#ICYMI: A roundup of
notable incidents involving the California Highway Patrol (CHP) this past
week, including continued positive results from the ongoing crime suppression
efforts in Bakersfield, a major bust from an enforcement stop in Bakersfield,
more people answering the call to join the CHP, an arresting wakeup call for a
sleeping driver, and a “hoppy” ending on Highway 17. The
list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an
excerpt from each announcement. Click
on the headlines to access accompanying assets that are available for
download. 1.
STATE’S LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERSHIP IN
BAKERSFIELD RESULTS IN OVER 470 ARRESTS A press release issued by the
Governor’s Office on June 4 highlighted the CHP’s joint operations with
Bakersfield law enforcement, which have resulted in 470 arrests for illegal
activity and 244 vehicles recovered –a monthly increase of 24%. Since March,
the CHP and Bakersfield Police Department have worked together to address
crime in the region. 2.
ENFORCEMENT STOP
LEADS TO MAJOR BUST IN BAKERSFIELD
Six men were arrested on May 29 following an
investigation stemming from an enforcement stop on a suspected stolen vehicle
in Bakersfield. The Kern County Auto Theft Taskforce, which is comprised of detectives
from the CHP and Bakersfield Police Department, conducted the initial stop,
resulting in the arrest of the first two suspects and seizure of a loaded
weapon. Further investigation led the officers to a nearby residence where
they discovered additional stolen vehicles, a non-serialized pistol,
ammunition, and ballistic body armor. All six suspect were from Bakersfield
and were booked into Kern County Jail.
3.
CHP SEES
RECORD-BREAKING SURGE IN APPLICATIONS
The CHP continues to experience a surge in
applications to become an officer in 2024, with May marking a particularly
significant milestone. Last month, the CHP received an impressive 2,047
applications, making it the highest number of monthly applications this year.
To date in 2024, the CHP has received over 9,600 applications. This substantial
increase highlights the growing interest and commitment among individuals to
join the ranks of the CHP, reflecting the public’s desire to contribute to
community safety and service. Anyone interested in a career with the CHP can register to attend the June
12 online hiring seminar. More details are available at CHPMadeformore.com.
4.
SLEEPING DRIVER
ARRESTED WITH METHAMPHETAMINE AND FENTANYL
CHP officers responding to a call for service on June 2
in Redding arrived to find the driver asleep behind the wheel. The vehicle
was sitting at the stoplight of the Interstate 5 offramp at South Bonnyview
Road. Officers attempting to wake the sleeping motorist spotted several bags
of suspected narcotics on his lap. A search of the vehicle resulted in the
discovery of more than a pound of suspected methamphetamine, over three
ounces of suspected fentanyl, and $900 in cash. The driver was arrested on
drug-related charges and booked at the Shasta County Jail. 5.
CHP RESCUES A GIANT
RABBIT FROM HIGHWAY 17 A massive rabbit was safely rescued on June 2 after he
was found hopping along Highway 17 in Santa Cruz. Construction workers
spotted the enormous rabbit close to traffic winding along the highway and
called the CHP for help. Responding CHP officers took the gray bunny, dubbed
“Bugs”, into custody and transported him to Pacific & Santa Cruz
Veterinary Specialists for treatment of injuries. The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of
Safety, Service and Security. | 
