Date and Time of Release: 8 April 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 7 April 2013, at approx. 4:30 pm

Subject: Search Warrant/Drug Arrest
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7 April 2013, at approx. 4:30 pm, Officers were at a residence on the 300 block of Snell Street regarding a call for service. They contacted the resident, James Benites, 67 of Sonora. Benites gave consent to Officers to enter his residence.

While Officers were inside the residence, they saw several pills in plain view. A check of the pills reveled they were a controlled substances. When asked about the controlled pills, Benites stated he did not have a prescription for them. It was also determined that Benites was under the influence of a controlled substance.

Another subject was located inside the residence, who was identified as Bradi Waldecker, 37 of Jamestown. It was discovered that Waldecker had an active misdemeanor traffic warrant for her arrest. Waldecker was taken into custody on the outstanding warrant and booked at the Tuolumne County Jail.

Officers secured the residence and obtained a search warrant. Upon the service of the search warrant on the residence methamphetamine was located, along with packaging material, scales and other evidence of sales. Drug paraphernalia was located as well, along with two law enforcement type collapsible batons.

Benites was taken into custody and transported to the Tuolumne County Jail. He was booked for felony possession of a controlled substance for sale, felony possession of a controlled substance, felony possession of a controlled narcotic, misdemeanor being under the influence of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of a baton, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Date and Time of Release: 4 April 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 3 April 2013

Subject: Drug Arrests
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30 March 2013, at approx. 9:57 am, the Sonora Police Department received a call of a possible drug transaction taking place in a parking lot, located at the intersection of Mono Way and Greenley Road. When an Officer arrived, he observed one vehicle leaving and made contact with the driver of the second vehicle. The Officer was able to obtain a license plate from the car that was leaving and recognized the driver.

The driver of the vehicle he contacted was identified as Jacob Sabins, 22 of Sonora. During the Officers investigation he located heroin, along with a hypodermic needle and other drug paraphernalia. Sabin was placed under arrest for felony sells of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and for an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for possession of drug paraphernalia. Sabins was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked.

The Sonora Police Department was able to obtain a search warrant for the second subject’s residence, who was identified as Ashlianne Palmertree, 32 of Sonora.

3 April 2013, at approx. 11:00 am, the search warrant was served on Palmertree’s residence, located on the 200 block of Greenley Road. Located inside the residence was methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and evidence of heroin use. The methamphetamine was located within reach of Palmertree’s 2 year old daughter.

Palmertree was arrested for felony child endangerment, felony possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. She was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked.

Date and Time of Release: 3 April 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 1 April 2013, at approx. 9:44 pm

Subject: Felony DUI Arrest
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1 April 2013, at approx. 9:44 pm, a Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Corporal stopped a 1996 Buick Skylark on Mono Way near Greenley Road, for traveling only 10 MPH and swerving in and out of traffic. When the Corporal contacted the driver, he could smell a strong odor of alcohol on the driver’s breath and turned the stop over to members of the Sonora Police Department.

The driver was identified as Jeffery Spiteri, 43 year old transient and his passenger was identified as David Bryan, 47 year old transient. Spiteri failed field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest. A preliminary alcohol test showed Spiteri’s blood alcohol leave to be .26, more than three times the legal limit. Bryan had also been drinking and had an elevated blood alcohol level as well.

A records check showed that Spiteri had four prior driving under the influence convictions within the last ten years, one in 2004, one in 2006 and two in 2007. It was also learned that the passenger Bryan was on probation for theft.

Both Spiteri and Bryan were placed under arrest and transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked. Spiteri was booked for felony driving under the influence and misdemeanor driving without a license. Bryan was booked for misdemeanor public intoxication and violation of probation.

Date and Time of Release: 27 March 2013

Subject: Vets to Cops Grant Officer Selected
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The City of Sonora advertised and tested for the classification of Police Officer to fill the Vets to Cops grant, which it received through the Federal Department of Justice. Ibrahim Khalil successfully completed all related testing, as well as an extensive background investigation, before being appointed to the position of Police Officer with the City.
Ibrahim Khalil was born and raised in San Diego. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17. After completing basic training at Fort Benning Georgia, Ibrahim was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division. He held many positions while in the Army; ranging from Bradley driver to dismounted infantry rifleman.
Ibrahim served two tours overseas, one in Kuwait and the other in Iraq. While serving in Iraq, Ibrahim received the Purple Heart for shrapnel injuries sustained in combat. Ibrahim made a full recovery and was honorably discharged.
After serving in the Army, Ibrahim attended Grossmont Community College and earned an AA degree in General Education. He also put himself through the San Diego Regional Police Academy.
Ibrahim started his law enforcement career as a Reserve Police Officer with the Westmorland Police Department, which is located in Imperial County, located in southern California. A short time after becoming a Reserve Police Officer, he was hired as a full time Police Officer with the Westmorland Police Department, where he worked before joining the Sonora Police Department.

Date and Time of Release: 19 March 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 18 March, at approx. 5:03 pm

Subject: Drug Arrest
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18 March 2013, at approx. 5:03 pm, Officers were in the area of the Arco gas station/mini mart, located at 15 Pesce Way, when they observed a female subject sitting on the side of the business. They recognized the subject from prior contacts as Roxann Tracy, 30 of Sonora.

The Officers conducted a local check on Tracy and learned she had a felony, no bail warrant, for her arrest for the charges of auto theft and possession of a controlled substance.

The Officers contacted Tracy and took her into custody for the outstanding felony warrant. A search of her person revealed a quarter ounce of methamphetamine packaged for sale. Each of the individual baggies was labeled with a price and weight. Other items located in her possession included drug sales transaction records, cash, and a methamphetamine pipe.

Tracy was taken into custody without incident. She was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for the warrant along with the new charges of felony possession of a controlled substance for sale, felony possession of a controlled substance, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Date and Time of Release: 11 March 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 11 March 2013, at approx. 1:41 pm

Subject: Live Explosive Device Located
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11 March 2013, at approx. 1:41 pm, members of the Tuolumne Utility District (TUD) contacted the Sonora Police Department and reported they had located a suspicious device on a fire hydrant, located on East Lyons/Bald Mount Road, near the entrance into the Blackberry Oaks Apartment complex.

Officers responded to the scene. The TUD employees pointed out the item to the Officers, which was cylinder in shape, with a pull pin. The item appeared to be some type of live explosive or incendiary device, which had been painted from its original color.

The Calaveras Bomb Unit was contacted and they responded to assist with the call, along with the Sonora Fire Department. The representatives from the Bomb Unit identified the item as a live military practice ordinance. The device was described as having little shrapnel output if detonated, but would produce the sound equivalent to that of a ¼ to ½ a stick of dynamite. The Bomb Unit took custody of the device.

During this incident, the roadway was closed for approx. 2 ½ hours and traffic was diverted around the area. The investigation into this matter is continuing.

Date and Time of Release: 4 March 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 3 March 2013, at approx. 11:36 am

Subject: Injury Accident/Felony DUI Arrest
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3 March 2013, at approx. 11:36 am, Officers from the Sonora Police Department responded to the intersection of Mono Way and Sanguinetti Loop regarding a vehicle which had left the roadway and landed on its roof.

When Officers arrived, they located a 2000 Ford Explorer on its roof, in the vacant lot, on the south/west side of the intersection. The driver, Kenneth Camara, 49, and a passenger, John Deherrrera, 58, both of Tuolumne, were out of the vehicle walking around. A third passenger, Deric DeHart, 22 of Jamestown was lying on the ground next to the vehicle. Camara was showing objective signs of being under the influence of prescription medications at the scene.

All three were transported to Sonora Regional Medical Center for treatment. Camara and Deherrera were treated and released. DeHart was admitted to the hospital as the result of his injuries he had sustained in the accident.

After Camara was released, he was taken into custody and transported to the Tuolumne County Jail. Camara was booked for felony DUI and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Date and Time of Release: 27 February 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 27 February 2013, at approx. 12:59 am

Subject: Possession of Stolen Motorized Shopping Cart Arrest
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27 February 2013, at approx. 12:59 am, an Officer observed a subject driving a Safeway motorized shopping cart westbound on the 800 block of Mono Way. The Officer recognized the operator from prior contacts as being John Mathews, 77 of Columbia.

The Officer contacted Mathews about the Safeway motorized shopping cart. Mathews told the Officer that Safeway had given him the cart, which is valued at $1,000, because he has troubles walking. Mathews was unable to provide a name of the employee who had given him the cart.

The Officer contacted a Safeway representative, who stated they had not given Mathews the cart, nor did they know that the cart had been removed from the store. Mathews was placed under arrest without incident. He was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for felony possession of stolen property. The motorized shopping cart was returned to Safeway.

Date and Time of Release: 21 February 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 20 February 2013, at approx. 1:48 pm

Subject: Stolen Vehicle Arrest
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20 February 2013, at approx. 1:48 pm, a subject called the Sonora Police Department from the 100 block of Linoberg and reported that someone had just drove off from his residence, pulling his trailer, which had been locked up at his residence.

An Officer in the area observed the stolen trailer being towed by a 2006 Chevy Tahoe. The Officer stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver, who he recognized from prior contacts as Danny McLaughlin, 35 of Sonora. A warrants check on McLaughlin showed he had three active “No Bail” warrants for his arrest, all of which were drug related.

McLaughlin was taken into custody without incident and the trailer was returned to the victim. McLaughlin was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for felony vehicle theft, felony possession of a stolen vehicle, misdemeanor possession of burglary tools, and on the three outstanding warrants.

Date and Time of Release: 14 February 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 13 February 2013

Subject: Officer Discovers Large Credit Card Fraud Operation
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10 Feb. 13, An Officer was contacted by the victim of identity theft from Ventura, CA. The victim told the Officer that her credit card was recently used at several businesses in Tuolumne County to purchase thousands of dollars worth of merchandise. The victim stated she was still in possession of her credit card.

The Officer went to all of the businesses inside the City limits where the fraudulent card was used. The Officer obtained video surveillance of the suspects, a list of the property they had purchased with the fraudulent card and other documentation. The Officer was able to put together a photo line-up, which lead to the positive identification of both suspects. They were identified as Jeremy Keturi, 35 of Modesto and Shatece Turner, 29 of Modesto.

During the Officers investigation, he located Keturi’s facebook page. Keturi had posted photos of Turner wearing some of the stolen property, and of a ski trip which is believed to have been paid for on the victims credit card.

The Officer was able to obtain a search warrant for Keturi and Turner’s residence on Espana Drive in Modesto. With the help of the Modesto Police Department, the search warrant was served on the residence on 13 Feb. 13.

Most of the stolen property from Sonora was located inside the residence, as well as other stolen property. It’s estimated that over $10,000 worth of stolen property was recovered, some still in its original packaging. There was over $100,000 in credit card receipts located, which is believed to be for items purchased with fraudulent credit cards manufactured by Keturi and Turner.

Also located was an extensive amount of identity theft evidence, along with; credit card embosser, 500 blank credit cards with magnetic strips, card skimmer, card graphic printer, program to import credit card information on cards, numerous credit cards in other peoples’ names, a list of people’s names dates of birth and social security numbers; and several other items associated with the manufacturing of fraudulent credit cards.

Neither Keturi nor Turner where at the residence when the search warrant was served. Keturi was later located and arrested by the Modesto Police Department. Keturi was booked at the Tuolumne County Jail for eight counts of burglary and eight count of identity theft.

The Sonora Police Department is still actively looking for Turner. The investigation into this matter is ongoing.

Date and Time of Release: 13 February 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 12 February 2013, at approx. 1:43 pm

Subject: Indecent Exposure
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12 February 2013, at approx. 1:43 pm, the Sonora Police Department received a call of two subjects engaged in sexual conduct inside a vehicle, parked at a business on the 600 block of Stockton Road. The business was open and customers were walking by observing the conduct.

As the Officer was receiving the call, he was driving by the business. The Officer pulled into the parking lot and located the vehicle. He then contacted the two unclothed occupants in the back seat of the vehicle. The subjects were identified as Linda Titus 72 of Earp, CA and Garry Wells 62 of Sonora.

Both subjects were cited for indecent exposure and released.

Date and Time of Release: 6 February 2013

Subject: Information on Active Shooter Incidents (Part 5)
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Recognizing signs of potential workplace violence

An Active Shooter may be a current or former employee. Alert your supervisor if you believe an employee exhibits potentially violent behavior. Indicators of potentially violent behavior may include one or more of the following;

• Increased severe mood swings, and noticeably unstable or emotional responses

• Increased unsolicited comments about violence, firearms, and other dangerous weapons and violent behavior

• Increased talks of problems with supervisors, managers or at home

• Depression or sudden withdrawal

• Increased use of alcohol and/or drugs

• Unexplained increase in absenteeism and/or vague physical complaints

These are just a few things to look for. You should consult your Human Resources Department or your supervisor for further information on what to look for.

We hope you have found this series of articles informative. If you should have any questions regarding Active Shooters, please call the Police Department at 532-8141.

Date and Time of Release: 30 January 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 28 January 2013, at approx. 3:17 pm

Subject: Death Investigation Update
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The person found deceased in the Crossroads Shopping Center on 28 January 2013, has been identified as Bill Scott Peterson, 57. An autopsy was performed and the cause of death was determined to be a heart attack.

Date and Time of Release: 28 January 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 28 January 2013

Subject: Deceased Person
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28 January 2013, at approx. 3:17 pm, the Sonora Police Department, Sonora Fire Department and Tuolumne County Ambulance responded to the Crossroads Shopping Center regarding a welfare check on a subject who lives in a vehicle in the parking lot, but had not been seen for four (4) days.

An employee from a business in the shopping center had gone out to the subject’s vehicle and attempted to contact them, but found the occupant to be unresponsive and called the police department.

A subject was located in the bed of a pickup, which had a camper shell on it. Upon checking on the subjects status, it was determined they were deceased. There were no signs of foul play. The subject was turned over to the Tuolumne County Coroner. An autopsy will be conducted at a later date. The name of the deceased is not being released until the next of kin can be located and notified.

Date and Time of Release: 28 January 2013

Subject: Information on Active Shooter Incidents (Part 4)
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How you should react when Law Enforcement arrives at the scene of an Active Shooter.

• Remain calm and follow Officers’ instructions

• Put down any handheld items, i.e. bags, backpacks, jackets, phones, ext.

• Immediately raise your hands and spread your fingers

• Keep your hands visible at all times

• Avoid making quick movements towards Officers or grabbing onto them

• Avoid pointing, screaming, or yelling at Officers

• Do not stop and ask Officers for directions or help when evacuating, just proceed in the direction or to the location you were told to go, or where Officers are entering the building/area from

Information to provide Law Enforcement or 911-Accurate and relevant information to Law Enforcement is vital for Active Shooter mitigation and can be provided to on scene Officers or 911. The following are importation details to relay;

• Location where you saw the Active Shooter (Do not guess if you don’t know)

• Direction of travel of the Active Shooter

• Any possible hostages

• Number of Active Shooters you personally saw

• Physical description of Active Shooter(s); Clothing, height, weight, hair color, type of weapons, distinguishing characteristics i.e. tactical equipment worn, masks, hats, ext.

• Number and types of weapons if know, number of explosive devices if known

• Number of potential victims

As stated last time, arriving Officers will not stop to help injured persons, their initial response is to stop the Active Shooter, so be cognizant of this.

Next time we will look at some potential indicators of workplace violence.

Date and Time of Release: 23 January 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 22 January 2013, at approx. 1:24 pm

Subject: Drug Arrest
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22 Jan. 2013, at approx. 1:24 pm, an Officer stopped a 96 Toyota Camry on the 100 block of Columbia Way for having a brake light out. The Officer contacted the driver, who was identified as Rick Burgess, 24 of Sonora.

While the Officer was speaking with Burgess, he noticed that Burgess was exhibiting signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Burgess was placed in handcuffs. During a search of Burgess’ property, a bindle of methamphetamine was located. The Officers placed the methamphetamine and other items belonging to Burgess on the trunk of Burgess’ vehicle, which Burgess observed.

A short time later when Burgess was being walked to a patrol car, he attempted to jump on the trunk of his vehicle and grab the methamphetamine, while still handcuffed. When he was unsuccessful in grabbing the methamphetamine, Burgess pushed off the trunk of his vehicle and attempted to flee. Officers were able to restrain Burgess and place him in a patrol vehicle.

Burgess was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for; felony possession of a controlled substance; misdemeanor being under the influence of a controlled substance; misdemeanor driving under the influence of a controlled substance; misdemeanor obstructing an Officer.

Date and Time of Release: 22 January 2013

Date and Time of Incident: 18 January 2013

Subject: Search Warrant
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18 January 13, at approx. 9:20 pm, Officers from the Sonora Police Department served a search warrant at a residence located on the 100 block of Columbia Way. Narcotics and paraphernalia were located inside the residence.

During a discussion with one of the residents, the resident admitted they allow several people to use the residence to do drugs in. This information was supported by surveillance which revealed numerous known drug offenders frequenting the residence on a regular base.

Taken into custody were: Thomas Solis, 51 of Sonora; Shannon Ramey, 44 of Sonora; Matthew Cliburn 31 of Sonora; Joaquin Duarte, 31 of Modesto. All four were booked for felony drug charges, along with being under the influence of a controlled substance.

In addition Cliburn was arrested for being in possession of a dangerous weapon. Duarte was arrested for possession of stolen property. Solis and Ramey were booked for maintaining a drug house.

Date and Time of Release: 18 January 2013

Subject: Information on Active Shooter Incidents (Part 3)
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Arriving Law Enforcement’s first priority is to engage and stop the Active Shooter as soon as possible. Officers will form up and immediately proceed to engage the Active Shooter.

• Officers will group up to engage the Active Shooter, if possible. However, a single officer may engage the shooter if warranted

• Arriving officers may be from various agencies and have different uniforms, equipment, and other types of vehicles. Some vehicles may not be marked as a normal Law Enforcement vehicle.

• Officers may have various types of weapons, i.e. handguns, shotguns, assault rifles, and tear gas launchers

• Officers may deploy tear gas or pepper spray to control the situation

• Officers may shout commands and push people down on the ground for their safety. It’s important for your safety that you follow the Officers orders

It should be noted that arriving officers will not stop to help injured people; their initial response is to stop the Active Shooter, so be aware of this. Expect rescue teams comprised of additional officers and other emergency medical personnel to follow the initial responding officers. The rescue teams will treat and remove any injured people. They may call upon able-bodied individuals to assist them in removing the wounded from the premises.

Once you have reached a safe location or an assembly point, you will likely be held in that area by law enforcement until the situation is under control and secure, and all witnesses have been identified and questioned. DO NOT leave until released by law enforcement authorities. Information you have about the incident might be vital to law enforcement or other people involved in the incident.

Next time we will look at how you should react when law enforcement arrives on scene of an active shooter incident.

Date and Time of Release: 15 January 2013

Subject: End of Year Stats
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The Sonora Police Department saw some surprising increases in some areas during 2012. One of the largest was in the number of arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). Another alarming rise was in the number of drug arrests made for the year. There was also a jump in the number of DUI accidents. Other areas that saw increases in were in the number of misdemeanor arrests, number of calls for service, number of calls for animal services and number of arrests for public intoxication.

On a brighter note, the Department did observe some decreases in some areas in 2012. General thefts dropped and the number of burglaries decreased as well. Another surprising but encouraging decrease, was in the number of domestic violence cases. There was also a slight drop in traffic collisions.

Below is a chart comparing the last two years.

2011-2012 STAT COMPARISON

TYPE OF INCIDENT 2012 2011

ANIMAL CALLS 429 393

BURGLARIES 121 131

CALLS FOR SERVICE 6,932 6,454

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 42 52

DUI ACCIENTS 13 8

DUI ARRESTS 112 54

DRUG ARRESTS 152 60

FELONY ASSAULTS 26 29

FELONY ARRESTS 240 240

INCOMING PHONE CALLS 39,598 30,229

MISD. ASSAULTS 57 59

MISD. ARRESTS 707 562

MOVING CITATIONS 731 397

NUMBER OF ARRESTS 947 815

OTHER THEFTS 263 301

PUBLIC INTOXICATION 176 136

TOTAL INCIDENTS 14,903 12,766

TRAFFIC COLLISIONS 170 182

Date and Time of Release: 10 January 2013

Subject: Police Dispatch-Records Specialist Testing
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The Sonora Police Department is accepting applications for the position of full time Police Dispatcher-Records Specialist. This is for both trainee and journey level. The final filing date is Friday, 8 February 2013, with a tentative State testing date set for Wednesday, 20 February 2013.

Applications are available on line at the City’s web site www.sonoraca.com; or an application can be picked up at either the City of Sonora, 94 N. Washington St.; or at the Police Department 100 S. Green St. Inquires or questions can be directed to (209) 588-8946.