Updated Sept. 23, 3:55 p.m.–
Citrus Heights police confirmed resident reports of a search warrant being served near Woodside Elementary school on Thursday, involving a SWAT team and an armored police vehicle.
Reached by phone Friday, Commander Daman Christensen told The Sentinel that SWAT officers arrived around 7 a.m. Thursday to serve a drug-related warrant on the 8300 block of Olivine Avenue in Citrus Heights, off Oak Avenue. He said a 61-year-old man was arrested on narcotics and other felony charges and was taken into custody without any problems or injuries.
Christensen said the SWAT team was used to enter the residence and secure the location, allowing detectives to enter safely and continue with the search warrant operation. He said the department’s “rescue vehicle,” a mine-resistant, armor-protected surplus military vehicle, was used to provide additional protection for officers.
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In a news release issued by police several hours later, Lt. Jason Russo said an investigation had revealed the man was in possession of drugs, and was selling drugs from the residence, leading to the search warrant being served. Russo said officers involved in the search warrant operation on Thursday “located evidence of the drug possession, sales, as well as stolen property linked to stolen vehicles, and vehicle burglaries from the Sacramento and Roseville area.”
According to police, detectives “were able to identify victims of these related burglaries and thefts and eventually return some items to the victims.” Items recovered included a stolen trailer, personal belongings, and suspected identity theft items.
Police said detectives are continuing their investigation and will be seeking to arrest others who may be involved in related criminal activity. Lt. Russo also credited community members for helping identify suspicious activity and other criminal conduct and said the police department is “extremely grateful.”
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*Note: A prior version of this story listed the name of the man who was arrested, initially provided by police. The name was later requested to not be published due to the ongoing investigation and other related arrests expected to follow.
