#ICYMI: A roundup
of notable incidents involving the California Highway Patrol (CHP) this
past week, including the arrival of a new class of cadets at the CHP
Academy, a search warrant leading to an arrest in Sonoma County, a suspect arrested
and fentanyl seized, a CHP helicopter rescuing six individuals, and CHP
celebrating Retirees Day at the Academy.
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.
CHP WELCOMES 155
NEW CADETS DURING “PICK-UP DAY” On September 23, the CHP welcomed 155 new
cadets to the Academy as they began training to become officers. Known as
“pick-up day,” it is the cadets’ first encounter with the CHP
Academy’s recruit training officers, who will help guide them during their
26 weeks of training. As part of the ongoing recruitment campaign, the CHP
has held three Academy classes simultaneously for the first time in the
Department’s history. For more information about a life-changing career
with the CHP, visit our website. 2. SEARCH WARRANT
LEADS TO WEAPON AND ARREST IN SONOMA COUNTY
On September 24, officers and agents of the FBI’s
Sonoma County Safe Streets Task Force served a search warrant at a
Cloverdale residence as part of an ongoing federal investigation. During
the search, an unregistered and illegally modified assault weapon, together
with several high-capacity magazines – some of which were loaded with armor-piercing
ammunition – were discovered. The suspect, Nick Pavelka, age 33, confessed
to modifying the weapon and being aware that the magazines and ammunition
were unlawful. A CHP officer from the Santa Rosa area task force,
subsequently took Pavelka into custody. Pavelka was booked at the Sonoma
County Jail on numerous charges related to weapon possession. 3.
SUSPECT ARRESTED
AND $227,000 WORTH OF FENTANYL SEIZED On September 18, a CHP Central Division sergeant
conducted an enforcement stop on an Audi Q7 on Interstate 5. The sergeant
found that the driver was operating the vehicle without a license and
observed several indicators hinting at the possibility of criminal activity.
After being given consent from the driver to search the vehicle, the
sergeant discovered roughly five pounds of fentanyl powder, with an estimated
street value of approximately $227,000, concealed within a paper bag on the
rear-right seat. The driver, Anthony Cruz, 24, from Oakland, California,
was apprehended and transported to Fresno County Jail. He has been charged
with possession of fentanyl for sale and transportation of fentanyl across
non-contiguous counties. 4. CHP’S HIGH-FLYING CREEK
RESCUE On September 22,
CHP’s H-30 responded with Winters Fire and the Vacaville Fire Protection
District, including a Helicopter Rescue Technician (HRT) from San Ramon
Valley Fire on a rescue mission involving six individuals stranded on a
raft in Putah Creek. Using its aerial capabilities, H-30 located the
obscured raft and deployed the HRT from the San Ramon Valley Fire to the
location. Access to the area by ground would have been extremely difficult
and time-consuming. Everyone was successfully rescued from Putah Creek's
shoreline and then handed over to the fire service personnel in attendance
for obligatory medical evaluations. 5.
CHP CELEBRATES RETIREES’
DAY On September 27, the CHP hosted and celebrated retirees
at the Academy in West Sacramento. It is of fundamental importance to
recognize the invaluable dedication, service and sacrifices made by former
CHP personnel. This event instills a profound sense of pride and fellowship
among existing CHP employees. During this year’s celebration, retirees of
50 years were honored with a commemorative pin and extreme gratitude for
their substantial contribution and service. Acknowledging retirees further
strengthens the CHP's values of appreciation and respect while paying
tribute to those who have served. The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of
Safety, Service, and Security. | 
