#ICYMI: A roundup of
notable incidents involving the California Highway Patrol (CHP) this past
week, including a pivotal month which marks major strides in the fight
against organized retail crime, a traffic stop that led to the seizure of
$1.3M in cocaine, a crime-fighting hot streak for two officers in Hayward, a
welfare check of a driver at a mini-mart leading to a drug arrest and
statewide efforts reinforce the CHP’s commitment to child safety.
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 CONTINUES TO
DELIVER BIG RESULTS IN FIGHT AGAINGT ORGANIZED RETAIL CRIME In
August, the CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) continued with
its high rates of enforcement and is already well on its way to surpassing
enforcement totals for all of 2023. A news release issued on September
18 by Governor Newsom highlighted the CHP’s August enforcement efforts
including 171 arrests, and the recovery of over 26,000 items of stolen
property worth more than half a million dollars. Since January, the ORCTF has
facilitated 1,055 arrests, 573 investigations and recovered over $7.8 million
worth of stolen goods. 2.
HIGHWAY BUST: CHP SEIZES
$1.3M IN COCAINE ON I-5 On September 7, a Central Division CHP officer seized 37
pounds of cocaine, valued at approximately $1.3 million, during a traffic
stop on Interstate 5 in Merced County. After pulling over a driver for a
traffic violation, the officer noticed signs of criminal activity and, upon
further investigation, discovered the drugs. Two Oregon residents were
arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including possession and
transportation of cocaine. The case was handed over to the Merced Area Gang
Narcotics Enforcement Team. 3.
GRAVEYARD PARTNERS
ARE ON A HOT STREAK
Two Hayward Area CHP officers had a busy week recently.
Early last week, they stopped a truck driving 100 mph and quickly spotted
ammunition inside the cab of the truck. Upon further inspection, the
officer’s located a loaded, untraceable firearm, shotgun, body armor,
methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Both occupants, convicted felons,
were booked on drug and weapons charges. The two officers’ crime-fighting hot
streak continued September 19 when they stopped another vehicle for speeding
at 92 mph. The driver was arrested for DUI, and a loaded, unregistered
firearm was found in his waistband. He was booked into the county jail.
4.
CHP BUSTS SUSPECT
WITH DRUGS AND CASH DURING WELFARE CHECK
In the early hours of
September 17, Stockton Area CHP officers, while wrapping up a stolen vehicle
investigation at a convenience store on Mariposa Rd., noticed a man slumped
over in a parked car. During a welfare check, officers spotted small baggies
of white powder on his lap. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered
marijuana, psilocybin, prescription codeine syrup, various pills and a large
sum of cash. The driver was arrested and booked at San Joaquin County Jail on
multiple drug possession, sales and transportation charges. 5. CHP PROTECTING YOUNG
LIVES ON THE ROAD The
CHP spent National Child
Passenger Safety Week, September 15-21,
educating parents and caregivers throughout the state on the importance of
proper child safety restraints. With motor vehicle crashes being the leading
cause of death for children in the U.S., properly installed child safety
seats can reduce fatal injuries by up to 71% for in The CHP encourages
parents to visit one of its
local offices
for assistance in ensuring proper car seat installation. The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of
Safety, Service, and Security. | 
