PRESS RELEASES

Subject: National Night Out
________________________________________________________________________
On Tuesday, August 5th, neighborhoods throughout Sonora are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nation wide for the 25th Annual National Night Out (NNO) crime and drug prevention event. National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and co-sponsored locally by the Sonora Police Department, will involve over 11,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the word. In all, over 35 million people are expected to participate in “America’s Night Out Against Crime.”

National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Police Chief Mace McIntosh said, “This is a night for America to stand together to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity. National Night Out showcases the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizens involvement in our fight to build a safer community.”

On Aug 5, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Sonora Police Department will host a town hall event at the Opera Hall, which is located at 250 S. Washington St., Sonora. Officer Boeding will speak about traffic safety and Investigator Hal Prock will speak on identity theft and elder abuse. There will be handouts available and both officers will field questions on their topic of expertise after their presentations. Please come and join the Sonora Police Department on Aug. 5 in celebrating America’s Night Out Against Crime.

For more information contact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.

Subject: Warrant Sweep
________________________________________________________________________
On 7-9-08, the Sonora Police Department with the assistance from the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department conducted a driving under the influence and driving on a suspended drivers’ license warrants sweep. These warrants were issued because people had either; failed to appear in court, failed to pay fines or violated their probation for driving under the influence or driving on a suspended license.

The officers attempted to serve 16 warrants throughout Tuolumne County. However, only two people were arrest. The two people arrested were;

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Another sweep will be conducted with in the next few months.

For more information contact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.

Subject: Child Endangerment
________________________________________________________________________
7 July 08, a Social Worker from the Tuolumne County Child Welfare Services called the Sonora Police Department and requested assistance at a residence located on the 100 block of Tidwall St..

The Social Worker had gone to the residence to check on two children and the living conditions inside the residence. When the social worker arrived they noticed a large amount of trash in the front yard and could smell decaying garbage coming from inside the residence. However, the social worker was denied entry into the resident.

Officers arrived and made contact with the residents who were identified as George Eaton and Jeannie Eaton of Sonora. The Eaton’s allowed officers inside the residence. What officers found was horrific. The investigator working the case said it was the worst living conditions he had ever seen.

There were trash bags full of rotting garbage throughout the house. In some places it was stacked five feet tall. The floor was covered with items from dirty clothing to broken electronics. The toilet had feces all over the outside of it. The bathtub had feces and urine inside it. There was old and decaying food all over the kitchen, along with rotting fast food items throughout the house. There were rags with feces on them, which were all over the bathroom floor and hallway. The children spoke about rats running all over the house and they pointed out a dead decaying rat to officers.

An 11 year old boy and a 9 year old boy were taken into protective custody by Child Welfare Services. A compliant will be forwarded to the Tuolumne County District Attorney’s Officer for review for the possible charge of felony child endangerment. The investigation into this matter is continuing.

For more information contact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.

Subject: Explosive Devices Found and Detonated, Along Several Old Blasting Caps
________________________________________________________________________

8 July 08 at approx. 4:32 pm, officers from the Sonora Police Department responded to Truckenmiller Rd. for a report of suspicious looking wires protruding from a hole in a large rock. Upon officers’ arrival, they noticed an approx. 2 inch hole drilled into a very large rock, which is normally associated with blasting efforts. Protruding from the hole were two wires communally used with blasting caps.

The Bomb Unit from Calaveras County was requested and they responded to the scene to assist. The Bomb Unit confirmed the wires were from a blasting cap, but they couldn’t tell if the wires were still attached to a blasting cap, or how stable the cap would be if the wires were still attached to it.

The Bomb Unit decided to detonate the hole for safety reasons. The detonation resulted in an extremely large explosion. Following the detonation it was determined that the cap was in place and that the hole was filled with an explosive gel, which is commonly used in blasting.

It was determined the rock had been transported to the area from an old mine site and left in an open field. Then later, the rock was pushed up against a hillside during the late 1990’s. It is believed that the gel explosive had been placed in the rock at the mine site, but never detonated for some reason. Then it was transported un-detonated to the Truckenmiller Rd. location, where it sat undiscovered for an unknown length of time.

While officers were going door to door telling residents of the pending detonation, a resident said he had a few blasting caps in his garage he wanted to dispose of. The officer told the subject that they would return and speak with him after they finished with the above matter.

      A little while later the subject walked up to them carrying a can. The Bomb Unit told the subject to stop and sit the can down and back away from it. A Bomb Unit member looked at the can and determined it contained numerous very old and very unstable copper blasting caps. Because of the blasting caps extremely sensitive condition, the Bomb Unit decided to detonate them in place also.

      The Sonora Police Department would like to remind everyone if they find or possess any type of blasting devices, they should not handle it and call their local law enforcement agency so it can be properly disposed of. A large amount of the blasting items found in this area are from the late 1800’ and early 1900’s and are extremely unstable and should only be handled by trained professionals.

For more information contact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.

Subject: Drug arrest
________________________________________________________________________
On 28 May 08, at approx. 2:09 am, an officer from the Sonora Police Department stopped a Pontiac Firebird on Lyons Rd. near the intersection of Barretta St. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Eveline Williams, 42 of Sonora.

While the officer was talking with Williams, he could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage on her breath and noticed she was unstable while standing. Williams failed field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest for driving under the influence.

As the officer was conducting an inventory search of Williams’ vehicle, he located an egg shaped container. When the officer opened the container, he noticed a white substance, which was later determined to be cocaine.

For more information contact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.

Subject: False Imprisonment Arrest
________________________________________________________________________
      2 April 08 at approx. 9:20 pm Ashley Cockeram, 24 of La Grange arrived at the Police Department with her 5 year old daughter. Both were extremely emotionally upset. Cockeram and her daughter told officers that they were visiting Cockeram’s boyfriend Jason Thrift, 25 of Sonora, and that Thrift wouldn’t let them leave his residence.
        Cockeram related that when she went to leave Thrift became very upset and blocked her path from exiting the residence. She then attempted to call for help on her cell phone, but Thrift took her cell and vehicle keys from her and refused to give them back to her. Thrift then grabbed Cockeram by both her arms and wouldn’t release her.
         When Thrift did release Cockeram, she picked her daughter up and attempted to exit the residence a second time. This time Thrift grabbed Cockeram from behind and placed her in a bear hug. Thrift squeezed Cockeram and her daughter so hard that they had difficulty breathing. Cockeram estimated that Thrift held her inside his residence against her will for approx. 40 minutes, before finally letting her go.
         Thrift, who is currently on probation for domestic batter, was contacted at his residence where he was taken into custody without incident. Thrift was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for;

For more information contact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.

SONORA POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

Date and Time of Release: 26 March 08

Date and Time of Incident: 25 March 08 at approx. 12:46 pm

Subject: Injury Vehicle Accident at High School

________________________________________________________________________

25 March 08 at approx. 12:46 pm, officers from the Sonora Police Department responded to Sonora High School regarding an injury vehicle accident. Upon the officer’s arrival, they noticed that at 2000 Mercury Mountaineer had flown off an elevated ramp in the high school parking lot and collided with a parked 86 GMC van, which in turn rolled onto a parked 1997 Honda. All vehicles sustained major damage as a result of the accident.

Officer’s contacted the driver of the Mercury. The 16 year old passenger related that the vehicle belonged to his father and that he had allowed his 15 year old unlicensed friend to drive the vehicle. The 15 year old friend told officers that he was showing off in the parking lot and lost control of the vehicle, which flew off the elevated ramp and crashed into the van. The 16 year old passenger complained of pain to his right shoulder, but refused medical treatment.

The accident is still under investigation. Photo of accident scene attached.

For more information contact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.

Subject: Sonora Police Department Moves Forward With Technology Grant
________________________________________________________________________
July 2006, the Sonora Police Department was awarded a technology grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). There were three phases to this grant. Phase one was the purchase of new digital cameras for all the officers. Phase two was the installation of Mobile Data Computers (MDC) in all the patrol vehicles. Phase three will be the purchase and installation of a new police dispatch radio system.

The Sonora Police Department is pleased to announce the completion of phase two of this grant. Several months of research went into this project. The Sonora Police Department looked at several systems during its research. The systems ranged in price and technology from very simple and cheap to very elaborate costing over a million dollars.

Because of the unique terrain in Sonora, the department was limited on what systems could be installed. The final decision was to utilize a Dell semi tough notebooks, support by an AT&T cell phone air cards to transmit the information to the vehicles.

The system has been installed and all patrol officers have been issued a Dell notebook and trained in the new system. Now when an officer is on patrol the notebook allows the officer to check, from their patrol vehicle for; calls for service, allows them to close out calls, receive and send emails on the departments records system, access all department records and photographs, have access the internet for research.

If the office needs a notebook for a project, they can remove the notebook from the patrol car and use it to develop power point presentations, complete research, or they can write reports from an off site location and send them to the office.

Most agencies already have some form of this technology in their patrol vehicles. However, the distinct difference between their systems and the system the Sonora Police Department has installed is the fact the officers can remove the notebook and have access to all the above listed items from anywhere there is cell phone services.

Monday 17 March 08, the Sonora Police Department will be conducting a demonstration for the Sonora City Council at approx. 5 pm. If you are unable to attend this event and would like further information or a demonstration please contact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.

Subject: Assault Weapons Arrest/Domestic Violence Arrest
________________________________________________________________________
      9 March 08, at approx. 1:56 am, an officer from Sonora Police Department was flagged down by Lee Dexter Kawelmacher, 33 of Sonora, who was holding a suitcase. Kawelmacher told the officer that he and his girlfriend hand been involved in a fight and he wanted the officer to check on his girlfriend as he had struck her during the fight. Kawelmacher also admitted to punching out a window at the residence and hit other items with his fists.

    Officers contact Kawelmacher’s girlfriend at her residence. She admitted that she and Kawelmacher were involved in a verbal dispute and that during the dispute Kawelmacher had slapped her in the face. She related that Kawelmacher punched a window out as he was leaving and had also punched a heater. As Kawelmacher was leaving the residence, he grabbed his suitcase and took it with him.

     Kawelmacher was placed under arrest and transported to the Tuolumne County Jail for booking. During a booking search of Kawelmacher’s suitcase a Cobray 9mm assault weapon (pistol) was located.

       Kawelmacher was booked for;

For more information contact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.

Date and Time of Release:      27 Feb. 08
Date and Time of Incident:    26 Feb. 08 at 1:40 pm
Subject: Juvenile Huffing DUI Arrest
________________________________________________________________________
   26 Feb. 08 at approx. 1:40 pm, officers from the Sonora Police Department responded to Mono Way in the area of King’s View for a reported vehicle accident. When officers arrived they learned that the 16 year old female driver had fled the scene of the accident on foot. She was later located near the old Tuolumne County Hospital and took her into custody.

During the investigation, officers learned that the female driver was driving eastbound on Mono Way, with two teenage male passengers (16 & 17), all of whom are students at Sonora High School. As the teenagers were driving, they were “huffing” a computer cleaner called “Dust Off.” Because of the affects of “huffing,” the female driver lost control of her vehicle, which left the roadway, ran over the sidewalk and struck a concrete wall. Nobody was injured in this accident and no other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.

The female driver was arrested for driving under the influence, driving without a license and hit and run. One of the passengers was arrested for possession on an inhalant with the intent to inhale and the other passenger was released to a parent. Another 17 year old male arrived at the scene of the accident while the officers were investigating it and he was arrested for being a minor in possession of an alcohol beverage.

“Huffing” the computer cleaner “Dust Off” is an increasing problem in larger metropolitan areas. It is referred to sometimes as “Dusting.” Huffing causes a short term high and is extremely dangerous. The chemicals in the cleaner “Dust Off” is known to kill brain cells and damage other internal organs. The damage it causes is irreversible. “Huffing” “Dust Off” has also been linked to immediate deaths of juveniles. During the last few years, there have been several news articles on the dangers of “Huffing” these types of office products.

For more information contact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.

Subject: Vandalism and Conspiracy Arrest
________________________________________________________________________
6 Feb. 08 at approx. 2:09 pm, officers from the Sonora Police Department responded to a residence on the 400 block of S. Barretta St. regarding someone driving by and shooting paintballs at the residence. This was the fourth time this had occurred during the last five days. Each time the residence sustained broken tiles.

Officers checked the area and were unable to locate the responsible vehicle. As an officer was talking with the 79 year old victim, the responsible vehicle drove by and was identified by the victim as the vehicle the paintballs were being shot from.

Officers stopped the vehicle and contacted the occupants. Two of the occupants were identified as being Shane Connant, 18 of Sonora and Rudy Renteria 18 of Tuolumne. At first, both Connant and Renteria denied any knowledge or involvement in the vandalism. Later they admitted that they had conspired to shoot the victims residents with paintballs.

Connant told officers he had been involved in a vehicle accident with the 79 year old victim a few months ago. Connant felt the 79 year old victim had lied to officers about how the accident occurred, so the officer found him at fault for the accident. Because of this, Connant stated he holds a lot of resentment towards the victim. And that is why he had elicited the help from Renteria to shoot her house with paintballs.

Both Connant and Renteria were placed under arrest. They were transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for; Criminal Conspiracy Vandalism

For more information contact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.

Subject: Extasy arrest

5 Feb. 07 at approx. 11:26 pm, an officer from the Sonora Police Department stopped two pedestrians in the area of Stewart St. One of the subjects was identified as Brett Spinks, 25 of Sonora.

A records check on Spinks showed he had three misdemeanor warrants for his arrest. Spinks was placed under arrest on the warrants. Spinks then attempted to have the other person, whom he was with, take his coat. The officer felt this was strange, as it was extremely cold out.

The officer then searched Spinks' coat and located a piece of cellophane wrapper inside one of the pockets. Inside the wrapper were three blue pills with the word "Key" on them. Spinks advised the officer that the pills were Extasy.

For more information contact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.

Subject: Possession of Dangerous Weapon Arrest.

7 Feb. 08 at approx. 1:29 am, an officer from the Sonora Police Department stopped a vehicle in the area of Pesce Way for a vehicle lighting violation. The officer contacted the driver, who was identified as Robert Kurts, 40 of Sonora.

While the officer was talking with Kurts, he noticed a Billy Club on the back seat of the vehicle. While running a check on Kurts, the officer learned that Kurts' driver's license was suspended and that Kurts was on parole. Kurts was placed under arrest and transported to the Tuolumne County Jail. Kurts was booked for;

" Possession of a dangerous weapon
" Violation of parole
" Driving on a suspended drivers license

For more information contact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.

Subject: Felony drug driving accident and child endangerment arrest.
________________________________________________________________________
6 Feb. 08 at approx. 12:22 pm a traffic accident occurred in Sonora on Mono Way, just east of the Greenly Rd. intersection. Witnesses stated that the driver of a 2007 Toyota Corolla, who was identified as Victoria Etiz, 44 of Sonora, had earlier attempted to drive up an off ramp of highway 108, but at the last minute, made a U turn on the bypass and exited back onto Mono Way.

Etiz then failed to stop for a red traffic light at the end of the off ramp, as she exited Mono Way. Etiz then turned westbound onto Mono Way and started traveling at a very high rate of speed according to witnesses. The driver of the second vehicle observes Etiz approaching them at a high rate of speed, so they attempted to move to the far left, knowing that Etiz would be unable to stop before colliding with them. However, even with their efforts of the second driver to avoid Etiz, Etiz still collided with them.

The driver of the second vehicle complained of back and neck pain following the collision. Etiz was contacted, along with her 5 year old son, who was a passenger in the vehicle. Etiz was determined to be under the influence. A preliminary alcohol screening test showed Etiz's blood alcohol to be almost 4X's above the legal limit.

Etiz was placed under arrest and transported to the Tuolumne Count Jail and book. Her son was turned over to Child Welfare Services. Etiz was booked for;

Felony Child Endangerment
Felony Drunk Driving, Causing An Injury ntact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.

Subject: Vehicle Burglaries
________________________________________________________________________
During the past three weeks the Sonora Police Department has seen an alarming increase in vehicle burglaries. Some of these thefts have been crimes of opportunity, where the owner of the vehicle left their vehicle unlocked and someone entered the vehicle and removed valuable items.

In other cases, the owner of the vehicle left in plain view, valuable items such as; laptops, PDA's, wallets, checkbooks, handbags, cell phones ext. In these cases the thief broke out one of the vehicles windows, then reached in and removed the item.

The Sonora Police Department would like to remind you that you should always lock your vehicle. Even if you are running into a store for a minute, as it only takes seconds for someone to open a car door and go through your belongings.

The Police Department is also asking that you store all your valuable items out of sight when you park your vehicle. You can do this by placing the items in the truck, under seats or in compartments inside the vehicle. This will keep a thief from seeing the items and smashing a window out to get to them.

If you see suspicious people hanging in and around parking lots or parked vehicles, please call the police department immediately. Some of the activity to look for are; people walking around looking into vehicles; people trying door handles of several cars; people acting like they are locked out of their own car.

The Sonora Police Department is asking for anyone who has information about the recent vehicle burglaries to call the Sonora Police Department at (209) 532-8141.

For more information on this release contact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.

Subject: Injured Person
________________________________________________________________________
30 Dec. 07 at approx. 8:23 am, Officers from the Sonora Police Department responded to a report of a fall victim, from the balcony of a second story apartment, located on the 300 block of Mono Way.

Officers arrived and located Riley Bunow, 49, of Sonora, lying on the ground, just below his bedroom window. Bunow appeared to be suffering from sever head trauma. Bunow was transported by ambulance to Sonora Regional Hospital for treatment of his head injury, where is currently in the intensive care unit.

Officers spoke to several witnesses who stated that Bunow had been drinking heavily the day before and was extremely intoxicated around 11:00 pm on the 29 Dec.. The inside of Bunow's apartment also indicated he had been drinking a substantial amount of alcoholic beverages. There we no signs of a physical confrontation inside the room, nor did the neighbors hear one.

One witness heard a noise outside the apartments between 11:30 & midnight, but when they went outside to check on the noise they didn't see anything. Then when they heard the noise again in the morning, they located Bunow on the ground and called the police department.

For more information contact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.

Subject: Concealed weapon arrest.
________________________________________________________________________
30 Dec. 07 at approx. 9:40 pm, officers from the Sonora Police Department were dispatched to an apartment complex located on the 400 block of S. Stewart St., regarding one of the tenants brandishing a firearm. When officers arrived they contacted the victim, who told them that Brenden Kiefer Jeremiah Chriss, 47 of Sonora, had brandished a handgun at him for no apparent reason.

Officer's located Chriss in front of the apartment complex. Chriss ignore the officer's commands to show them his hands and he turned and started walking towards the apartment complex. Physical force had to be used to stop Chirss and to restrain him. After Chriss was restrained, a loaded .40 caliber hand gun was located in his waist band.

For more information contact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.

Subject: Drug arrest
________________________________________________________________________
29 Dec. 07 at approx. 8:56 pm, officers were dispatched to the Sonora Family Bowl regarding the theft of a wallet. They contacted the victim who stated that someone had removed their wallet from a table inside the bowling alley.

The management of Sonora Family Bowl reviewed the surveillance tape and identified Alex Simmons, 20 of Sonora, as the one who take the victims wallet. Officers located Simmons still at the bowling alley. Simmons admitted to taking the wallet and he was found to be in possession of some of the wallets contents.

Simmons was placed under arrest for the theft. During a search of Simmons backpack, two sets of electronic scales, several empty plastic bags and a Mason jar containing 26.5 grams of marijuana were located. Simmons was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for;

Possession of marijuana for sale
Possession of stolen property
Theft

For more information contact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.

Subject: Drug Arrest
________________________________________________________________________
26 Dec. 07 at approx. 1:45 pm, an officer from the Sonora Police Department stopped a pick-up truck for having registration expired over eleven months. The officer contacted the driver who was identified as Jacob Klein, 34 of Sonora.

Because the registration on the truck was expired over 6 months the vehicle was towed. While the officers were conducting an inventory search of the vehicle, they located a zip lock sandwich bag that contacted 13.4 grams of crystal methamphetamine.

Klein had been cited and released to leave, but officers re-contacted Klein walking in the area and took him into custody without incident. During a search of Klein, a large amount of cash was located, with most of it being in denominations of 20's and 10's.

" Transportation of a controlled substance
" Possession of a controlled substance

For more information contact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.

Subject: Mono Way at Restano Way, Sonora
________________________________________________________________________
24 Dec. 07 at approx. 5:16 pm, officers from the Sonora Police Department were dispatched to the intersection of Mono Way and Restano Way for a reported vehicle VS. pedestrian accident.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Kerry Kilgore. Kilgore had stopped for a red arrow at the intersection of Restano Way and Mono way. Kilgore then turned against the red arrow in violation of the law and struck Margarita Vargas, who was in the marked crosswalk crossing the street with a green light. Vargas was transported to Sonora Regional Hospital by ambulance, where she was treated for minor injuries and released.

The Sonora Police Department has been concentrating on this intersection during recent selective enforcement actions, as people continue to make illegal turns against the red arrow at the intersection, endangering the safety of pedestrians in the marked crosswalk and who are crossing on a green light.

The Sonora Police Department would like to remind everyone that the law requires that you stop for a red arrow and remain stopped until the light turn greens. Because of the dangers created by motorists failing to stop and remain stopped for the red arrow at this intersection, the Sonora Police Department will continue conducting selective enforcement programs targeting red arrow violators.

For more information contact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.

Subject: Prescription Fraud Arrest
________________________________________________________________________
26 Dec. 07 at approx. 1:35 pm officers from the Sonora Police Department contacted a Rite Aid employee regarding a possible prescription theft by the use of a forged prescription.

The Pharmacy Technician related that Desiree Mello, 23 of Sonora, had dropped off a prescription at the drive through window. Then when they went to fill the prescription they noticed that the prescription had two different styles of hand writing on it.

The Pharmacy Technician called the doctors office that the prescription was from. The doctors office confirmed that the prescription had been altered and that 22 Vicodin pills had been added to the prescription. The Pharmacy Technician checked the store's records and found two other prescriptions belonging to Mello, which had been also altered.

Officers waited in the area of Rite Aid for Mello to arrive and pick up the prescription from the altered prescription form. However, Mello's mother arrived to pick up the prescription. Officers contacted Mello's mother, who stated Mello was at home.

Officers contacted Mello at her residence where she was taken into custody without incident. Mello was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked for;

For more information contact Lt. Stinson at the Sonora Police Department, phone (209) 532-8141.