By Sara Beth Williams–
Multiple police vehicles were seen responding near the corner of Lichen Drive and Brimstone Drive around 11 a.m. Thursday as part of a proactive pedestrian stop that involved a request for backup.
“A member of our IMPACT team conducted a pedestrian stop and asked for a ‘cover unit’ (backup officer) because the subject was on probation and the officer planned to search the person,” Police Lt. Michael Wells told The Sentinel on May 2, adding that when cover unit requests are broadcast, nearby officers will respond.
“The subject was searched, nothing was located, and he was sent on his way,” Wells said. “This was just an example of our IMPACT team being pro-active in an area we have heard concerns from the public.”
Police Department arrest logs from May 2 show that 39-year-old Roderick Vahle was arrested at 11:28 a.m. at Lichen Drive and Brimstone Drive on misdemeanor charges of drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia. It is unclear if that arrest was related to the pedestrian stop.
Last weekend, Citrus Heights police responded to the area of Lichen Drive and Antelope Road, following up on recent concerns of illegal activity in the area. After observing suspected illegal activity occurring between two subjects at a gas station, officers stopped a suspect, Jason Slater of Sacramento, after he crossed Antelope Road and conducted a search of him and his vehicle. Slater was arrested after officers allegedly found him in possession of a stash of multiple types of drugs and thousands in cash.
Citrus Heights Police Lt. Wesley Herman told The Sentinel via email last week that the Police Department and city have witnessed “evidence of illicit activity” in the Lichen Drive area. Herman said neighbors in the area are in regular communication with the Police Department regarding un-housed persons and suspicious activity possibly involving drug solicitation and purchase.
Herman added that the Police Department is “committed to providing a safe environment” and encourages the community to report any suspicious activity to Police dispatch so they can “ensure a priority level response.”
