County Main Jail in lieu of $2.4 million bail after sheriff's deputies allegedly found him pimping a 14-year-old girl, according to authorities.

Deputies arrested William Lavaell Ervin at the Motel 6 on the 4800 block of Watt Avenue on Sunday afternoon, said sheriff's Sgt. Tim Curran. He was booked on suspicion of rape; pimping a person under the age of 16; pandering by encouraging a minor under the age of 16; kidnapping for robbery; and drug possession, according to jail booking records.

He is being held in lieu of $2.4 million bail.

Curran said deputies received a call from a 14-year-old girl who had run away from her pimp, who was working out of the Motel 6. Deputies located the girl and found her story to be credible, then located Ervin and arrested him, Curran said.

The girl was taken to the Children's Receiving Home.

Call The Bee's Kim Minugh, (916) 321-1038.

By Carlos Alcala
calcala@sacbee.com

A suspected candy bandit wound up in mounds of trouble Friday, after he left his photo identification at the scene of the crime in Sacramento.

Police report that an unidentified suspect entered the Smart & Final, 2431 28th St., about 10 a.m. and began loading candy into his messenger bag.

Recognizing the suspect from an earlier incident, the store manager confronted him.

The suspect pushed and swung at employees in order to escape, but he was arrested nearby after police found his transit ID with his name and photo in the bag at the store.

There was no word on whether the conclusion elicited any snickers.

Call The Bee's Carlos Alcala, (916) 321-1987.

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By Carlos Alcala
calcala@sacbee.com

Sacramento police arrested two men suspected of taking a woman's purse and cell phone Friday morning.

According to a police report, the woman was in the 3500 block of Meadowview Road when one suspect approached and demanded her purse.

She refused until the suspect pulled a gun. He took the purse and ran off while a second suspect allegedly took her phone by force.

Officers were quickly on the scene and managed to arrest the suspect who had taken the purse.

The second suspect was seen jumping a fence on Andros Court and officers surrounded a house there and asked those inside to come out.

When they emerged, the victim identified one of them as the man who took her phone.

The woman's phone was found inside the residence in the suspect's bedroom.

The two suspects were identified as Dale Ellis, 25, and Perry Ellis, 19.

Call The Bee's Carlos Alcala, (916) 321-1987.

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By Ryan Lillis
rlillis@sacbee.com

The suspect in the Roseville Galleria fire may be connected to two arsons in Antelope in the past day, a source has told The Bee.

Follow this developing news story here.

Call The Bee's Ryan Lillis, (916) 321-1061.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

A third person has been arrested in the shooting death of a Sacramento cab driver earlier this week.

James Walker, 54, was found dead in his taxi early Monday at Hillsdale Village Apartments near Madison Avenue and Interstate 80.

Sacramento County sheriff's homicide detectives late last night arrested Antoine Lee Taylor (top photo), 20, of Sacramento on suspicion of robbery and the killing of Walker.

Sacramento County sheriff's detectives had already booked Jermaine John Campbell (bottom photo), 19, and Jonathan Steven Hudson (middle photo), 18, into Sacramento County Jail on suspicion of murder and robbery on Wednesday.

Campbell was also booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, a charge unrelated to the killing of Walker, according to Sacramento County Sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Tim Curran.

Campbell was arrested at a home in the 2500 block of Seamist Drive and Hudson was arrested in the 500 block of El Camino Avenue. Taylor was arrested in the 3500 block of Sunrise Pines Drive in Rancho Cordova.

Sheriff's detectives allege that the three young men were visiting friends at the apartment complex and telephoned for a taxi with the intent to rob the driver.

When Walker arrived at the complex he was shot and killed when the two suspects tried to rob him, according to a Sheriff's Department news release.

Walker suffered at least one gunshot wound to his upper body, Curran said.

Deputies were called to the 5100 block of Hillsdale Boulevard Monday after residents reported hearing gunshots at 3:14 a.m.

Deputies found Walker in the driver's seat of his cab, parked in the driveway of the apartment parking lot. Paramedics arrived a short time later and pronounced Walker dead, Curran said.

Nobody witnessed the shooting, Curran said.

Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

Two teenagers have been arrested in the killing of a Sacramento cab driver earlier this week.

James Walker, 54, was found dead in his taxi early Monday at Hillsdale Village Apartments near Madison Avenue and Interstate 80.

Sacramento County sheriff's detectives early this morning booked Jermaine John Campbell, 19, and Jonathan Steven Hudson, 18, into Sacramento County Jail on suspicion of murder and robbery.

Campbell was also booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, a charge unrelated to the killing of Walker, according to Sacramento County Sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Tim Curran.

Campbell was arrested at a home in the 2500 block of Seamist Drive and Hudson was arrested in the 500 block of El Camino Avenue.

Sheriff's detectives allege that the two young men were visiting friends at the apartment complex and telephoned for a taxi with the intent to rob the driver.

When Walker arrived at the complex he was shot and killed when the two suspects tried to rob him, according to a Sheriff's Department news release.

Walker suffered at least one gunshot wound to his upper body, Curran said.

Deputies were called to the 5100 block of Hillsdale Boulevard Monday after residents reported hearing gunshots at 3:14 a.m.

Deputies found Walker in the driver's seat of his cab, parked in the driveway of the apartment parking lot. Paramedics arrived a short time later and pronounced Walker dead, Curran said.

Nobody witnessed the shooting, Curran said.

Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

Folsom police arrested two men in connection with gunfire on a residential street Sunday night.

Police said they responded to the 400 block of Turnpike Drive where gunshots were heard about 10 p.m. Police found .25-caliber shell casings in the road, but no victims or suspects.

A white Mercedes was seen leaving the area toward Blue Ravine Road, a vehicle that was later linked to the shooting on Turnpike Drive. The car was searched and police say they found cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine, marijuana and digital scales.

The driver, Jeffrey Jurgens (top photo), 19, of Citrus Heights was arrested on suspicion of possession of narcotics with intent to sell.

Later, officers searched a home on John Henry Circle in Folsom. During the search, officers found a .25-caliber semi-automatic pistol.

Dustin Paiz (bottom photo), 22, of Folsom was arrested on suspicion of being a felon in possession of firearms, possession of a narcotic, possession of nunchucks and assault with a deadly weapon.

Police believe that the shooting stemmed from a drug transaction that went bad.

Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.

By Loretta Kalb
lkalb@sacbee.com

A 28-year-old Sacramento man, Darrell Eugene Carter, has been arrested in the shooting death of Richard Alfred Lovett sheriff's officials say.

Sacramento Sheriff's detectives believe Carter confronted Lovett on the evening of Oct. 9 in the parking lot of an apartment building in the 8700 block of Fair Oaks Boulevard because the victim was involved in a romantic relationship with Carter's wife. The confrontation led to an argument and the fatal shooting.

Witnesses told investigators they heard arguing shortly after 7 p.m., followed by the sound of multiple gunshots. Lovett collapsed, witnesses said, and someone dressed in dark clothing got into a car and drove away.

Carter was arrested Thursday at a relative's apartment on Data Drive. Sheriff's spokesman Tim Curran said. He was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on a charge of murder and for violating his parole. Carter is scheduled for arraignment Monday afternoon in Sacramento Superior Court Department 63.

Call The Bee's Loretta Kalb, (916) 321-1073.

By Kim Minugh
kminugh@sacbee.com

Sacramento County sheriff's detectives have arrested a third suspect in connection with the Sept. 26 shooting death of Oquitzin Bravo.

Olivia Maria Castellano, 20, was arrested Tuesday night and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on suspicion of murder and accessory after the fact, according to jail booking records.

Detectives allege that Castellano was at the 47th Avenue party at which the 33-year-old Bravo was fatally shot and helped move the man's body from the backyard, where the shooting occurred, to the street, where deputies found him, said sheriff's Sgt. Tim Curran.

Castellano is the daughter of the party's host, Curran said. Her relationship to the other suspects in custody not known, he said.

Ignacio Leyba, 26, is suspected of shooting a second victim at the home (that victim has been treated and released from a hospital).

David Goodier, 27, is accused of assaulting a third victim.

Both men face charges of assault with a deadly weapon, Curran said.

Detectives say the three victims were invited to the party by a friend of the hosts. They allege that Leyba, Goodier, and possibly others started a fight with the victims for unknown reasons before shots were fired.

Anyone with additional information regarding this shooting is urged to call Sheriff's Homicide detectives at (916) 874-5115, or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP.

Tipsters may also text message a tip by texting "SACTIP" to 274637, followed by the tip information.

Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Call The Bee's Kim Minugh, (916) 321-1038.

By Bee Staff

An industrial-size toilet would be needed to flush the amount of marijuana that Sacramento sheriff's deputies said they found beside an apartment's commode, according to crime summaries released this week.

The summary outlines this series of events:

At about 12:30 p.m. Oct. 9, deputies had just made a warrant arrest in the 4400 block of Oakhollow Drive. One of the deputies went to the arrested subject's apartment to place some of his property inside.

The apartment door was unlocked. The deputy opened the door and announced "Sheriff's Department." He immediately smelled the strong odor of fresh marijuana.

But before he could step inside, the occupants slammed the door shut and locked it.

The deputies feared the drug was being flushed down the toilet, but they managed to locate a key and open the door.

Inside, they found a box in front of the toilet containing three one-gallon bags of "greed buds believed to be marijuana."

They also found a man and woman inside the apartment.

Frederick Reed, 38, was booked into jail on suspicion of four felonies related to drug possession and sales. He also is being held on no bail for alleged parole violation, jail records show.

The woman was arrested but later released.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

Six teens from Roseville's Oakmont High School were arrested in connection with an off-campus fight over the weekend.

Roseville police said that about 9:45 p.m. Friday they responded to Crestmont Park, 1500 Champion Drive, for a report of a fight involving a large group of teenagers.

During the fight, which police said was not gang-related, an 18-year-old boy was hit several times with a large metal flashlight. He was treated and then released from a hospital.

Officers were not able to identify or locate all the participants so they called upon Roseville police department's youth service officers to interview students on the Oakmont campus today. As a result of those interviews, six male students were arrested on suspicion of assault causing great bodily injury.

One of the students was also charged on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. The six teens were taken to Placer County Juvenile Hall.

Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.

By Chelsea Phua
cphua@sacbee.com

Sacramento County Sheriff's homicide detectives have arrested two men believed to be involved in a fight that resulted in the shooting death of a 33-year-old man at a Sept. 26 party in south Sacramento.

However, neither man is believed to be the killer.

Oquitzin Bravo and another man was shot during the fight, which broke out at a home in the 5600 block of 47th Avenue at about 2:30 a.m. Bravo was transported to the hospital, where he died.

The second victim, a 30-year-old man, was also taken to the hospital, but has since been released.

Detectives said a third man was assaulted and held at knife-point during the shooting, but he escaped into the neighborhood and hid until deputies arrived.

Authorities said they believe that Ignacio Leyba, 26, shot the second victim and David Goodier, 27, assaulted the third.

Leyba was arrested Sept. 29 at a home in Sacramento and Goodier was arrested on Thursday in Springfield, Ore., where he had been staying with relatives, sheriff officials said.

Investigators say they are working to identify who shot and killed Bravo.

Detectives say that the three victims were invited to the party by a friend of the hosts.

The shooting occurred after Leyba, Goodier and perhaps other people, allegedly started a fight with the victims in the backyard of the home. It's unknown why the fight started.

Authorities said the party's hosts, who live at the 47th Avenue home, have been uncooperative in identifying all the guests at the party.

However, investigators found video surveillance photos from a store near the home.

Leyba was one of the men in the surveillance photos, said department spokesman Sgt. Tim Curran.

The other man in the photos has also been questioned, but not charged at this point, Curran said. Goodier wasn't in the photos.

Leyba was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on charges that include assault with a deadly weapon.

Goodier was booked on the same charge at the Springfield City Jail.

Sacramento County Sheriff's detectives are working with Oregon officials to have Goodier returned to Sacramento.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's homicide detectives at (916) 874-5115, or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP.

Tipsters can also send a text message by texting to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP, followed by the information.

Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Call The Bee's Chelsea Phua, (916) 321-1132.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

Two teens were taken into custody on suspicion of robbery Thursday at a Mather skate park.

Rancho Cordova police received a call about 5 p.m. about a robbery at the park, 3755 Schriever Ave., in the Mather Sports Center. Officers identified six suspects who they found in a black BMW at a nearby park.

Two of the suspects were arrested, a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old, on suspicion of robbery and conspiracy, according to a police spokesman. A handgun was recovered from the car.

About five victims were identified at the skate park. One person was hit in the face, police said.

Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of taking a purse from a woman in an Auburn bank parking lot Monday afternoon.

Placer County sheriff's deputies and detectives responded to a report of a robbery at 12:55 p.m. in the Bank of America parking lot at 2885 Bell Road. The customer had come to the bank to make cash deposits from a local business. As she walked across the parking lot of the bank, a man approached and pulled her purse away from her, according to a Sheriff's Department news release.

Photo credit: Photos released by Placer County Sheriff's Department

Based on information provided by witnesses, investigators identified the man accused of taking the purse as Joshua Tucker Bidart, 22, of Auburn. Dwight Jacob Silva, also 22, of Grass Valley is accused of driving the getaway vehicle.

The two men were arrested Monday evening on suspicion of robbery and conspiracy and booked into Placer County Jail. Bidart is being held on $50,000 bail and Silva, on $60,000 bail.

Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.

By Loretta Kalb
lkalb@sacbee.com

A seriously injured 5-year-old child was taken to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento after he was hit by a motorist who Woodland police said was driving under the influence.

Police were called to the 700 block of East Street shortly before 6:30 p.m. Saturday after the boy, Josue Navarette, was taken into a nearby residence. Medical personnel had asked for an air ambulance to take the semi-conscious child to the medical center, but none was available. He was transported, instead, by ambulance to the medical center's trauma center.

The driver of the car, 20-year-old Francisco Pinon-Martinez of Woodland, was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence and driving without a license.

It was one of two cases in which children were struck by DUI motorists in Woodland this weekend, police said. Early today - sometime after midnight - a 1-year-old was hit by his father in the parking lot of the Masonic Lodge in Woodland, police said. That father was booked into jail on DUI counts while his son was in good condition at UC Davis Medical Center, police said.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Woodland Police at (530) 661-7800. Callers may remain anonymous.

Call The Bee's Loretta Kalb, (916) 321-1073.

By Loretta Kalb
lkalb@sacbee.com

A 27-year-old Woodland man was booked into the Yolo County jail on felony drunken driving charges after police said he ran over his 1-year-old son at the Masonic Lodge parking lot just before 1 a.m. today.

Arrested was Alejandro Ramirez Lopez.

Police said the toddler, Christian Ramirez, was hit by his father's vehicle at the lodge on Palm Avenue in Woodland.

Woodland police said the child was first taken to Woodland Memorial Hospital, where police were notified at 12:53 a.m.

The child was taken later by helicopter to the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, where he was listed in good condition Sunday night.

Call The Bee's Loretta Kalb, (916) 321-1073.

By Carlos Alcalá
calcala@sacbee.com

Sacramento police arrested a man who turned himself in Friday afternoon at City Hall after trying to rob a nearby bank.

Police reported that Jack Burch, 32, is suspected of walking into a bank at 801 K Street and presenting a robbery note to a teller. That address is the site of a Chase Bank.

When the teller notified others in the bank, the suspect fled without any money.

While police were investigating, the suspect, believed to be intoxicated, walked into City Hall a few blocks away and turned himself in to security there.

Witnesses identified Burch as a the robbery suspect and police arrested him in connection with the attempt.

Call The Bee's Carlos Alcalá, (916) 321-1987.

By Matt Kawahara
mkawahara@sacbee.com

Sacramento County Sheriff's Department personnel have arrested a Sacramento man in connection with a June 15 robbery and homicide in North Sacramento.

Sheriff's detectives arrested 22-year-old Jermaine Antonio Barnes on Thursday afternoon at a friend's home in Merced, according to a department release.

Detectives believe that Barnes is one of the suspects responsible for killing Fernando Valladares Vichez, 50, near Howe Avenue and Whippoorwill Lane, according to the release.

In the early morning of June 15, a sheriff's deputy in that area heard gunshots and drove to the location, where the deputy found Vichez lying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds, according to the release. Vichez was ttaken to an area hospital and pronounced dead a short time later.

According to the release, witnesses said Vichez was walking on Howe Avenue when three men got out of a vehicle, approached Vichez and started fighting with him. During the fight, one suspect produced a firearm and shot Vichez several times. The suspects then got back into the vehicle and fled.

Barnes was taken to Sacramento County Main Jail and booked on charges of murder and robbery.

Detectives have identified three other suspects in the homicide and are working to locate and arrest them, according to the release.

Call The Bee's Matt Kawahara, (916) 321-1015.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

A Sacramento County teenager has been arrested on suspicion of setting fires to land near Rancho Murieta earlier this month.

Cameron W. Warmby (left), 18, of Wilton was arrested on suspicion of arson.

Warmby was booked into Sacramento County Jail Tuesday on suspicion of nine counts of arson to wildland and seven counts of using an incendiary device, according to a news release from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The fires Warmby is suspected of starting occurred during the early morning hours of Sept. 19 near Rancho Murrieta. The fires were quickly put out by Cal Fire and Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District.

Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.

By Bee Staff

A Sacramento man already facing domestic violence charges added to his courthouse resume after he allegedly almost hit a Sacramento County sheriff deputy's car and then fled., according to a crime summary released this week.

Andreas Diaz, 30, is in the Sacramento jail as of this morning on a variety of charges including obstructing a peace officer, DUI, hit-and-run causing property damage, and driving with a suspended or revoked driver's license, jail records show.

Diaz already was facing charges of battery against a person he had a previous dating relationship with, corporal injury to a spouse or co-habitant and violating a restraining order, jail and court records show.

Between 2006 and 2008, Diaz pleaded no contest to battery on a spouse or co-habitant, DUI and assault with a deadly weapon, court records show.

The crime summary described the latest incident to land Diaz in jail as follows:

Just after midnight on Aug. 19 at Lang and 47th avenues, a deputy was helping a civilian look for his vehicle, when a vehicle almost hit the deputy's patrol car.

The vehicle sped away at a high speed with the deputy in pursuit.

After a short chase, the driver jumped from his moving vehicle and ran off on foot. The car continued rolling and hit a tree.

Deputies found the suspect hiding in a garbage can, according to the summary.

Diaz suffered a foot injury and was treated at a hospital before being booked into jail, the summary states.

By Chelsea Phua
cphua@sacbee.com

Roseville police arrested a 36-year-old former rental property manager for allegedly misappropriating at least $21,000 in rent money that she collected from tenants.

Police said that Heather Shea Baker owned Great Estates, a property management company that collected rent and provided other services on behalf of rental property owners.

One of her clients reported Baker to police on Sunday, saying that Baker had not given her the rent and deposits that Baker had collected from her tenants.

Baker had also recently sent her clients a letter notifying them that she was shutting down her business, and investigators learned that she was planning to move out of state, authorities said.

Investigators arrested Baker in Napa on Sunday on suspicion of embezzlement. She has since been released from the Placer County Jail on a $10,000 bail bond.

Authorities said they have contacted two rental property owners who were Baker's clients, but believed that there are more victims. Police ask that clients who believe they may be owed money to contact the Roseville Police Department Investigations Units at (916) 774-5070, or Sgt. Darin DeFreece by e-mail at ddefreece@roseville.ca.us.

Photo: Roseville Police Department

Call The Bee's Chelsea Phua, (916) 321-1132.

By Andy Furillo
afurillo@sacbee.com

Sacramento police arrested a paroled robber with a gun Friday morning in the old fairgrounds area, a report said.

Rashad Laqman Smith, 23, was taken into custody at his girlfriend's house in the 5300 block of Broadway. He was booked on separate counts of suspicion of being an ex-con in possession of a gun and ammunition, according to jail records.

Sacramento Superior Court online records showed that Smith was convicted Sept. 7, 2005, on one count of second-degree robbery. He was sentenced to three years in state prison.

Police said they went to Smith's neighborhood at 5:17 a.m. Friday when somebody reported that they had heard gun shots. When they got to the area, the officers said they found a cell phone lying on the ground. They said a woman came to retrieve the phone and said that she had loaned it to "a friend."

Officers then went to the woman's house and found Smith, the report said.

Call The Bee's Andy Furillo, (916) 321-1141.

By Andy Furillo
afurillo@sacbee.com

Sacramento police found a stolen gun and arrested two men on probation following a pre-dawn traffic stop Friday on 47th Avenue.

According to a police report, officers pulled over one of the men in his car outside his girlfriend's apartment in the 5300 block of 47th Avenue at 4:20 a.m. Another man was in the doorway of the apartment, police said.

A search of the apartment turned up the weapon and both men were taken into custody. The report did not give their names.

Call The Bee's Andy Furillo, (916) 321-1141.

By Andy Furillo
afurillo@sacbee.com

Sacramento police arrested two parolees at large and a third parolee Friday night when officers pulled them over after hearing gunfire in the south area.

Anthony Andrew Lopez, 22, ran from the suspects' car after it stopped on Feusi Court, according to police reports. Officers called out the dogs and found Lopez hiding in a shed.

The 5-10, 220-pound Lopez was identified in the police reports as a parolee at large. Most recently, Lopez was convicted Aug. 22, 2008, for burglary, second-degree burglary, grand theft, receiving stolen property, felony evasion of officers and reckless driving, according to Sacramento Superior Court online records. He had been sentenced to state prison for two years and eight months.

Lopez' local adult record also showed convictions in 2006 for misdemeanor battery and assault. He was sentenced on those offenses to 180 days on the sheriff's work project, the online records said.

Police booked Lopez on a single count of resisting arrest. He is being held without bail, according to jail records. He also has a warrant for his arrest pending in El Dorado County, the records showed.

The report on the 10:40 p.m. incident Friday night said the officers were on patrol near Del Norte Boulevard and 23rd Avenue when they heard gun shots. They said they saw a brown car with its lights off that matched the description of a vehicle in an earlier report where the people inside it flashed a gun. The officers followed the car to Feusi Court where Lopez got out and ran.

Authorities identified the second parolee-at-large as Anson Michael Lopez, 23. It was not clear if he was related to Anthony Lopez. He had most recently been convicted in May 24, 2006 of second-degree burglary, two counts of felony evasion, resisting arrest and motor vehicle theft, online records showed. He had been sentenced to four years and eight months in prison.

Anson Lopez also had previously charged with attempted murder in a 2006 case, but it was dismissed.

Police identified the third suspect as Nathanial Martinez Burkholder, 23. He was convicted July 30, 2009, of burglary and two counts of grand theft. Burkholder was sentenced to 16 months in state prison, the online records said.

Call The Bee's Andy Furillo, (916) 321-1141.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

In response to a recent series of arson incidents, two teams of Sacramento County probation officers and members of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District arson unit conducted a countywide probation search today.

The search targeted people whose probation status is related to the crime of arson, according to a fire district news release. Eight individuals were contacted and one adult arrested on outstanding warrants.

Probation officers will request two additional arrest warrants as a result of the searches, officials said.

Fire officials seek the public's assistance in identifying the people responsible for the recent arsons. Anyone with information related to a deliberately set or suspicion fire is asked to call the Arson Tip Line at (916) 859-3775.

Officials offered several tips to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of arson:

• Secure and monitor unoccupied and abandoned buildings.

• Remove or securely store flammable material and chemicals from your business or home.

• Lock your doors and windows.

• Report suspicious people and activity to law enforcement officials.

• Support local Neighborhood Watch programs.

• Illuminate the exterior and entrances of buildings.

• At schools, remove garbage cans daily during non-school hours. Garbage has been used as an ignition source for arson fires or to keep an unwelcome visitor warm. Keep dumpsters at least 10 feet away from buildings and roof overhangs. Make sure all discarded materials are placed inside the containers and padlock them.

Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

Woodland police have arrested a Redding man in connection with the robbery of a Bank of the West branch this morning.

Police said a man entered the bank at 186 Main St. at 9:25 a.m. and demanded money. Although he claimed to have a gun, he never produced a weapon, according to a Police Department news release. He left the bank with an undisclosed amount of money.

The man was described as white, wearing a red bandana, red shirt and blue jeans.

Officers responding to the robbery report spotted the suspect driving north on Interstate 5 near the West Street exit. Woodland police, along with Yolo County Sheriff's deputies and California Highway Patrol officers conducted a traffic stop, and the man was taken into custody without incident.

He was identified as Tracy Bittner, 57.

The robbery remains under investigation, and Woodland police ask anyone with information to call the department at (530) 661-7800. Callers can remain anonymous.

Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.

By Sam Stanton
sstanton@sacbee.com

At least two people have been arrested in connection with the credit card scam pulled at Paul Martin's American Bistro in Roseville, police said today, but the suspects are considered minor players and the ringleaders may be operating overseas.

Roseville police arrested a 22-year-old Stockton man Monday - identified as Vinh Thien Huynh - after he allegedly tried to use a fraudulent credit card at a local department store.

Police say the suspect had three phony credit cards with his real name but fraudulent card numbers that may have been purchased off the Internet. One of the credit card numbers he had was from the restaurant case, police said.

Huynh was arrested on suspicion of identity theft, grand theft and other charges and was booked into the Placer County jail on $75,000 bail.

Police said a second man who tried to use a credit card number stolen from the restaurant's computer has been arrested in Michigan and that hundreds of similar cases could stem from the theft of credit card information from the restaurant.

Authorities say such scams typically involve hackers or sophisticated thieves operating overseas who obtain credit card numbers from vulnerable retail establishments, then sell the numbers on the Internet.

Police say the restaurant has repaired the vulnerabilities in its computer system and no other cards have been compromised.

Call The Bee's Sam Stanton, (916) 321-1091.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

Rocklin police have arrested an 18-year-old and two juveniles in connection with a Sept. 11 convenience store robbery.

Manuel Epigmenio Rosario was taken into custody Thursday after detectives searched a residence near the 7-Eleven store that was robbed. The search turned up evidence of the robbery, according to a police department news release.

Rosario and two juveniles are accused of robbing the store at 2101 Sunset Blvd. about 2:50 a.m. According to police, one of the suspects used a handgun during the robbery.

Rosario was booked into Placer County Jail on suspicion of kidnapping, robbery and possession of a dangerous weapon. He is being held on $200,000 bail.

The juveniles were arrested on suspicion of robbery and are in custody at Placer County Juvenile Hall.

Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

Folsom police said a loud party led to early morning stabbings during a big fight when an ousted partygoer returned with friends for a fight with baseball bats and sticks.

At least four people suffered injuries, police said. The extent of the injuries has not been released.

The incident began about 2:45 a.m. in an apartment complex in the 200 block of Montrose Drive near Fargo Way and Natoma Street where police were called to a report of a fight at a large party.

When police arrived they found one person had been stabbed or cut on his back and chest. He was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Police believe that man had been asked to leave the party earlier in the evening. The man, who police did not identify, allegedly returned with a friends armed with baseball bats, sticks and possibly a knife, police said.

A fight began in which the four people sustained lacerations, stab wounds or other injuries.

When officers tried to investigate, an occupant of the apartment slammed the door and retreated inside, police said.

As officers waited outside they were taunted with profanities and gang signs, police said. Police counted 11 people inside the apartment.

A standoff began and after three hours people slowly began exiting the apartment after repeated requests by officers for them to come out.

One person, Ricky Mora, 26, of Folsom, was arrested for kicking out the window of a police car and a probation violation, police said.

Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.

By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com

An 18-year-old man wanted in connection with July stabbing and shooting incidents in Galt was arrested early this morning in Butte County.

Galt police detectives along with California Department of Justice investigators and the Butte County SWAT team arrested Thomas Edward Cruz (left) on outstanding arrest warrants.

Cruz had been sought for two months in connection with the July 21 stabbing of a man outside a market. Earlier that day, Cruz also was identified as a suspect who fired a handgun into an inhabited dwelling, according to a Galt Police Department news release.

Acting on a tip, investigators conducted surveillance on a rural property in Paradise. After he was spotted on the property, Cruz fled into a heavily wooded area, police said.

Investigators and the Butte County SWAT team searched the area and located Cruz, who was arrested without incident.

He was booked into Sacramento County Jail on the warrants for attempted homicide and firing into an inhabited dwelling, as well as gang enhancements. He is being held on $1 million bail.

Police said Cruz is the fifth person arrested in these cases.

Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.

By Queenie Wong
qwong@sacbee.com

A 22-year-old Sacramento resident was arrested this morning in Redwood City in connection with a fatal shooting in Rancho Cordova and has been transported to a Bay Area hospital after he jumped from a third-story window trying to escape detectives, according to law enforcement officials.

According to Sacramento County Sheriff's Department officials, Robert Vasquez will face charges for the killing of 49-year-old Madalene Thomas, who was fatally shot Sunday morning on Explorer Drive in Rancho Cordova while driving in a car with her 18-year-old nephew.

According to a Sheriff's Department news release, here are the details of the arrest:

Detectives tracked down Vasquez shortly after 3 a.m. to a motel on El Camino Real in Redwood City. When detectives knocked on his motel room door, the suspect jumped from the third story window, trying to escape. Detectives found him lying in the parking lot with multiple serious injuries.

Paramedics transported him to a hospital, where he is in critical condition. Once he's released from the hospital, he will be transported to Sacramento, where he will face murder charges, according to the Sheriff's Department.

Another suspect has always been identified and was interviewed by detectives, but he has not been arrested. The investigation is ongoing and a motive for the murder is unclear, according to the Sheriff's Department.

Anyone with information about the shooting should call sheriff's homicide detectives at (916) 874-5115.

Call The Bee's Queenie Wong, (916) 321-1008.

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

A young mother was booked into Placer County Jail on suspicion of child endangerment and drug charges after deputies found unclean conditions in her Auburn home.

Samantha Jackson (left), 23, was arrested on suspicion of felony child endangerment and drug charges Saturday after deputies were called to her north Auburn apartment. An anonymous caller reported children were playing unattended outside and their mother was doing drugs.

Inside Jackson's apartment, deputies found what they described as extremely dirty conditions. The floor was covered with old food, clothes and garbage.

Deputies said the woman's 4-year-old son was "very thin" and his legs were covered with sores. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Her 4-month-old daughter was found strapped in a car seat in an upstairs bedroom. The baby's crib was filled with garbage, clothes and a lawn chair.

Her 2-year-old daughter was also in the home.

Inside the woman's apartment deputies allegedly found a drug kit containing syringes and a spoon with white substance that later tests revealed to be methamphetamine.

The children were placed released to Child Protective Services.

"The anonymous caller who reported this situation is a true hero," said Placer County Sheriff's Lt. Jeff Ausnow.

Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.

By Queenie Wong
qwong@sacbee.com

Rancho Cordova police officers arrested two boys after they admitted they started a fire Sunday afternoon at a playground on White Rock Road in Rancho Cordova, according to fire officials.

The fire started at the playground around 2:32 p.m. and spread to a portable classroom at White Rock Elementary School, said Captain Christian Pebbles, a spokesman for the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. The damage from the fire is about $25,000, he said.

The boys, who are 11 years old and 12 years old, admitted to the police during the interview process that they started the fire. Officers did not offer additional details.

The suspects were cited and released to their parents.

Call The Bee's Queenie Wong, (916) 321-1008.