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Tag: Police

  • Macy’s break-in prompts rooftop search of Sunrise Mall

    Macy’s break-in prompts rooftop search of Sunrise Mall

    By Sara Beth Williams–
    Two suspects are still at large after breaking into Macy’s Men’s early Monday morning.

    After an alarm activated, Citrus Heights Police responded in force to the Sunrise Mall around 4 a.m. Monday morning, April 7, and found two individuals locked inside on the first floor of Macy’s Men’s attempting to evade law enforcement while police watched through the windows, Sgt. David Jones with the Citrus Heights Police Department said Monday afternoon. At least one suspect was observed escaping onto the roof of the Sunrise Mall, prompting police to enter Macy’s through a fire door and search the vacant store.

    The police described the two suspects as one Caucasian female in her 50s and one Caucasian male in his 40s.

    The search for the suspect who escaped onto the roof was initially partially impeded by early morning rainfall, which prevented the use of a drone, and air support was unavailable at the time of the incident, according to police radio transmissions.

    Once all three floors in Macy’s Men’s were cleared, officers searched the rooftop of both Macy’s Men’s and adjacent to the store. A drone was also called in to fly over the top of the mall to search the entire rooftop, police confirmed. Officers also searched the rest of the interior of the mall, but nothing else appeared to be disturbed, Jones said. In all, police said the search lasted about three and a half hours. The Sears building interior was not searched.

    “We believe they used another method to come down from the roof,” Jones said, adding that officers did recover burglary tools and stolen merchandise on the roof.

    Both Macy’s Men’s and Women’s at Sunrise Mall closed near the end of last month as part of a broader string of closures across the country initiated by Macy’s Inc.

    Related: Sunrise Mall loses longtime anchor store as Macy’s shutters—Citrus Heights Sentinel

    Jones said the police department has a close relationship with Sunrise MarketPlace and that officers have been tasked with enforcing “behaviors associated with negativity of the area.”

  • Neighbor dispute leads to standoff with Citrus Heights police

    Neighbor dispute leads to standoff with Citrus Heights police

    By Mike Hazlip–
    A standoff in a residential neighborhood near Grand Oaks Elementary School ended peacefully Tuesday afternoon after officers from the Citrus Heights Police Department responded to a dispute between neighbors.

    Police Lt. Michael Wells told The Sentinel in an email Thursday that officers were dispatched to the 8000 block of Casuarina Court around noon on June 16 to follow up on an “ongoing neighbor dispute.” One of the residents, identified only as a 37-year-old male, reportedly became “verbally uncooperative” with police and ran back to his residence and “barricaded” himself inside.

    Officers surrounded the residence and communicated with the man through an open window, and later by telephone. By 4:20 p.m., police tweeted that the incident had been peacefully resolved.

    While investigating the neighbor dispute, officers determined no crimes had been committed. But police discovered the man had an outstanding warrant for a non-violent misdemeanor.

    Wells said officers at the scene opted to de-escalate the situation and did not attempt an arrest, given that the man’s identity was known to police, there was no immediate threat to the public, and no crime had been committed related to the dispute.

    “Officers have to regularly weigh the importance of apprehension versus officer safety, and the safety of those we come in contact with,” Wells said.

  • Citrus Heights police seek suspect after high speed chase called off

    Suspect, police
    A pair of images of a suspect were released by Citrus Heights police late Tuesday. // Source CHPD

    Police are seeking help from the public to identify a suspect sought in connection with a stolen vehicle and high-speed pursuit that began shortly after 5 a.m. Tuesday.

    Images of the suspect were released on the Citrus Heights Police Department’s social media pages late Tuesday evening, with limited details. Additional information was later provided to The Sentinel on Wednesday afternoon by Special Operations Lt. Jason Russo.

    Police said the pursuit began in Citrus Heights after officers located a stolen pickup truck and attempted to stop the driver. The suspect then fled, ran several red lights, and reached high speeds during the pursuit, Lt. Russo said.

    “We ended up cancelling the pursuit, but we are looking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect in the photo because we believe he is related to the stolen vehicle,” Russo told The Sentinel. He said images were acquired through an investigation of the incident, but was not able to provide what location the photos were taken.

    “We’re hoping that someone recognizes his face and provides us with a tip so we can contact the person,” the lieutenant said. He described the man in the photos as having dark-colored hair and a short or scruffy beard, but said the suspect’s age, height, and weight could not be determined due to the poor quality of the images.

    The stolen vehicle involved is described as a dark-colored, newer model Chevy pickup with a tool box in back.

    >>See latest Citrus Heights police logs

    Lt. Russo said several factors are evaluated during a pursuit which can cause police to cancel the action, including the seriousness of offense, nature of crime, and traffic conditions.

    “We want to ensure that we keep the public’s safety in mind, as well as the need to apprehend a subject,” Russo said.

    Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Citrus Heights police at (916) 727-5500 and reference case #17-03116.

  • Citrus Heights police: 13 crashes occurred in one day during last storm

    Roadway, rain, flooding
    A car plows through a portion of flooded roadway on Old Auburn Road outside Holy Family Church during recent rains on Oct. 16, 2016. // CH Sentinel

    Citrus Heights police said a total of 13 collisions were reported on Oct. 14 in the city, more than five times the daily average.

    The figure was reported by Lt. Jason Russo who noted that the collisions occurred on a weekend that brought the first significant rain of the season. Police document an average of around 700 collisions in Citrus Heights each year, or about two collisions per day in the city, according to the latest annual report provided by police to the city council.

    In a statement Tweeted out by the Citrus Heights Police Department on Friday, the department said drivers are advised to use extra caution when driving in the rain and are legally required to have headlights on when windshield wipers are in use.

    Police also noted that roads will be slick and visibility diminished with rain this weekend. They advised drivers to travel at a slower speed to account for increased stopping distance on wet pavement.

    >>Get local news delivered to your inbox each Sunday: click here to sign up for The Sentinel’s free Weekend e-Edition

  • Citrus Heights police seek to identify man in connection with retail theft

    Theft, Citrus Heights
    Citrus Heights police took to social media this week, posting a photo of a man sought in connection with a local theft. // Source: CHPD

    Updated with additional photo, Sept. 17, 5:55 p.m.–
    Police in Citrus Heights took to social media this week to seek help from the public in identifying a man sought in connection with a recent theft.

    In a Tweet on Thursday from the Citrus Heights Police Department’s official Twitter account, police published a photo from what appeared to be security camera footage, asking: “Recognize this guy? If so, you may report anonymously to CHPD!!”

    Asked for more information about the incident surrounding the Tweet, Sgt. Janet Schaefer told The Sentinel via email that an “unknown white male in his mid-20’s selected over $100 in merchandise at a large retail store and left without paying” on Sept. 13. She said the man was last seen fleeing from the store and police are now seeking the public’s assistance to identify him.

    Citrus Heights police have successfully used social media in the past to locate individuals being sought, notably crediting social media for helping find a missing “at-risk” man last year.

    [From 2015: missing ‘at-risk’ man found; social media credited]

    No other details were provided about the Sept. 13 theft, but police said any information about the man in the photo can be left anonymously. The department’s tip line is (916) 727-5524.

    >>Get police/crime updates and other local news: Sign up for The Sentinel’s free Weekend Edition

    Images of a man being sought in connection with a theft were released this week by Citrus Heights police. // CHPD
    A second image released by Citrus Heights police of a man being sought in connection with a local retail theft. // CHPD

  • Citrus Heights News Briefs: fundraiser, car chase, marijuana regs

    Updated Aug. 28, 12:22 a.m.–
    Latest local news briefs from the past week include a Special Olympics fundraiser pulling in over $3,000 at Texas Roadhouse, planning commissioners voting in favor of tightening marijuana regulations, a fatal motorcycle collision, and a police chase that ended with a suspect’s vehicle smashed into a fence outside a Citrus Heights home.

    CHPD, Texas Roadhouse help raise $3,000 for Special Olympics
    The Texas Roadhouse restaurant on Sunrise Boulevard teamed up with Citrus Heights police for a “Tip-A-Cop” lunchtime fundraiser on Monday, helping raise money for the Northern California Special Olympics. About 200 guests participated in the fundraiser, which included a free meal served up by local police officers, according to the restaurant’s managing partner, Brad Kirby. Rather than pay for the meal, guests were encouraged to leave a donation of any amount, all of which went to the Special Olympics. Kirby said the three-hour event raised over $3,000 from the Citrus Heights location, with additional funds raised at other participating Roadhouse restaurants in Northern California and Nevada.

    Planning Commission votes 7-0 in favor of marijuana regs
     Citrus Heights planning commissioners voted on Wednesday to unanimously support two proposed ordinances that would tighten marijuana regulations in the city, citing concern that pot could be legalized at the the state level in November. An uneventful public hearing held before the vote was attended by less than a half-dozen audience members, and no one from the public spoke in favor or against the proposal. The ordinances still need city council approval, but were designed to address potential impacts of Proposition 64 — an upcoming state ballot initiative that would legalize and tax recreational marijuana in California. If Prop 64 is approved by voters, the proposed ordinances would enable the City to still prohibit commercial marijuana businesses and pot distribution, as well as add definitions to the City code related to commercial, medical, and non-medical uses. A cap on the volume of medical marijuana that can be cultivated in the city is also included in the wording. (See actual wording in agenda packet)

    Car chase ends in crash outside Citrus Heights home
     Police sirens lit up the night early Friday morning in Citrus Heights after a police pursuit in Sacramento County ended up with a suspect’s vehicle smashed into a fence near Van Maren and Greenback Lane. According to a CBS 13 news report, the chase began around 3 a.m. near Interstate 80 and Watt Avenue, when the driver of a Lexus sedan fled from law enforcement after being pulled over for expired license plates. The pursuit ended several minutes later after the vehicle crashed in a yard on Mercedes Avenue, off Van Maren Lane. Watch CBS 13 news coverage.

    Motorcyclist killed in Saturday-night collision on Van Maren
    A fatal collision involving a motorcycle and a vehicle on Saturday night left one motorcyclist dead and another hospitalized. The crash occurred shortly before 9 p.m. on Van Maren Lane near Auburn Boulevard, causing one motorcyclist to be ejected more than 100 feet away, according to a KCRA news report. The motorcycle was reportedly traveling on Van Maren Lane when it struck a vehicle that was turning from Somersworth Drive onto Van Maren. As of 12:15 a.m. Sunday, police still had a portion of Van Maren Lane shut down in both directions. See KCRA news report.

    Also in the news this week:

  • Gun-wielding man fatally shot by Citrus Heights police

    Gun-wielding man fatally shot by Citrus Heights police

    Gunfire and police sirens lit up the night in a Citrus Heights neighborhood Monday, after police fatally shot a man who allegedly brandished a weapon at officers. The shooting occurred shortly before 10:30 p.m. on the 7000 block of Grenola Way, about a quarter-mile from Auburn Boulevard.

    In a news release on Tuesday morning, Citrus Heights police said dispatchers had received information about an armed man who was “acting strange.” Responding officers soon located the man and confirmed he was armed with a handgun, police said.

    At least one officer fired his weapon at the man after he allegedly “brandished the weapon at officers.” The man, whose identity has not yet been released by the Sacramento County Coroner, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Metro Fire personnel.

    During the incident, a low-flying law enforcement helicopter circled the area telling residents on a loud speaker to stay inside and lock their doors and windows.

    Police said the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department “Bomb Squad” was also called in due to some “suspicious canisters” being found near the scene of the shooting. The canisters were later rendered safe.

    No officers were injured in the shooting and police said there are no outstanding suspects.

    As part of the investigation, police said any officers involved in the shooting will be placed on paid administrative leave. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Citrus Heights Police Department at (916) 727-5500.

    Another shooting also occurred just two hours after the Grenola Way incident. In a Tweet on CHPD’s official Twitter account, police confirmed the second shooting occurred around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday on the 7500 block of Cook Avenue, near Auburn Boulevard.

    Police said the second shooting was “unrelated,” but no other details were listed.

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  • Citrus Heights police seek sexual assault suspect

    Sexual assault suspect
    A sketch of a man police said is accused of sexual assault and “peering into apartments” in Citrus Heights. Courtesy, CHPD

    Updated March 28, 4:45 p.m.–
    Citrus Heights police released a sketch Monday afternoon of a man they said has been “peering into apartments” and is accused of sexually assaulting a female victim.

    In a news release issued around 4 p.m. Monday, police said officers have responded to multiple reports from female residents about a “suspicious subject” in their apartment complexes, beginning in January of this year. The suspect reportedly has approached women or girls as they were leaving or coming to their apartments, and “on one occasion, a female was sexually assaulted.”

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    The man is described as dark skinned, clean shaven, and approximately 25 to 30 years old, according to police. He is approximately 5-foot-11-inches to 6-foot-2-inches in height and has typically been seen with a hooded sweatshirt on.

    Police said those with information about the suspect are asked to call Det. Deborah Bayer at (916) 727-5584.

    [See what crimes were reported last week in The Sentinel’s latest Citrus Heights police log summary.]

  • Police: DUI checkpoint planned this weekend in Citrus Heights

    Police: DUI checkpoint planned this weekend in Citrus Heights

    Citrus Heights, DUI checkpoint
    File photo, a traffic sign notifies drivers of a DUI checkpoint in Citrus Heights. // CH Sentinel

    Citrus Heights police announced Thursday that a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint will be conducted by the department’s Traffic Unit at “an undisclosed location” in the city this weekend.

    In a news release issued by Sgt. Brian Fritsch, police said the checkpoint would be held between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., beginning Friday night, Feb. 19. Police said officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and drug impairment, as well as checking drivers for proper licensing.

    Additionally, police said specially trained officers will be on scene to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which can include many prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, according to the news release. Police said drugged driving now accounts for “a growing number of impaired driving crashes.”

    CHPD is known to hold regularly publicized checkpoints within Citrus Heights city limits, focusing on areas with a history of collisions and DUI arrests. The department says it announces DUI operations in advance because “the deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes.”

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    A 2006 study paid for by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which provides funding for checkpoints around the nation, reported that alcohol-related crashes dropped significantly in various jurisdictions, after increased, high-publicity DUI campaigns were conducted.

    An example included in the study’s 108-page report found alcohol-related fatal crashes dropped by 50 percent in Fresno from 2002 to 2003, after Fresno Police “more than doubled” special enforcement activity. Overall alcohol-related crashes in Fresno dropped from 444 in 2002 down to 333 in 2003, an average drop of 25 percent.

    [Document: NHTSA_DUI_Case_Studies_2006.pdf]

    In Citrus Heights last year there were 73 DUI-related collisions, according to statistics previously provided to The Sentinel by Sgt. Jason Baldwin. He said DUI collisions in the city last year dropped by 19 percent compared to 2014, with DUI arrests also dropping from 385 down to 340.

    Out of six fatal roadway collisions in Citrus Heights last year, police determined alcohol was involved on the part of the driver in at least three of the collisions, and two involved alcohol on the part of pedestrians who were hit and killed.

    In prior news releases about local checkpoints, police have emphasized the “preventable nature of drunk driving” accidents, advising those planning to enjoy a drink to designate a sober driver ahead of time, or utilize options like a taxi or Uber. Police have also advised sober drivers to call 9-1-1 to report drunk drivers, and to take the keys of someone who’s been drinking and “help them get home safely.”

    [Also on The Sentinel: Citrus Heights Police: crime reduced by 5% in 2015]

    Funding for CHPD’s checkpoints comes from a California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) grant, through the NHTSA. Police said last November CHPD had received a $236,190 OTS grant to help fund a year-long program of safety-related efforts, including DUI checkpoints and distracted driving enforcement.

  • Super Bowl Sunday DUI crackdown announced by Citrus Heights police

    Super Bowl Sunday DUI crackdown announced by Citrus Heights police

    In a news release issued this week Citrus Heights police announced their “game plan” for Super Bowl Sunday: to deploy extra teams of officers on the streets to specifically seek, stop, and arrest intoxicated drivers.

    Called DUI “saturation patrols,” police said the additional enforcement officers will be out during and after the Super Bowl on Feb. 7, searching for drivers showing signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Police also advised those planning on drinking to designate a sober driver ahead of time, or utilize options like a taxi or Uber.

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    According to police statistics, there were 340 DUI arrests in Citrus Heights last year and 73 DUI-related collisions. Six people were also killed on Citrus Heights roadways last year, with police previously confirming at least half involved alcohol on the part of the driver.

    The Citrus Heights Police Department says it announces enforcement efforts in advance to raise public awareness of DUI crackdowns, in an attempt to cause drivers to “think twice” about operating a vehicle while drunk.

    Although CHPD is known for conducting regularly publicized DUI checkpoints in the city, police did not mention plans for a checkpoint operation this weekend, focusing on saturation patrols instead.

    [Related: 2015 stats show 19% drop in Citrus Heights DUI crashes, but fatalities rise]

    As previously reported on The Sentinel, saturation patrols tend to result in a higher number of arrests than checkpoints, due to a difference in goals, according to CHPD spokesman Anthony Boehle.

    In a prior statement, Boehle said checkpoints are primarily about public awareness, explaining that the more people know about heavy crackdowns on DUIs, the less likely they are to attempt a drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. While highly visible checkpoints may arrest a small number of drunk drivers each year, Boehle said a single saturation patrol car can make more arrests in one night than a checkpoint can during the same period.
    A 2006 study paid for by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported alcohol-related crashes dropped significantly in various jurisdictions, after increased, high-publicity DUI campaigns involving saturation patrols, checkpoints, and other operations were conducted. [Document: NHTSA_DUI_Case_Studies_2006.pdf] Police said funding for the Super Bowl DUI crackdown operation comes from a California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) grant, through the NHTSA. CHPD announced last November it had received a $236,190 OTS grant to help fund a year-long program of safety-related efforts, including DUI checkpoints and distracted driving enforcement.