Woodland Police Department : Press Releases

badge over flag

Woodland Police Department

PRESS RELEASE
WOODLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
1000 LINCOLN AVENUE
WOODLAND, CA. 95695
Ph 530-661-7800
Fax 530-662-5377

Halloween Assault Suspect Arrested
WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA
Woodland P.D. Case Number(s): 06-7010

On December 1, 2006 at approximately 6:20pm Detectives from the Woodland Police Department arrested 19 year old Woodland resident Billy Stockton at the Woodland Police Department. Stockton was arrested as a result of an investigation into the assault of a 74 year old male on Halloween night. The assault had occurred in the 1100 block of McKinley Avenue and the victim suffered from lacerations and abrasions about his head and face. Detectives can find no connection between Stockton and the victim and believe this was a random act of violence. Several other people were present during the assault, however no other arrests are expected.

Stockton was booked into the Monroe Detention Center where he is being held in lieu of $20,000.00 bail.

Juvenile Arrested for Rape
WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA
Woodland P.D. Case Number(s): 06-7661

On November 28, 2006 at approximately 8:51am Detectives from the Woodland Police Department arrested a 17 year old Woodland male on charges of rape, oral copulation and kidnapping. The arrest occurred on Matmor Road near Kate Lane and was in connection to an assault of a 23 year old female which occurred on Sunday, November 26^th between 6:00pm and 8:00pm in the 1100 block of Matmor Road. Subsequent to the arrest Detectives served a search warrant at the juvenile’s home where they recovered other items of evidence. During the service of the search warrant Tedral Thompson, a 45 year old adult male was arrested for obstructing/resisting officers during the performance of their duties. (Thompson had attempted to prevent the officers from entering parts of the home).

The juvenile suspect whose name is not being released because of his age, was booked into the Yolo County Juvenile Hall where he remains, pending a future court appearance. Tedral Thompson was booked into the Monroe Detention Center from where he was later released on a notice to appear in court. The victim was taken to the University of California Davis Medical Center where she received treatment for her injuries and was later released.

VEHICLE ROLLOVER AT EVERMAN PARK

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D Case Number(s) 06-7587, 06-7589

On 11-23-06 at approx. 2202 hrs. Woodland Police Officers were dispatched to a single vehicle rollover accident at Sixth St. and Cottage Wy. Prior to police arriving on scene the driver of the vehicle was pulled from the wreck by an unknown citizen to the front lawn of a house in the 900 blk of Sixth St.

The driver, and sole occupant, was identified as Augustine Murillo, a 19 year old Dixon resident. Murillo was transported by ambulance to the UCD Medical Center in Sacramento. Murillo was later arrested for driving under the influence.

The accident is still under investigation and speed may be a contributing factor.

Cpl. Sexton can be reached Tues-Fri, 1400-0000 hrs.

BRAWL AT BAR SENDS TWO TO HOSPITAL

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D Case Number(s): 06-7592

On 11-23-06 at approx. Woodland Police Officers responded to a report of a man down in front of Tony’s Tavern, 607 East St. On arrival an unconscious male, later identified as 20 year old Vacaville resident Sergio Robledo, was found lying in the parking lot in front of the bar.

A second person was later contacted at Woodland Memorial Hospital. That victim was 22 year old Woodland resident Joseph Vidales.

Witnesses said a fight involving both injured men occurred outside the bar. No weapons were reported to have been used in the fight.

This incident is still under investigation, anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Woodland Police Dept. at 530-666-2411.

Cpl. Sexton can be reached Tues-Fri., 1400-0000 hrs.

STOLEN CAT RECOVERED BY POLICE

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D Case Number(s): 06-7374

On Saturday, November 18, 2006 at approximately 3:45 pm, the Woodland Police Department received a tip from an anonymous citizen about the location of the blue ceramic cat that had been stolen from atop Main Street’s ‘Wirth Furniture and Interiors’ on Wednesday, November 15, 2006.

Acting on the tip, officers made contact with two 15-year-old suspects at the residence in question. One of the suspects was male, the other, female, and both were Woodland residents. After questioning the suspects, the stolen blue ceramic cat was located and recovered.

Later the same day, a third juvenile suspect (also 15-years-old) was contacted and arrested at his Woodland residence for his involvement in the theft.

All three juvenile suspects were booked at Yolo County Juvenile Hall on felony charges of Grand Theft.

The recovered article was booked as evidence and will be held pending adjudication of the criminal proceedings, but will eventually be released back to the Woodland Arts Center.

Arsonist Arrested

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D. Case Number(s): 06-6775 & 06-6238

On October 27, 2006 at approximately 11:00am Detectives from the Woodland Police Department arrested twenty year old, Woodland resident, James Dale Smith on two counts of Arson. Smith was arrested on probable cause for arson after he left his Woodland home in the 100 block of West North Street where Detectives also served a search warrant subsequent to that arrest. Smith’s arrest occurred as a result of an on-going investigation into the fire behind 34 W. Court Street (old Super Saver) on October 21^st which caused an estimated, thirty thousand dollars in damage. Smith was also arrested for his involvement in another fire at John Ferns Park on September 28, 2006 at approximately 2:15pm where a few pieces of lumber from a play structure were burned.

As of this time the investigation into these fires as well as others in the Woodland area are on-going and more arrests will occur. Upon the completion of his interview, Smith was transferred into the custody of detectives from the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office and subsequently booked at the Monroe Detention Center from where he has since been released, pending further court proceedings.

DODGE CARAVANS TARGETED BY CAR THIEVES

Woodland P.D Case Number(s): 06-7034, 06-7036, 06-7057

Blue Dodge Caravans were the apparent vehicle of choice for car thieves during the night of November 1^st to the 2^nd. One van was actually stolen, while two were left behind, when the thieves were unable to get them started. It is possible that the newer model Caravans were outfitted with “smart key” technology to help prevent theft.

The first call received by WPD, on the morning of the 2^nd, was for an attempted theft in the 1500 block of E. Main St. The thieves were apparently unable to get the 2005 blue Caravan started and abandoned it after damaging the interior.

The second call came from a woman whose 1999 blue Caravan was missing from its assigned parking space at 1180 Matmor Rd.

A 2006 blue Caravan, also parked at 1180 Matmor, was later discovered to have damage that was consistent with someone trying to steal it.

A white 1989 Oldsmobile Royale sedan was also stolen during the night, from a driveway in the 700 block of Fifth St.

Anyone with information on these crimes is encouraged to call WPD at 666-2411.

STABBING

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D Case Number(s): 06-6953

On October 29^th 2006, at approximately 1:30 A.M., Woodland Police Officers were dispatched to the Woodland Memorial Hospital at 1325 Cottonwood St. for a victim who appeared to have been stabbed several times.

Upon arrival, Officers contacted the victim in the emergency room. The victim had sustained multiple life threatening stab wounds to the face, neck, shoulder and back area. The victim was attacked by multiple unknown assailants in the parking lot area within the apartment complex of 1180 Matmor Rd.

The victim was transported to the U.C. Davis Medical Center in Sacramento where he was treated for his wounds. At the time of this press release the victim was in stable condition.

The motive in this case is unknown. The case has been referred to the Investigations Division.

Anyone with information related to this investigation should call the Woodland Police Department’s Investigations Division at 661-7874.

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE PREVENTS A CRIME
Woodland P.D Case NUmber(s): 06-6749

The intended victim of a “pigeon drop” scheme remembered reading an article in the newspaper about a similar crime occurring at Wal Mart last year. She then walked away from the two con artists and contacted police.

The first suspect approached the victim for assistance in reading an address that was written in English. Speaking only Spanish, the suspect began to tell her intended victim a sad story about an accident and showed her some “diamonds” that she needed to sell. This first suspect is described as a short Hispanic Female about 30 years of age, with long black hair, about 5’01 and 135 pounds. She was wearing a black T-shirt, brownish colored sweater, black pants and tennis shoes. She was also noted as carrying a red canvas tote bag with a Disney character on it.

As the suspect talked to the victim, a second Hispanic female acted as if she had just overheard their conversation and began asking questions about the jewels. This woman was about 35 – 40 years of age, short and well dressed in an expensive looking off white sweater that was decorated with beads or sequins, and black slacks.

The victim realized she was being set up, just like the newspaper article described, so she excused herself and walked away.

Investigators will review Wal Mart security videos in an effort to identify the two suspects. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Woodland Police Department at (530) 666-2411

VANDAL ARRESTED IN TIRE SLASHINGS
Woodland, California
Woodland P.D Case Number(s): 06-6018, 06-6019, 06-6020

2312 Hours: Officers responded to an in-progress call of tires being slashed, adjacent to Woodland High, in the area of W. Woodland Av and Nevada. The suspect, Jashua Crispin, age 20 of Woodland, was subsequently arrested at the corner of Cottonwood and Coral after being chased across the Woodland High School playing fields, and through several residential yards, by a witness and some of the residents’ dogs.

Three victims have been identified thus far and the investigation is ongoing, as additional victims may be located.

Anyone having information about this case is encouraged to contact the Woodland Police Department at 666-2411.

Three Juveniles Arrested for Vandalism

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D. Case Number(s): 06-003981

On September 13, 2006 Detectives from the Woodland Police Department arrested two sixteen year old males in the City of Antelope for felony vandalism. The arrests stem from an incident which occurred between June 16^th and 18^th at the Woodland Christian School, 1787 Matmor Road. On September 14^th a third sixteen year old male was arrested at his residence in connection to the same crime. Two of the three juveniles are Woodland residents, while the third resides in Antelope CA.

All three suspects were arrested as a result of an on-going investigation into the profane and satanic graffiti painted onto the school’s buildings and gate, as well as a broken window in one of the class rooms. Damage to the school was estimated to be over one-thousand dollars.

The three juveniles were arrested without incident and were later booked into Yolo County Juvenile Hall where they are being held pending further proceedings.

BOMB THREAT "PRANK" LEADS TO ARREST

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D Case Number(s): 06-5792

On Sunday, September 10, 2006, personnel from the Target store (County Fair Mall, Woodland), called the Woodland Police Department at 8:47 PM after receiving a bomb threat via telephone.

It was reported to police that a male subject called the store operator and said several times that there was a bomb in the store before hanging up. Responding police units were told that the store was in the process of being evacuated.

Police began to arrive at 8:51 PM and shortly thereafter met with management personnel from Target. After ensuring that the business was indeed completely evacuated, Woodland Police officers, accompanied by store personnel, conducted a thorough search of the building. Nothing out of the ordinary was located during the search.

At 9:36 PM, a subject called the police, falsely identified himself (using a friend’s name), and stated he had called in the bomb threat, but that it was only a prank. The police dispatcher who took the call advised the subject to drive to Target and talk to police officers.

At 9:59 PM, the subject arrived at Target, this time correctly identifying himself as 20‑year-old Woodland resident Sanjit Singh. Woodland Police Officer Ben Christiansen spoke to Singh, who was arrested shortly thereafter for violation of California Penal Code §148.1(c), False Report of a Bomb, a felony.

Sanjit was booked at the Yolo County Jail.

SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D Case Number(s): 06-005626

On September 3^rd at 9:40 am, a County employee reported that there was a cardboard box with “C 4” written on it next to the County Communication center at 35 N. Cottonwood St. which was occupied by employees. Dispatch advised that a subject was seen leaving the area. The subject was described as either a Hispanic Male adult or an Indian Male adult, dressed in a dark gray suit driving a maroon colored Thunderbird. The witness noticed that the subject leaned back in the vehicle when he saw the witness. Woodland Police Officers responded and noticed the cardboard box had an American Flag attached to it and “C 4” was written on the side. Due to the fact that “C 4” is known as a military plastic explosive, Officers took precautionary measures and set up a perimeter around the area. Shortly after the perimeter was established, Officers located the described subject at a business in the 300 block of West Main St. He was identified as the subject who left the area and was subsequently detained. The subject was identified as Barry Turnbage, 60 years of age from Woodland. The Yolo County Bomb Squad and Woodland Police Detectives were called out for a further investigation. The item was not determined to be an explosive device, but according to the suspect Turnbage it was intended to be a joke.

Turnbage was arrested and booked into the Yolo County Jail on felony charges of 148.1(d)P.C. Placing a false bomb and 1203.2(a) P.C. violation of probation, with a bail of $10,000.00

The case has been referred to Detective Imus for further investigation. No one was hurt or injured during the incident and there is no further information at the time of this press release.

Arsonist Arrested for Attempted Murder

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D. Case Number(s): 06-5433, 05-7288

August 28, 2006

Detectives investigating the recent arson of an inhabited dwelling at 621 West Street arrested 38 year old, Woodland resident, Alejandro Quinones Barragan on two counts of arson of an inhabited dwelling, attempted murder, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Barragan became the focus of the investigation almost immediately as he had an on-going dispute with one of the residents at 621 West Street. Detectives reviewed evidence in this case as well as from the previous arson case at the same home in November 2005. This information led detectives to Barragan’s home, a converted garage at 52 Fifth Street. Upon contact with Barragan he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine as well as a pipe commonly used to smoke methamphetamine. Barragan was taken into custody and transported to the Woodland Police Department where detectives interviewed him about his involvement in the arsons.

Subsequent to his interview Barragan was arrested on two counts of arson and attempted murder, these charges stemming from one of the 2005 fires as well as the fire from this weekend. Barragan was then taken to the Monroe Detention Center where he was booked for the two counts of arson, attempted murder, possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. Barragan is being held on $40,000 bail.

POSSIBLE EXPLOSIVE DEVICE

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D Case Number(s): 06-005472

On 8/28/06 at 10:16 am, a Woodland Police Officer was contacted by citizen who observed a white male adult in his twenties holding what she believed to be a hand grenade behind the area of 426 Main St. Officers contacted a subject who matched the description and detained him. Officers located an item that look similar to a homemade type of hand grenade in the immediate area where the subject was contacted. Officers established a safe perimeter, notified the local businesses, the Woodland Fire department and contacted the Yolo County Bomb Squad to evaluate and collect the suspected hand grenade.

At approximately 11:00 am, Officers from the Yolo County Bomb Squad arrived and examined the item. The Bomb Squad Officer then collected the item and transported it to a safe location for further examination. The Bomb Squad Officers believe the item was not an explosive device but a further investigation will be conducted. The area was clear by 11:30 am.

The subject detained was determined to be a 20 year white male adult from Woodland. He was interviewed and released. No criminal charges have been filed against the subject detained.

No one was hurt or injured during the incident and there is no further information at the time of this press release.

Alarm Thwarts Would be Thieves

Woodland California

Woodland P.D Case Number(s): 06-5460

2304 hours Woodland police officers responded to an alarm activation at 1351 E. Beamer St. The vacant warehouse, previously occupied by Mobile Chemical and a plastics manufacturing firm, has been broken into several times over the past six months. The building was undergoing renovation to replace utilities and copper wiring that were ripped out and stolen in a series of recent burglaries.

Believing the activation was not accidental, the officers began a systematic search of the area. Two subjects were soon discovered hiding in the field near a man sized hole cut into the chain link fencing. Curtis Marlow, age 46 of Capay, and Gary Valdez, age 34 of Woodland, were arrested for attempted burglary. Valdez was also charged with possession of burglary tools and had a hold placed on him for violation of parole.

Anyone with additional information on this case or any other copper theft cases, please contact the Woodland Police Department at 666-2411.

Public Service/Awareness
WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

The police department was notified on this date that a citizen had received a telephone call from a solicitor, purportedly from New York, telling the citizen that they had won $50,000.00 after entering a contest. The solicitor asked for the citizen by name. (The citizen had not entered any contest, and believed at this point that the call was a scam.) The solicitor then advised the citizen that the contest needed 1% of the total prize amount to cover the taxes associated with the prize money. In this case the solicitor told the citizen they needed $2,500.00 to process the prize. (5% of the prize amount)

The solicitor then began asking the citizen for checking account information so the fee could be collected from the citizen. When the citizen advised the solicitor there was no checking account, no credit cards, etc.., the solicitor put the citizen “on hold” and never came back to the phone. The citizen notified the police department.

We should all realize that crooks will utilize any venue to relieve us of our hard earned money/property. The police department wants to stress that if something seems too good to be true…it probably is a scam. If you have legitimately won a prize from a contest you have entered, there is no cost involved for you to collect your prize. Generally, legitimate taxes associated with a cash prize should be withheld from the proceeds, with no requirement for an individual to “pay” the taxes prior to collecting the prize.

The police department also wants to stress to everyone; NEVER, NEVER, EVER… give someone who has called you your personal information, social security card

number, checking account number, credit card number, etc, over the phone or the internet. Protect your identifying information and your personal financial information. Do not allow yourself to fall prey to slick talkers promising quick financial gain, from something you know nothing about, in exchange for your information. They will wind up with your money…and you will wind up talking to us.

In this particular instance, the citizen did not become a victim. There was no loss. There was an attempt made to steal money, by an unknown party in an unknown location.

Anyone having recently experienced this type of call is encouraged to contact the police department at either of the following telephone numbers:

Non-emergency dispatch 666-2411

Police department business office 661-7800

Back to School Traffic Enforcement Project

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

On Monday, August 21, 2006, Woodland schools came back into session and with that, came some traffic congestion and parking issues.

16 extra police officers were assigned to patrol the areas surrounding the schools for the purpose of intensive traffic enforcement. The objective behind this effort was the safety of our children as they traveled to and from their respective schools.

Officers were assigned to specific schools and were tasked with handling everything from pedestrian issues, bicyclists, and vehicle traffic in their areas. Throughout the day, officers made numerous vehicle stops and contacts, and issued citations for dangerous driving. Other violations were also cited. 34 citations were issued for hazardous driving acts such as speeding, right-of-way violations, and seatbelt violations. 8 citations were issued for non-hazardous driving acts such as expired registration and other equipment violations. There were 17 parking citations issued to vehicles that were found parked in violation of the vehicle code, such as parking over a sidewalk, or in front of a fire hydrant. Several citations were also issued to children for riding their bicycles without helmets.

This effort was a success based upon the fact that we experienced no school-related traffic collisions or injuries to any students.

Specific traffic enforcement will continue around the schools throughout the school year, every day. Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians are reminded to obey the law in order to get to and from their schools smoothly, and to avoid being cited for traffic violations

Community Center Vandals Arrested

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D. Case Number(s): 06-4336

August 22, 2006

Detectives from the Woodland Police Department arrested three local juveniles responsible for the July 4, 2006 felony vandalism of the Woodland Community Center, located at 2001 East Street. Damage to the newly constructed facility was estimated to be in excess of $11,000.00.

Detectives learned of the suspects’ involvement through numerous contacts and investigative leads. The suspects had previously been contacted by detectives and denied any involvement in the crime, however more information was collected and the suspects were arrested without incident.

The Woodland Community Center, under construction at the time of the original incident, sustained damage consisting of fourteen broken large glass windows, damaged interior walls and paint sprayed about the facility.

As of this writing all three male juveniles, between the ages of 13 and 14 years old are still in custody at the Yolo County Juvenile Hall pending further proceedings.

Stolen School Computers Recovered
WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D. Case Number(s): 06-5151

On August 16, 2006 at approximately 5:30pm Detectives from the Woodland Police Department arrested nineteen year old Arbuckle resident, Benjamin Kemp Villanueva in Arbuckle, on charges of possession of stolen property, grand theft and appropriation of lost property. (All felony crimes).

Villanueva’s arrest came after Detectives had learned of a recent burglary and theft of fifteen computers from Lee Junior High School. The computer thefts had occurred during the weekend of August 11, 2006 and Detectives quickly learned that one of the stolen computers had recently been sold to a man in Rancho Cordova. This buyer purchased the computer after finding it for sale on Craigslist, which is an on-line internet site. The man who purchased the computer discovered it was used by Lee Junior High School and he contacted the school and they in turn contacted the Woodland Police Department.

A detective from Woodland, posing as a prospective buyer, responded to the same internet site on Craigslist and inquired about a computer. Within an hour the detective received a response and spoke with the seller who agreed to meet him at a gas station in the city of Arbuckle and sell a computer. Detectives met with the individual who identified himself as the person selling the computers and after a short conversation the seller (Villanueva) was taken into custody. Two laptop computers as well as several hundred dollars in cash were recovered incident to Villanueva’s arrest.

Detectives drove Villanueva to his house in Arbuckle where they recovered another 8 computers, one of which was packaged and addressed to an address in Nigeria. Five of the eight computers seized were from Lee Junior High School and the remaining three were later found to have been stolen from Arbuckle’s Pierce High School on August 14^th.

The theft from Pierce High School had not yet been reported to the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office, that portion of this incident has been referred to them for investigation. Villanueva was brought back to Woodland where he was booked into the Monroe Detention Center and still remains today, being held on ten-thousand dollars bail. Villanueva was also charged on an un-related Woodland case of passing bad checks in an amount over $4,000

Detectives are in the process of recovering Villanueva’s Craigslist account information in order to locate other stolen items; anyone who may have purchased items from Benjamin Villanueva or Benjamin Villanueva Inc. whether in person or via Craigslist is asked to contact the Woodland Police Department, Detective Hyde at 530-661-7891

VEHICLE PURSUIT

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D Case Number(s): 06-5266, 06-5267

On Saturday, August 19^th, 2006 at approximately 2050 hours, Woodland Police Officers were attempting to make a traffic enforcement stop on a reckless driver in a 1995 red Chevrolet Camaro at West Main St. and Co Rd 98. The vehicle failed to yield to the police car’s lights and siren and continued northbound on Co Rd 98 at approximately 90+ mph. The vehicle continued to flee from officers at a high rate of speed through the residential area of West Beamer St. and Kern Ave. As the vehicle slowed down near the intersection of Kern Ave and Bright day, the suspect jumped out of the moving vehicle and fled on foot. The vehicle continued out of control and collided with a park car and then came to a stop into bushes of a residence at the corner of Bright Day and Sunrise St. Officers set up a perimeter in the immediate area and subsequently located the suspect hiding in a backyard of a residence in the 300 block of Bright Day. He was taken into custody without incident. The suspect was identified as 21 year old Alexander Roberts of Woodland. In addition to reckless driving, Roberts was determined to be driving the vehicle while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content over .08%. and was wanted for several misdemeanor warrants.

Roberts was booked into the Yolo County Jail and held on felony charges of 2800.2 C.V.C., Evading a Police Officer and misdemeanor charges of 23152(a)(b) C.V.C. driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, 20002(a) C.V.C. leaving the scene of an accident, 23103(b) C.V.C. reckless driving on private property, 14601.2(a) C.V.C. driving with a suspended driver license and multiple misdemeanor warrants. He was held with a bail of $35,000.00

Anyone with information relating to this investigation should call the Woodland Police Department at 666-2414.

ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT WILL BE ADDED FOR THE OPENING OF SCHOOL
WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

The Woodland Police Department will activate a special traffic enforcement plan for the opening of the 2006-2007 school year. Beginning on Monday, August 21, 2006, the community can expect to see additional police officers on the streets and specifically around the schools. These officers’ primary duties will be the enforcement of traffic laws for motorists, as well as bicyclists and pedestrians.

The desire of the Police Department is to do all that we can to ensure the safety of the members of our community. The opening of a new school year can be stressful and confusing for a lot of people. Our intention is not to add to that stress or confusion, but to assist where we can and strictly enforce the rules of the road to any person causing a dangerous condition.

Motorists are highly encouraged to keep a close eye on their speed, and to make sure they and their passengers are wearing their seatbelts. Remember, the speed limit in a school zone, when children are present, is 25 MPH regardless of the posted speed limit of the roadway. People are encouraged to give themselves plenty of time so that they don’t have to rush.

We would like the opening of school to go as smoothly as possible, and we are going to do everything that we can to make that happen.

AVOID THE EIGHT
WOODLAND, CALIFORNIAWoodland P.D. Case Number(s):

California Office of Traffic Safety “AVOID THE EIGHT” Campaign in Yolo County to Reduce Alcohol-Involved Traffic Fatalities, Injuries and Collisions

Earlier this year, eight law enforcement agencies and one dispatch agency formed a partnership and received a California Office of Traffic Safety grant award totaling $260,640 over a three-year period from 2006 - 2009. The grant will fund a task force composed of traffic officers from all partner agencies who will schedule specialized operations during holiday times throughout the year in various Yolo County cities and locations, conducting DUI enforcement, sobriety checkpoints, and warrant patrols for multiple DUI offenders. Enforcement periods include the Memorial Day, Labor Day and July 4^th weekends, as well as the Winter holidays.

Law enforcement agencies in Yolo County are pleased to join the “AVOID” programs which the Office of Traffic Safety and California Highway Patrol have successfully conducted in many other California counties and cities in recent years.

The “AVOID THE EIGHT” campaign in Yolo County consists of the following eight law enforcement agencies plus one Dispatch Center who will assist with dispatching the AVOID teams:

Davis Police Department

West Sacramento Police Department

Winters Police Department

Woodland Police Department

UCD Davis Police Department

Yolo County Probation Department

Yolo County Sheriff’s Department

California Highway Patrol

Yolo County Communications Emergency Services Agency (Dispatch only)

Detailed program information and statistics for all participating counties and law enforcement are available at the www.californiaavoid.org website.

HIT AND RUN TRAFFIC COLLISION

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D Case Number(s) 06-5166, 06-5167

On Monday, August 14^th, 2006 at approximately 2152 hours, Woodland Police Officers were dispatched to a vehicle collision involving a motorcycle with a man down and unknown injuries in the 1000 block of West St. Woodland Police Officers, Woodland Firefighters and AMR personnel quickly arrived on scene. The subject who was on the motorcycle sustained non-life threatening injuries but was transported to the UC Davis Medical Center by helicopter for precautions. Officers learned through their investigation that one moving vehicle and motorcycle were involved as well as three parked vehicles. The driver of the vehicle fled from the scene of the accident and according to witnesses he was bleeding from the face. Officers searched the area and within minutes apprehended the fleeing driver near the intersection of West St. and Cross St. The driver was identified as Raul Sandoval. A 23 year old Hispanic male from Woodland. Sandoval was determined to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and was subsequently arrested.

Sandoval was medically cleared at the Woodland Memorial Hospital and then booked into the Yolo County Jail. Sandoval was held on felony charges of 20001 C.V.C. Hit and Run, 23153(a) C.V.C. driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage resulting in an injury to another person, and misdemeanor charges of driving without a license. He was held with a bail of $15,000.00.

Anyone with information relating to this investigation should call the Woodland Police Department at 666-2414.

Employee Arrested

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D. Case Number(s): 06-4897

On Friday, August 04, 2006 at approximately 2:45pm Detectives from the Woodland Police Department arrested 40 year old Woodland resident, Matthew J. Patton at his residence in the first block of Grand Avenue, on charges of possession of stolen property and embezzlement.

Patton’s arrest stemmed from an earlier arrest on Thursday night (August 3^rd) at approximately 8:00pm in the 600 block of Cottonwood Street where officers responded to a call of an intoxicated male inside of a local business. Officers arrived on scene and were able to identify the subject they were looking for as Matthew Patton who was intoxicated and unable to care for his own safety. During a search of his person incident to arrest, Patton was found to be in possession of a loaded and concealed firearm as well as two fully loaded magazines and a functioning, portable Motorola radio programmed with local law enforcement channels including Woodland Police Department.

Officers searched Patton’s vehicle and located a mounted and functional radio which again had Woodland Police Department’s frequency installed as well as a siren, public address system and portable red and blue flashing lighting system capable of being placed onto and removed from both the dashboard and rearview mirror. Patton’s vehicle was also equipped with a set of red and blue flashing lights affixed to the front bumper resembling a set of fog lamps. These lights were controlled from a remote switch inside the cab of his vehicle.

Patton was booked into the Monroe Detention Center on charges of being intoxicated in public and carrying a loaded/concealed firearm in a public place. Patton’s vehicle was towed to the Woodland Police Department were it was held for evidentiary purposes

On Friday, August 4^th Detectives began their investigation in order to determine the origin and possible use of the property observed by the officers. At approximately 12:20pm Patton was released on bail from the Monroe Detention Center and he voluntarily spoke with Detectives. The investigation revealed that Patton, a senior tree trimmer employed by the City of Woodland, had removed items entrusted to him, during the course of his employment. Those items included emergency equipment, which was taken from secured storage at the City’s corporation yard on N. Pioneer Avenue.

At approximately 3:00pm Patton was arrested on charges of possession of stolen property and again booked into the Monroe Detention Center. A search warrant was obtained for Patton’s Woodland home where Detectives collected property belonging to the City of Woodland, several firearms, a firearm’s silencer and tracer ammunition. (Tracer ammunition is defined by the California Penal Code as being a destructive device). Patton was additionally charged with the possession of the destructive devices and possession of a firearm’s silencer – both felonies.

The investigation is continuing as Detectives examine the seized firearms and attempt to determine the value of the property stolen from the City of Woodland. Investigators are concerned that Patton may have attempted to impersonate a Police Officer by use of his personal vehicle, (blue 1990 Chevrolet pick-up, California plate 4D38921). If anyone has had contact with Mr. Patton possibly impersonating a police officer, they are asked to contact the Woodland Police Department at 661-7800.

EXPLOSIVE DEVICE DISABLED

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D Case Number(s): 06-4636

On Thursday, July 20, 2006, at approximately 1710 hours, Woodland Police Officers responded to the area of Colette Way and Dodds Drive for a report by a concerned neighborhood resident of a suspicious object. The object, a plastic 2-liter soda bottle wrapped with electrical tape, was located in an upright position in the gutter on the south side of Colette Way, adjacent Campbell Park. Deemed as possibly an explosive device, the Yolo County Bomb Squad was called to assist and Woodland Fire Department personnel were “staged” in the area in case the device detonated. Residents in the immediate area were advised of the situation and most chose to temporarily evacuate their homes. Campbell Park, after being initially cleared of occupants, was kept clear for the duration of the incident.

Yolo County Bomb Squad personnel, led by Commander Nick Concolino, arrived at approximately 1800 hours and, using a Kevlar safety blanket and a disruptive tool mounted on a remote controlled “bomb robot”, vented and disabled the device, while leaving most of the 2-liter bottle intact for fingerprint processing. Later examination of the 2-liter bottle revealed that it had been filled with “pyrotechnic photoflash powder” and was classified as “extremely dangerous”. Further investigation revealed that a fuse had most likely been inserted into the cap of the bottle but failed to ignite the powder contained within.

California Penal Code §12303.3 (Use of Destructive Device and Explosive to Injure, Terrify or Destroy), a serious felony criminal statute, is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for a period of three, five, or seven years.

This incident remains under active investigation by the Woodland Police Department and the Yolo County Bomb Squad; anyone with suspect information should immediately contact the Woodland Police Department at (530) 661-7800 or (530) 666-2411.

PAROLEE AT LARGE ARRESTED

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D Case Number(s); 06-4497

On 07-14-06 at 2300 hours police responded to a residence to search for a Parolee at Large, Ramon Rivera, which was wanted by the California Department of Corrections.

Upon arrival the subject fled from police and attempted to hide from police in a nearby parking lot. A search for the subject was conducted with a police canine. The subject was found hiding by the police canine and when the subject would not comply with police orders he was subsequently bitten by the dog. The subject was taken into custody without further incident.

Ramon Rivera (51 years old) was arrested for charges of resisting arrest and for being a Parolee at Large. Rivera was treated for minor injuries he sustained and later booked at the Yolo Co Jail.

SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D Case Number(s): 06-004194

On this date, approximately 1550 Hours, Woodland Police and Fire Department personnel were made aware of a suspicious package at the U.S. Post Office on Court Street.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the package was originally sent to an address in Oklahoma that did not exist. The package was returned to the sender based on the return address. The family at the return address had not sent the package, and gave the package to the Post Office. Further contact with the family revealed that they were in litigation with another family, and the family who received the package believed that the other family members might have sent the package. Due to the litigation and the threats that were made between the families involved, the Post office placed the package outside their building and notified authorities.

The area was secured and a perimeter was established. The E.O.D. Team was called in to investigate. The package was x-rayed with no positive results as to the contents of the package. The package was then “water blasted” with a special device. The contents turned out to be non-hazardous and not an explosive device of any kind.

The area was allowed to resume normal routines. No one was harmed during the event. A report was taken by Woodland Police to be worked in conjunction with the Postal Inspector.

Assault With A Deadly Weapon

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D. Case Number(s): 06-4107

On Sunday, June 25, 2006 at approximately 04:30 a.m. Detectives from the Woodland Police Department arrested 20 year old Woodland resident, Michael Barrera charging him with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon. Barrera’s arrest came after an early morning fight on Sunday June 25^th in the 1800 block of Olvera Court. Approximately 20 – 30 people had gathered at a residence for a party and at approximately 01:20am two people began to fight. The fighting escalated and two people were injured when Barrera assaulted them with a large kitchen knife. Barrera left the scene in a vehicle and was subsequently stopped on E. Gum Avenue at Highway 113 where he was arrested at approximately 02:30am for driving while impaired. Barrera was identified as the suspect in both assaults by witnesses at the scene as well as by one of the victims.

One victim, a 16 year-old Woodland male, was transported to Woodland Memorial Hospital with a large cut to his abdomen – he has since been released and is expected to make a full recovery. The second male, a 20 year old Woodland resident, was stabbed in the back and had a large cut to his head as well as a laceration across his left hand. This victim was transported to the University of California Davis Medical Center, none of the injuries are life threatening.

Barrera was booked into the Monroe Detention Center where still today, he is being held on $20,000 bail.

POSSESSION OF DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D Case Number(s): 06-3849

On 06-13-06 at approximately 1600 hours, Detectives from the Woodland Police Department and members from the Yolo County Bomb Squad conducted a search warrant at 611 Bartlett St. after receiving information from a citizen informant that destructive devices were being manufactured there.

In the course of the search several items of interest were recovered including two destructive devices as defined by California Penal Code Section 12301. Nicholas Kershner, a 19 year old living at 611 Bartlett St. was arrested for possession of these destructive devices in an inhabited dwelling. This case is still being investigated by Detectives.

Kershner was booked into the Yolo County Jail for two counts of 12303.2- Possession of a destructive device in an inhabited dwelling and is being held on $100,000.00 bail.

HIT AND RUN DRIVER ARRESTED

WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Woodland P.D Case Number(s): 06-3795

On 06-09-06 at 2345