Breaking and Action News Stories

Four alarm apartment blaze takes out at least one unit, damages several others

2009-06-17T07:10:55Z

Early Tuesday evening, Roseville fire department was called the apartments on Woodcreek Oaks Blvd., south of Junction Blvd., in Roseville for a fire. When fire crews arrived, high flames and smoke were coming from backside of one of the back buildings in the complex.

Several apartment units in the building were involved by the time the fire was brought under control. This was a four alarm fire which even brought units from Placerville Fire Department.

While it was initially believed that this was a barbeque fire that ignited the patio, the actual cause of the blaze is under investigation and fire investigators were searching the area for a youth to question.

There were no injuries, however a cat from the unit where the fire started is unaccounted for.

Neighborhood feud turns to deadly gun battle in West Sacramento

2009-05-21T20:15:33Z

May 20, 2009
West Sacramento, CA

Though the community near Cummins Way and Keegle Drive was packed with police cars, news vans with communications masts in the air, and a large amount of onlookers, there was a tangible quietness that hung in the night air. Neighbors and passersby looked on in stillness and hushed tones as investigators meticulously and patiently combed through the scene in the middle of the blocked off street of this West Sacramento shooting tragedy.

Neighbors related that at approximately 6 p.m. two men with pistols walked up to a neighbor’s house and opened fire. Occupants of the house under fire came out with a shotgun and returned fire on the two men. When the shooting ended and the dust settled, two men were on the ground and four others were wounded.

“On May 20, 2009, at approximately 6:15 p.m., West Sacramento Police Officers responded to a call of a man down in the street on the 1100 block of Cummins Way” said Lieutent Tod Sockman of the West Sacramento Police Department in a press release today. “When officers arrived on scene there were two males lying in the street with apparent gunshot wounds. Police units from Sac PD, Sac Sherriff and Yolo County responded to assist. “Joe Villanueva, 32 year old male from West Sacramento was pronounced dead on the scene. The other male’s name is not being released until family members can be notified,” said Sockman. Out of the other four wounded, one was another gunman with non-life threatening injuries; two were bystanders hit by pellets from the shotgun blasts and the fourth victim showed up at a local hospital with a gunshot wound. Near midnight, West Sac Police secured signed warrants to search two addresses related to the shooting.

Lieutenant Stockman states, “During the initial incident a perimeter was establish looking for a male that ran from the scene. That male was identified as Adrian Villanueva, 31 year old male, and the brother of Joe Villanueva. He is a person of interest and it is unknown what if any involvement he had in the incident. If anyone has any information of his whereabouts they are encouraged to call the West Sacramento Police Department at 916-375-6474. This incident appears to be part of an ongoing neighborhood dispute between neighbors. “

As developments become available, they will be placed in the comments below.

Things got hot outside family court

2009-06-04T03:46:05Z

Things may or may not have got heated in family court today, but it definantly got hot outside the courthouse.

A small brush fire ignited in the field adjacent to the Family Courthouse around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon on the corner of Power Inn Rd and Cucamonga Ave. While the fire was relatively small, Sac Fire called for a second alarm due to winds picking up and driving the fire across the field in the direction of the courthouse, per Capt Doucette of the Sacramento City Fire Department. Metro fire units from battalion 9 responded to assist in the second alarm.

The fire was contained quickly and a little over an acre was involved. There were no injuries and no structures involved.

What does Disney Radio and brush fire have in common?

2009-07-16T07:37:11Z

Sacramento, CA- Were you listening to Disney Radio Wednesday and wondered why all of a sudden it dropped off?

At about 11:51 A.M. Wednesday morning, Sac Fire received a call for a vegetation fire in the wild land are off of Commerce Circle and Lathrop Way. This area is located between Discovery Park and the Cal Expo area, just west of The Radisson Hotel and bordered by the bike trail on the south side of the levee.

Firefighters arrived to find difficult terrain to access off the levee, but were able to attack the fire within ten minutes of the call.

In this wild land area were three radio towers over 200 feet high belonging to ABC Radio. One of the tower's collapsed and a witness stated that when the guide wires from the tower snapped, it sounded like gun fire. Captain Doucette of the Sacramento Fire Department stated, "A small building at the base of the collapsed tower was destroyed by the fire. The building housed radio equipment." The second tower was damaged and leaning during most of the blaze. Firefighters were on guard working around the second tower; in the event guide wires broke loose.

Firefighters had to shuttle water back and forth to the fire. Doucette noted that heat was a factor for the firefighters fighting the blaze.

While the cause for the fire is still under investigation, Captain Doucette stated, "The Investigator is looking into the possibility that something electrical inside the building caused the fire, but it is not known at this time."

Metro firefighters give rescued dog every chance to live

2009-07-08T03:48:11Z

Sacramento, CA
by Ed Fogle

It was a bittersweet day for homeowners in the 6900 block Silverthorne Circle today. While their home was saved, they lost their furry friend.

Kirk Davies, photographer for MaverickPhotography.us and neighbor to the family, stated "it smelled like something barbequing when I walked outside, then I saw smoke pouring from my neighbors house and called 911"

Tuesday afternoon, about 4:30 P.M., it is believed (but still under investigation) that a fire started in the dishwasher. Battalion Chief, Richard Anderson stated that the fire was contained to the kitchen area of the home. "A repair man from Sears was supposed to be at the home working on the dishwasher earlier in the day, but was a no-show" Davies stated.

No one was home when the fire started but during a search of the home, the family dog was found unconscious. Per Anderson, two of the firefighters who happened to be on duty were trained in basic dog medicine. The Metro Fire USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) team uses rescue dogs, and the firefighters who work with them have this training in the event their dogs are injured during a disaster or rescue operation.

The two firefighters, assisted by colleagues, went to work right away on the dog, administering mouth to snout respirations, started an IV, inserted an advanced airway and transported the dog to the nearest veterinarian in a truck. With all the heroic efforts of the firefighters, the furry friend did not survive. "If that dog had any chance to live, it was with this crew", stated Anderson.

Metro Fire Department responded with three engines, two trucks and one medic rig and had nearly twenty-five firefighters involved.

Photos by MaverickPhotography.us/KirkDavies

Dogs Gone Wild

2009-11-10T07:41:02Z

Pit bulls go on the attack terrorizing a Carmichael community in the area of Libby Court. Several neighbors bitten. Whitney Elementry School locked down. Dogs so aggressive the order is given "take the shot if you get it" to on scene officers.

Carmichael, Sacamento, CA
Ed Fogle, MaverickPhotography.us
SacMav Rapid Media
November 9, 2009

Friday, November 6, 2009, multiple agencies were dispatched to a neighborhood in Carmichael. At least two pit bulls were on the loose attacking people. More and more reports poured into 9-1-1 as Police, Sheriff, CHP, Fire and Animal Control all converged on the area.

As victims were located and treated by EMS, law enforcement with shotguns in hand and Animal Control officers went on the hunt. The dogs took them on a chase that led to a densely vegetated creek area that ran along the backs of the homes. The thick foliage gave the dogs good cover and made it difficult for officers to track. Lack of fencing gave the dogs freedom to roam and evade their trackers.

A law enforcement supervisor came over the radio and announced to officers that "Animal Control absolutely needs these dogs". The order was given that if an officer gets a shot, "take it", and to avoid a head shot so the animal can be tested for rabbis. The dogs were "extremely aggressive and agitated" per police radio traffic.

Shortly after that, two shots rang out from the creek area and one dog was down. The other dog was still on the loose. Officers continued to search the creek area while Metro Fire stood by to treat any more victims. Authorities had the foresight to lockdown Whitney Elementary School, and that is exactly where the pit bull headed next. As the dog ran across the playground where children moments earlier played, patrol units raced across to corner the dog. At one point the dog jumped up and tried to attack a CHP Officer through his open window. The officer put his cruiser into reverse to get away from the dog and get him off the door.

Finally, the dog was cornered and shot. With all clear and the situation safe and under control, neighbors began to emerge from their houses where they had taken refuge and shared their stories of how they saw the dogs terrorize their neighborhood. Two of the victims stopped to tell us their stories. One man was gardening in his front yard when he found himself under attack by the dogs. "The smaller dog ran right at me and bit me on the ankle" he said. He grabbed a shovel and hit the dog then they fled. Another elderly victim was standing in front of the care home where he is a resident. He said the dogs saw him across the street and came right at him. There was nothing he could do and no one to help, he stated; with his sock filling with blood as he stood there with us waiting to be treated.

Coincidently, while this was happening, a Placer County Superior Court Judge was ordering four pit bulls be destroyed who mauled a 17 year old boy in the parking lot of Big O Tires on Lincoln Way on September 16th. CLICK HERE TO READ THAT ARTICLE

Just in the past few days, other cities have outlawed pit bulls and just today, another pit bull attack was reported in the greater Sacramento area.

Should pit bulls be outlawed? Are pit bulls just a bad bread or is it bad and irresponsible owners? This same story seems to surface time and again. Be it a bad bread, bad owners or just a strange phenomenon, it is clear that there is a major issue around pit bulls. What is the problem and what is the solution?

See our action video from this incident at SacMav Rapid Media. Go to "On Demand" in our channel viewer, select "Weekend Action News Capsule, November 6-8, 2009" and click on the "Dogs Gone Wild" video.

Join SacMav Rapid Media from your office as we take you live on scene via web. Follow us on Twitter@SacMav to be alerted when we broadcast live on scene.

Photo Quality Disclaimer: The quality of the photos found here are not to our high Maverick standard. On this incident we concentrated on bringing the action to the web live via video. The photos found here are screen clips from the low res digital video.

Horse survives I-5 crash

2009-08-03T07:57:16Z

Sacramento, CA- A multi-agency rescue team worked together to extricate and transport the horse to UC Davis Veterinary Clinic.

According to California Highway Patrol, while traveling south bound on Interstate 5, just south of the Sacramento Metropolitan Airport, early Sunday morning the driver of a truck with horse trailer in tow, crashed into the back of a car and overturned the horse trailer.

The trailer became disconnected from the truck and while leaving the horse trapped in the trailer, the driver drove away and fled the scene.

Rescuers from Metro Fire, CHP, Animal Care and Regulation, tow operators and a veterinarian spent three hours extricating the horse and loading it into another trailer for transport.

Considering the potential of this crash, the horse sustained relatively minor injuries including many cuts. On scene authorities stated that the horse is very fortunate to be alive.

Per CHP, the driver is still at large and faces several charges, starting with animal cruelty and felony hit and run. Any one with information is encouraged to contact the California Highway Patrol at 916.338.6710

Jaywalkers Beware!

2009-06-09T02:40:11Z

If it wasn't a serious situation, it would have been almost humorous today as a Sacramento Police Department motor officer stopped Jaywalkers left and right at the railroad crossing on Broadway between 19th and 20th Streets.

Some may say it's just revenue for the police department, while others contend that the Jaywalkers coming and going from the Broadway Light Rail station are a true traffic hazard as they weave in and out of vehicles.

According to the California Vehicle Code, "Between adjacent intersections controlled by traffic control signal devices or by police officers, pedestrians shall not cross the roadway at any place except in a crosswalk." The citing officer stated that fines vary depending on the individual's driving record, given that this falls under the Vehicle Code.

Given the location of the Light Rail station, it is easy and almost natural for people to want to cross the street right at the railroad crossing. However, signs plainly direct pedestrians to adjacent crosswalks at the intersection of Broadway and 19th Street.

The almost-humorous part was watching people cross right in front of the officer, who was already citing three people who were waiting their turn for their little yellow piece of paper. Pedestrians found themselves without excuse as the officer pointed to the clearly posted sign that even directs people to the crosswalk just a few feet away.

In the end, pedestrians have a choice: Cross at the railroad tracks and become part of the city revenue stream, or walk a few feet to the corner to cross safely and legally.

Pest control worker killed in porch collapse

2009-06-16T01:26:33Z

When this pest control worker went to work today, he probably didn't expect to never come home for dinner again.

Two pest control workers had been working on termite damage on a Curtis Park home the past few days. The previous owner of the home was a lady who lived to be 100 and passed away a few months ago. The home was up for sale with extensive termite and dry rot damage.

Today, the two men were working under the cement slab front porch when the edges gave way and the entire weight of the slab came down on them. Capt. Doucette of the Sacramento Fire Department guestimated the slab to be well over 1000 lbs.

The surviving partner stated that they were removing some "dark dry rot damage under the floor and the concrete floor it gave way and came down on us…it was about three inches thick and it came down on us." He escaped with very minor injuries.

Sacramento Firefighters arrived within one minute from the time of the call and the extrication took 25 minutes. Firefighters had to use pneumatic air bags to raise the cement and wood cribbing to shore it up to enable the extrication.

The worker was pronounced dead on scene.

The cause of the incident is currently under investigation by Cal OSHA.

The identity of the worker has not been released pending family notification.

Juvenile burglar apprehended by police K9

2009-07-01T00:02:13Z

Sacramento, CA -- Police K-9 "takes a bite out of crime" today and apprehends a juvenile after a brief man hunt.

Two juveniles were seen trying to break into a Freeport home in the Belleau Wood Lane area, late Tuesday morning. When police arrived in the area, the would-be burglars ran.

One subject was apprehended immediately while the other led police on a neighborhood foot pursuit. When the subject evaded officers, a tight neighborhood perimeter was established by inbound officers.

After officers verified and had evidence that a crime had been committed, public address announcements were made warning neighbors that the police dog was going to be deployed and to give the evading juvenile a chance to give up.

When the police dog was deployed, he quickly picked up the sent and led officers to the location of the hiding youth in the area of Atherton Street and McLaren Avenue. After the youth was given a chance to surrender, the dog was sent in to do his job. Seconds later the subject was in custody.

Neighbors who witnessed the capture recognized the youth as a local neighbor who lives in the area with his family, and grandparents also reside in the neighborhood.

Second pursuit in less than 20 hours

2009-06-15T05:51:36Z

The bad guys took another run at running from officers today. Not even 20 hours from the pursuit that ended in a light pole in the Greenhaven area, the four occupants of this pursuit thought they would take their turn with Sac PD.

This pursuit took a tour from the Arcade area, down Del Paso, over 160 to Downtown and ended at 10th St. at E. St. in Alkali Flat of Downtown Sacramento. The driver lost control, running up the curb and through a sign post when he came to a stop. All four occupants bailed out of the vehicle and led officers in a four way foot pursuit. All four occupants were apprehended.

Hold everything!....ending this article to cover another pursuit in progress.

Oak Park warrant search ends with two detained, one transported to hospital

2009-07-01T23:04:33Z

Oak Park, Sacramento, CA- A warrant search in Oak Park ended with two in custody, one at large today. Sgt. Norm Leong, spokesperson for the Sacramento Police Department, stated that "a loaded gun magazine, scale, packaging and dope were found in the residence". One of the detained was transported to the hospital.

As police conducted a warrant search in the 3600 block of 19th Street, three black, male occupants attempted to flee from police. One was immediately detained, the second was detained after running face-first into the wall he was going to scale, knocking himself unconscious. Transporting paramedics stated that the individual did not remember the incident and had minor bleeding from the face.

The two in custody are 33 and 18 years of age. The third suspect is still at large and may be armed. A loaded gun magazine was found in the house, but no gun. It is assumed that the suspect at large has the gun, per Leong

South Sac pursuit ends through a wall in Elk Grove

2010-01-29T09:57:39Z

A pursuit that started in South Sacramento Thursday night, ended in Elk Grove when the driver of the fleeing vehicle crashed through a wall at a house on the corner of Villeneuve Dr. and Power Inn.

The driver fled leaving a bloody trail for officers to track him by. Other occupants of the vehicle were trapped until Firefighters extricated them and were transported to the hospital with injuries.

The driver was found and arrested in the neighborhood a short time later. The capture came by officers tracking the blood trail, fresh footprints, K9 alerts and neighbors calling in too 911 with sightings.

CLICK HERE TO SEE SCENE VIDEO FOOTAGE

The end of what could have been much worse

2009-05-16T10:07:51Z

Sacramento, CA
Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 12:41am

The overturned semi-truck hauling Smuckers Jelly packets, was a much more docile ending than what this incident could have been. What you don’t see from this angle is the wreckage of multiple cars on the other side of truck that flipped twice (per reports), before it came to rest spilling its sticky cargo all over the highway.

Dennis Hanson stated that the car in front of him (actually the second or third vehicle in the incident), “spun out and a fender came off or the hub cap or something, and came to a complete stop in the middle lane.” As Hanson approached, he swerved to the right lane to avoid the vehicle and was hit from the rear by the car behind him. Hanson made his way to the side and went back to meet with the owner of the vehicle that collided with his car. “ Meanwhile,” Hanson stated, “the car is still in the middle of the road and cars are swerving around it.” Hanson yelled to the driver “get your family out the car. This is a disaster waiting to happen.” Per Hanson, just as the driver “got his wife and kid out of the car, less than a minute later, the big rig came and plowed right into it.” Hanson then went to help the truck driver who apparently had been ejected. When Hanson called to him he said he was out and he thought both his legs were broken. When Hanson was finally able to get around the wreckage to the driver, he found him hobbling on a compound fractured leg with bones protruding through the skin. The driver was looking through the roadside grass to find his cell phone… and he did.

Considering the massive wreckage strung a roughly half mile down the interstate, the injuries in this accident were quite minor in comparison to what they could have been. All lanes were stopped across the interstate for less than 30 minutes. Sacramento Fire Department and CHP were able to open the first three lanes quite quickly while the number four lane remained closed for some time due to clean up and to enable the wrecker to right the semi-truck and it’s trailer. One of the other victims from this accident called in to 911 and stated she was high and injured in the middle divider. Whether she was the cause of any part of this incident is unknown at this time.

In another accident just a few miles and minutes before this incident, at Twin Cities and Interstate Five, the occupants were not as fortunate. We do not have the details from that incident other than it was a head-on collision and fatalities were involved.

Our weekend is already starting off in wreckage and carnage. As this story is being written, calls are going out for an overturned vehicle on Greenback Lane, and another vehicle accident on Interstate 80 East at Auburn with a person down in the middle of the road. Do your part to be safe on the road this weekend. If you are not fit to be behind the wheel, be responsible and let someone else drive. Be alert and refrain from being distracted by cell phone calls and text messaging.

Sacramento City Firefighters quickly knock down blaze allegedly sparked by homeless.

2009-05-29T07:00:06Z

Just months after Mayor Kevin Johnson clears out "tent city", Sacramento's homeless are back in the area setting up camp.

Just south of what was formerly known as "tent city", Sac Firefighters were called to a grass fire behind Downtown Ford, and off of 18th Street and Brier Rd. at approximately 9:20 p.m.

Down an embankment between the bike path and Downtown Ford, some homeless had set up camp. Sources say that there was an altercation and the area was purposely set on fire.

Sac City Firefighters contained the fire to the immediate area with approximately two to three acres involved. Per Capt. Jim Doucette, SacFire, Paramedics transported one victim of the altercation to the hospital with facial injuries. At this time, it is unknown if there have been any arrests.

At risk missing person. Sac Sheriff asks for your help

2009-08-06T19:49:23Z

August 6, 2009

At Risk Missing Person

(DIRECT FROM PRESS RELEASE)

"The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in locating 22-year-old Nicholas Benjamin Carol (see photo below). Carol was last seen on August 6, 2009, at 7:50 a.m., by staff as he was walking away from the residential care home where he lives, in the 8200 block of Winkler Way in Sacramento.

"Carol is a white male adult, 5’10” tall, weighing 210 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a white tee shirt, a black and blue jacket, and khaki pants.

"Carol has been categorized as at risk because he has been diagnosed with autism and has the mental capacity of a 3-year-old child.

"The Sheriff’s Department is actively searching for Nicholas Benjamin Carol, if anyone has seen, or knows his whereabouts; please contact the Sheriff’s Communications Center at (916) 874-5115."

Ongoing neighborhood feud escalates to shooting

2010-02-11T20:27:23Z

Ongoing neighborhood feud escalates to shooting Wednesday afternoon
East DelPaso Heights, Sacramento, CA
February 10, 2010

Wednesday afternoon, an ongoing neighborhood feud escalated to somone being shot.

A small portion of Conifer Way was taped off Wednesday afternoon as CSI collected evidence and officers untangled details. Just prior to this incident, a home invasion robbery took place nearby causing some confusion at first whether the two incidents were related or not.

VIDEO>

Pocket Fire Blaze impacts two homes, one destroyed the other damaged

2009-06-12T03:57:20Z

Two homes caught fire Thursday around 2:51 p.m. As firefighters arrived, the fence between the two homes was completely on fire and the side of the two story home on the left was well involved. The second home (one story), caught fire and burned into the attic.

There was an initial report that victims may have been in the home. The first in engine crew executed a search of the home and no one was found.

In the end, the two story home experienced a partial roof collapse while firefighters were inside. Firefighters pulled out and went into defensive mode to save the one story home and protect other surrounding exposures. The two story was a total loss and the one story home had fire damage in the attic and back bedroom as well as contents.

SacCity Firefighters were on scene in less than five minutes from the time of the call. Deputy Fire Chief Lloyd Ogan stated that weather definantly played a factor with the Delta Breeze picking up.

In a press release, Acting Battalion Chief, Jim Doucette stated, "There were no reported injuries and Sacramento Fire Department Investigators are on scene trying to determine the cause of the blaze. Additional Firefighters from Sacramento Metro and Cosumnes Fire also responded." A total of 75 firefighters and 4 command staff were engaged on this incident.

Weapon wielding transient threatens kind hosts

2009-07-07T00:44:38Z

Sacramento, CA- Shortly before 3 P.M. Monday, in the 1500 block of 19th Street, two apartment occupants were kind enough to allow a transient woman to hang out with them and relax for a bit in their apartment.

Per the occupants (who wish to remain anonymous), as the woman was getting ready to go, she asked to use their home phone. When they declined to allow her to use it she pulled a knife and began to threaten them insiting on using the phone. The two occupants restrained her as an on site worker called for police.

Police responded rapidly, however were initially given the wrong address by the onsite worker, which put officers several blocks away searching for the incident. On dispatch call back, dispatchers were able to obtain the right location and redirected responding officers.

As officers arrived, the woman got loose and led officers on a very brief chase. The fleeing woman was captured in the backyard of the apartment building.

The occupants stated that the woman was also very drunk.

Four survive dramatic crash

2009-05-31T08:52:11Z

Smoke, flying debris and a rolled over vehicle is what Jerry Cook saw in front of him as he traveled south on Business 80.

Four occupants are very fortunate to be alive today. At approximately 10:30 p.m. Saturday night, their Buick Lacrosse slammed into the barriers at the interchange of West Business 80 and Highway 160. The vehicle smashed through all the sand filled barriers then flip over coming to rest on it's roof. Jerry Cook was driving down 80 when all he saw in front of him was a cloud of smoke, flying debris and other cars dodging around the debris as the Buick came to rest.

"No one was doing anything to help when myself and a lady officer helped two people get out of the car and moved some of the debris out of the road way" said Cook. Per Cook, the officer who arrived first on scene broke the windows out of the vehicle with her flashlight then her and cook helped the two remaining occupants hold still to prevent further injuries until paramedics arrived.

"The guy…was being trapped by the steering wheel who flew across; I thought he was driver but he said he wasn't driving…and said his back hurt and couldn't feel his legs. The other lady had lacerations that you could literally see to the bone…and they were just mangled inside there." said cook as he stood on the road side replaying the surreal event in his mind.

One person from the incident was taken into custody by CHP on scene. Open alcohol bottles were found in the vehicle. Officers were still on scene investigating when called for further details. CHP dispatcher stated that an officer would call us back with more info. Those details will be posted in an update when they become available.

Action news capsule: for the night of Wednesday, September 16, 2009

2009-09-17T20:48:11Z

#1. WEST SAC- West Sacramento police and Davis SWAT served warrants on several locations in West Sacramento related to recent
gang activity occurring in the city including the fatal shooting at the Ortega's Night Club. Two people were arrested and a medium sized
marijuana grow was located during the operation.

#2. SOUTH SAC- A shooting occurred in an apartment on 44th Ave near 39th St in south Sacramento. The victim was shot once in the
leg and transported to Kaiser South Trauma Center. Further details were unavailable at the time.

#3. SAC COUNTY- A shooting occurred at an apartment complex on Tuolumne Dr near La Riviera Dr in Sacramento County. One victim was shot in the arm while standing outside the apartment and another victim holding a small child was shot in the arm when a stray bullet
came through the wall of the building. The first victim was self transported to UCDMC before officials arrived and the second victim
holding the child was transported by ambulance to UCDMC, the child was not injured.

#4. RIO LINDA: A shooting occurred in the area of Rio Linda Blvd and Rivera Dr in the Del Paso Heights area. The victim was shot
five times in the upper body and transported to UCDMC. (No Photos)

#5. SOUTH SAC- A hit and run crash involved a vehicle and a sheered off fire hydrant that caused a geyser of water to shoot high
into the air on 65th St and 53rd Ave in south Sacramento. The driver of the vehicle ran on foot from the scene and was found at his home by
CHP and arrested.

#6. FAB 40's- A large play structure was burned in the backyard of a home on 44th St in Sacramento. The structure was a total loss and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

MEDIA SOURCES: Full photos, video and write-ups available by emailing media@maverickphotography.us or calling 916.340.1926
Photography by MaverickPhotography.us, Available Video by Andrus Media
Incident briefs by Calvin Andrus

Midtown dumpster fire escalates to garage fire and threatens apartments

2009-06-13T15:38:12Z

Sacramento Midtown apartments were threatened earlier this morning when a dumpster fire spread to the large all wood garage surrounded by the apartments.

Firefighters were called to the rear of 1015 26th in the alley for a "dumpster fire" Engine four arrived on scene quickly, just five minutes from the time the call came in to 911. When they arrived the garage was well involved with fire. The two dumpsters on fire were pulled away from the garage and after gaining access the firefighters made an aggressive attack, knocking down the blaze.

While the major part of the fire was immediately taken care of, some fire remained in the eves and roofing. Due to remodels and several layers of siding, firefighters had a challenge getting the fire completely extinguished immediately, but kept it under control and from spreading to the adjacent apartments.

The early morning fire hailed a compliment of five engines, three truck companies, one HazMat Company, two Medic Units, five Command/Support staff and 50 firefighters.

In a press release, Capt. Doucette stated, "A Sacramento Fire Department Haz Mat Team was called out to monitor the water run off."

There were no injuries in this incident however the cause is under investigation. Short after the fire, "the person of interest" was sighted down the street going through dumpsters.

More juvenile burglars strike the south area

2009-07-02T08:53:31Z

Sacramento, CA- Two juvenile burglars remain at large Wednesday night. Witnesses approached a friends house in the 7900 block of Deer Creek Drive Wednesday evening, near 11 p.m. When they noticed that the people they could see in the house were not their friends, they called police.

Sacramento police arrived rapidly, however the black, male juveniles had already fled. Police set up a perimeter and found several subjects in the area that matched the description of the subjects. Police drove witnesses by the detained subjects in a "field show up" (the equivalent of a line-up in the field) to identify the burglars; however none of the detained individuals were positively identified.

Public address announcements were made in the area as K-9 units went to work in an attempt to track the seventeen and eighteen year old burglars. Air support was not available to assist with heat imaging of the area.

Any one with information should contact the Sacramento Police Department.

Loomis fire claims the life of elderly disabled man

2009-07-12T13:05:55Z

Loomis, CA- Early Sunday morning structure fire claims the life of an elderly disabled man. Wife and dog escape the blaze.

The beautiful mansion type home in the 6900 Prarie Ct., Loomis, CA, caught fire early Sunday morning. Penryn Battalion Chief stated that the home was fully engulfed in flames when they arrived. He stated that the wife and dog escaped but her elderly disabled husband did not escape.

The home was located deep in the hills of Loomis and difficult to access. Fire crews also had to shuttle water via "water tender" trucks to finally extinguish the fire.

In some of the photos you will see some blue light showering in the upper right corner. The power was live during the entire firefighting efforts with arching lines and exploding transformer.

Several agencies were involved in the firefighting efforts: Penryn, Loomis, CalFire, CDF to name

Juveniles now wanted felons after fireworks theft

2009-07-03T21:51:22Z

Three juveniles, ages 14 to 15, cased then robbed the fireworks stand on the corner of 47th Ave & 44th St. in South Sacramento Friday just after noon.

A Sheriff helicopter orbited the area around the school where the juveniles were last seen breaking apart the large package of fireworks they had just stolen from the fireworks stand hosted by Parkway Swim and Tennis. Public address announcements were made from the helicopter stating to people in the neighborhood: "we are looking for three felons who just stole a large red package of fireworks…" This was the largest package of fireworks offered and is considered a "block party" set that sells for $600. The helicopter spotted the torn apart red packaging in the middle of the school field where ground officers retrieved it.

Kids present from Parkway Swim and Tennis turned and saw the juvenile thieves fleeing with the large package that took all three of them to carry away. They alerted volunteer mom Jessica Rodriguez-Veneroni who ran after the subjects.

The three juvenile wanted felons remain at large. If you live in the area and have information that may lead to the apprehension of the suspects and return of the items, please contact the Sacramento Sheriffs department right away.

CRIME ALERT: Sewer District Imposter Casing Homes- posted from EGPD Press Release

2010-03-10T18:06:04Z

(This is a direct post from the EGPD Press Release and safety information you need to be aware of)

ELK GROVE, CA – The Elk Grove police department is asking for help from the community in identifying a residential burglary suspect posing as a “sewer district” employee.

Over the last two weeks, the department has responded to three attempted residential burglaries involving an individual who has identified himself as a “sewer district” employee. The unidentified individual has been described as an Asian male adult, 5 feet 3 inches tall, 20 to 30 years of age, wearing a work vest.

In each of the attempted burglaries, the suspect approached residences and knocked on the front door. If there is no response, the suspect would then attempt to gain entry into the residence by using some type of metal pry tool to open the front door. In two cases, the owners were home and confronted the suspect by opening the front door after they heard noises. The suspect then claimed that he was a “sewer district” employee and was looking for the sewer lines. After being confronted, the imposter fled the area in a tan or orange colored Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck.

As a reminder, Sacramento Area Sewer District (SASD) employees wear blue uniforms that clearly identify them as SASD employees. In addition, SASD employees also carry identification badges that display their photos and a Sacramento Area Sewer District logo. The vehicles utilized by the Sacramento Area Sewer District are always clearly marked with the SASD logo and phone number.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call the Elk Grove Police Department Communication Center at (916) 714-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Callers to Crime Alert can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Tips can also be sent via SMS text message by entering CRIMES (274637) on a cell phone, followed by Tip732 and the message.

Elk Grove man dies at Discovery Park

2009-07-20T08:34:07Z

18 year old George Ho went under the water and never surfaced at Tiscornia Beach in Discovery Park Sunday afternoon at the confluence.

Jim Doucette of the Sacramento Fire Department,stated "at 2:54 PM, we responded to the beach at Discovery Park for an 18 year old male that went under and never surfaced."

"Ho and his friends were swimming about 25 yards off shore. Some boats came by, created a wake, he went under and never came up" said Doucette.

This occurred right where the Sacramento River and American River meet, the area known as The Confluence. Doucette stated that it is very deep there with a lot of logs and rocks. He further stated that in the past an abandon car had been found there.

After about an hour of surface searching, the fire department pulled their swimmers out of the water and went into a recovery mode, per Doucette.

Doucette noted that even as the recovery of Ho was taking place, there were many children in the water without life vests. "It's kind of ironic; you see what just happened here and people are still in the water. The big deal is, they just don't think it could happen to them."

The young man was identified as George Ho of Elk Grove. Per Doucette, Ho had just graduated from Monterey Trails High School in Elk Grove.

Doucette spoke with Ho's friends who were at Discovery with him. They stated that Ho did know how to swim and Doucette believed that alcohol was not a factor in this incident.

With Ho's father, family and friends looking on, a few hours later, the dive team was still unable to locate him and called off the recovery efforts.

Capt Doucette states, "This is a sad reminder of just how dangerous our rivers and waterways are. The victim’s friends reported that he knew how to swim. These waters do not discriminate against anyone, whether they are good swimmers or not. These waters will 'kill' you."

The Sacramento Fire Department also received assistance from the Sacramento Police Department, Sacramento County Park Rangers, the California Highway Patrol, the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department, and the Yolo County Sheriffs Department.

Firefighters rescue sleeping man from burning house fire

2009-07-14T01:15:26Z

At 3:16P.M. Monday, Sacramento Firefighters were called to the 7600 block of Tattershall Way. When firefighters arrived, they found smoke coming from the home and a well involved fire in the kitchen area.

On a primary search of the home, firefighters found a sleeping man in the back bedroom and quickly removed him from the burning home. He was transported to the hospital with smoke inhalation.

Engine 57 arrived within three and half minutes of the call. Captain Jim Doucette stated "If not for the quick response of Sacramento Firefighters, and the next door neighbor quickly reporting this fire, there is a very good chance this man would not have survived."

Doucette also noted that the home had no working smoke detectors.

*WHY DO THEY DO THAT?
Onlookers at incidents often ask, "Why are they doing that?", when they see firefighters tearing into the walls and ceilings and cutting holes in the roof. "Are they just destructive boogers and into tearing up things or is there actually a reason they are doing that?"

In the posted photo of the interior of this fire, you will notice there is no fire damage in the front room, but the ceiling is all torn out. During a structure fire, fire will get into the attics and walls and travel. To be sure the fire has no "extensions", firefighters use tools called "closet hooks" and "pike poles" to pull the ceiling apart to ensure that the fire has not traveled and has been completely extinguished.

Second playground fire under investigation

2009-07-13T01:22:10Z

SACRAMENTO, CA- At 4:07 P.M. today, Sacramento Firefighters were called to Freeport Elementary School for a playground fire. This takes place in the wake of a similar fire at a Roseville park playground just a few nights ago.

Captain Jim Doucette of the Sacramento Fire Department stated, "The fire does not appear to be an accident".

Anyone with any information about this fire is encouraged to contact the Sacramento Fire Department Arson Tip Line at (916) 808-8732.

South Sacramento Mobile Home Fire

2009-05-03T06:25:39Z

Sacramento, CA
May 2, 2009

At approximately 8:45 this evening, Sacramento Firefighters were called to unit 213 of the South Sacramento Travel Lodge Mobile Home Park at 6025 Dias Ave. While a full report is not yet available, occupants and their cat were able to safely exit their home and damage was kept to a minimum do to the rapid response of the firefighters. We can only speculate that had this occurred in a fire department brown out area, this situation could have had a dramatically different ending.

As soon as we receive more details from Sacramento Fire Department, we will bring you an update.

Firefighters rescue injured transient from water channel

2009-06-30T02:52:23Z

Sacramento, CA- Firefighters called to rescue an injured transient on the steep slope of a water channel

William Lockwood and his girlfriend, Angel Love have been residing under the overpass, that spans the water channel, on 88th Street off of Fruitridge Blvd. Monday morning Lockwood lost his footing at the top of the channel and tumbled down the steep cement side coming to a stop just before the water. Injured and unable to climb back up the steep cement slope, Angel summoned for help.

Sacramento Fire Truck 10 and Paramedics received the call near 11:30 a.m. The truck crew had to commence a rope rescue with the stokes litter to safely bring Lockwood to the top.

Lockwood was transported to the hospital by paramedics with minor injuries.

Broadway China Buffet robbery, employee injured

2009-07-14T09:09:41Z

Sacramento, CA- Around 9:30 P.M. Monday night, Sacramento Police received a call that the China Buffet on Broadway at 14th St. was robbed by three men. Per Sac PD dispatcher, an undisclosed amount of cash was stolen.

One of the employees was sustained minor injuries when he was hit in the back of the head by one of the suspects. He refused transportation to the hospital.

The suspects fled the scene in a white sedan and remain at large.

Action News Capsule for Saturday P.M., July 11/12, 2009

2009-07-12T18:19:24Z

ELK GROVE SHOOTING: A man was shot multiple times just after 10pm on Rightwood Way in the City of Sacramento. He was transported code 3 to UCDMC and his condition was not known at the time of the incident.

MARRIOTT SMOKE BOMB: A person set off a smoke bomb just before 11:30pm in a hallway of the Spring Hill Suites on Venture Oaks Way in the City of Sacramento. The smoke filled the hallways of two floors of the hotel and caused a brief evacuation while fire fighters use fans to blow out the smoke.

FATAL FIRE: The latest in a string of fatal fires to hit the Sacramento area occurred just after 1:30am on Prairie Ct in the Penryn area of Placer
County. The female occupant of the large two story home was able to escape without injury but her husband was killed in the fire that
quickly consumed the building and spread to the wild land around the property.

Confused Demonstartors

2009-05-02T03:55:32Z

Sacramento, CA
Friday, May 1, 2009

Several Sacramento Police officers formed a blockade at the front entrance of the Five Fifty Five building on Capitol Mall today as demonstrators gathered to let their voice be heard by Bank of America officials. The downtown branch of Bank of America is located on the ground floor of the Five Fifty Five building. Bank personnel guarded the back ally entrance to be sure that those entering were there for bank business and not part of the demonstration. At this location the demonstrators were voicing their opinion of alleged misuse of bailout funds handed to the banks, and calling for the CEO of BofA to step down. When we attempted to question bank officials, we were met across the board with “no comment”.

Demonstrators dispersed peacefully and continued marching down Capitol Mall under police escort to the sidewalk in front of the Capital on the West side. We took this opportunity to talk with demonstrators. As we inquired as to the purpose of their demonstration, there seemed to be a bit of confusion; it seamed each demonstrator we talked with had a different mission for being there. We did finally discover that the main purpose of the protest was for laborers’ rights and that these protest were taking place in several locations throughout California.

We caught up with Albert Rojas (pictured in white t-shirt) at the demonstration. Rojas shared with us how he felt the misuse of bail-out funds impacted all tax payers. He stressed how it was his opinion and event organizers that immigrants should be a working, tax paying part of the American Society rather than tapping into the welfare system. Rojas is a student majoring in business. He stated that he purposed to fund his schooling rather than taking out student loans that he may not be able to repay. We asked Rojas about the inflatable characters they staged on the sidewalk; he stated that “they are symbolic to give a face to the mentality behind some of the bankers.”

While there did appear to be some confusion in the mission and purpose of their demonstration, it was clear that each person had definant opinions and missions. Each came to exercise their freedom of speech and right to be heard. Not only did they get that opportunity, their rights were literally protected as officers stood by to keep the peace.

Older man stabbed on Broadway, during rush hour

2009-07-07T03:33:43Z

Sacramento, CA- Early Monday evening, at about 6:30 P.M., Sacramento Police and Sacramento City Fire and Paramedics were called to a stabbing at the front of New Station Seafood in the 1800 block of Broadway.

Firefighters and police found a 54 year old man sitting on the bus bench bleeding from the chest. Per the on scene police sergeant, the man sustained a 3 to 4 inch deep laceration across the chest and was very intoxicated.

Due to the man's level of intoxication, authorities were having challenges getting accurate information from the victim. Per the sergeant, police do have a couple persons of interest in the case. It appears that the subject also took the victims cash he had on hand from his SSI.

Police will be tracking down the alleged subjects to make an arrest.

Action News Capsule for Friday P.M., July 10, 2009

2009-07-12T02:50:52Z

VEHICLE vs UTILITY POLE: Around 6:30pm a vehicle slammed into a utility pole on 47th Ave. near Wire. The older model vehicle sustained major front end damage, the utility pole split and collapsed and the driver sustained only minor cuts on the forehead. Power in the area was out for several hours.

PARTY STABBING: Around 12:30am a female victim way stabbed at a party in the area of 4th Ave and 65th St. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital with what appeared to be a minor stab wound to the
upper body.

PALLADAY FIRE: Around 4:00am a large grass fire occurred off Palladay Rd and Base Line Rd in Placer County. Units were called from CDF, Placer County Fire, Sutter County Fire and Sac Metro Fire to extinguish the fire.

South Oak Park home explodes

2010-02-07T13:19:47Z

An unoccupied South Oak Park home explodes Sunday morning and the cause is under investigation.

An unoccupied home in the South Oak Park area exploded early Sunday morning. Debris from the home blew all the way out to the street. The home was a total loss and while the cause is under investigation, natural gas has not been ruled out. Per Sac City Fire, the home was a total loss and no one was injured.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW SCENE VIDEO

Visit us at Maverick Photography and SacMav for the action news the News misses

Body discovered on the American River in Discovery Park

2009-07-24T04:23:06Z

Sacramento, CA- While training on the American River Thursday, Sacramento City Firefighters, aboard Sac Fire Boat #5, discovered a body floating amongst the logs across from Tiscornia Beach, per Capt. Jim Doucette.

Doucette stated that they do not believe this is the body of George Ho who drowned just a few hundred feet downriver Sunday. Ho was wearing shorts at time he disappeared in the water; dark pants and footwear were on the body that was recovered today.

Per Doucette, "the Sacramento Police Department and the Sacramento County Coroners Office responded. Firefighters assisted with the retrieval of the body."

The case is currently under investigation.

Downtown Victorian home fire strikes out two alarms

2009-07-04T05:57:07Z

Sacramento, CA- At 7:24 P.M. Friday evening, Sacramento firefighters were called to a downtown structure, just a few houses down from Old Ironsides off of 10th and S streets.

When firefighters arrived at 1913 10th Street, they found the second floor and attic of the old Victorian well involved.

Per Captain Jim Doucette, Engine 1 was on scene in about three minutes. Firefighters made a very aggressive attack on the fire. With the fire well seated in the attic, firefighters had to tear in and gain access to the space to bring the blaze under control. The roof on the north side became unstable and all the firefighters were ordered out.

They were able to control the rest of the blaze from outside, then were able to reenter for overhaul to be sure the fire was completely extinguished.

"Firefighters made an aggressive attack on the fire and saved the downstairs units and they also prevented the fire from spreading to adjoining buildings. Fortunately no one was injured and there was only one resident in the entire building. All of the other units were vacant," said Doucette

A total of 16 fire units responded, four paramedic squads, 75 firefighters and 10 command/support staff.

Presently, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Grass fire incident Chief's final call

2009-05-28T10:53:58Z

Sacramento Metro Firefighters extinguished an early morning blaze before it reached several threatened homes.

Shortly after 12:00 a.m. Thursday morning, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department was called to a grass fire to rear of 3600 Glencrest Lane. When firefighters arrived, and were able to access the fire ground, it appeared that there were actually three fires. Several additional grass and structure engines were dispatched to protect the homes. When asked if this was indeed three separate fires and was this possibly arson, on scene arson investigators stated that it was under investigation.

Battalion Chief, Frank Moreno (Bat 15), stressed that it is very important that residents clear brush and grass 30 feet from their homes. Trees and other large fuels should be 100 feet away.

Arson investigators noted that had there been a breeze, the outcome of this fire could have been much different and structures could have been lost.

This incident would mark Chief Moreno's last as he retired at the end of this shift. Chief Moreno proudly served 24 years with the department. When asked what he planed to do in his retirement, Chief Moreno stated that he was going to be ranching and working on his projects. He further stated that he would always leave options open for consulting and other opportunities.

Congratulations Chief Moreno on your retirement. You will certainly be missed by the firefighters you led and the community you served faithfully for so many years.

Gunshots rang out near thousands celebrating 4th of July, behind Sunrise mall

2009-07-05T22:56:20Z

Sacramento, CA- Four males and three females, one shooter, were somehow all involved in a shooting behind Sunrise Mall during festivities Saturday evening.

Shortly before fireworks were launched at the Sunrise Mall Fourth of July celebration, two people were shot at the Sunrise Vista Apartments, located behind the mall.

One victim was not expected to survive and the other was in serious condition that night. One male was detained and brought back to the seen for a "field show-up". This is where bright lights are put on the subject for two reasons: one so the witnesses can clearly see the suspect to identify him, and secondly so the suspect can't see the witnesses. It is unknown at this time if the suspect was positively identified.

It appeared that the scene was quite confusing for Citrus Heights law enforcement to sort through and gain control of. Thousands of people were moving through the crime scene area which made it nearly impossible for on scene K-9's to track suspects and obscured the scene.

Incendiary device found at the Federal Court House in Downtown Sacramento

2009-05-17T22:34:34Z

Sacramento, CA
May 17, 2009

Things are quiet now around the Federal Courthouse at 501 I St., in Downtown Sacramento, but around 5 am Sunday morning, there was a hubbub of activity as word spread that an unknown incendiary devise had been located on the west side of the courthouse.

Per Sacramento Police Department, “at 4:47 a.m., Federal Protection Service personnel located a suspicious item on the west side of the Sacramento Federal Courthouse and contacted the Police Department.”

A myriad of agencies are assisting with the investigation to ensure every angle is covered. The agencies involved are: Sacramento City Fire Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Protection Service, U.S. Marshals Service, General Service Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Presently authorities are not releasing a description of the incendiary device. From the outside of the Federal Building, it appears that there is no elevated alert level. The parking garage barriers are not up and there appears to be no additional law enforcement coverage posted around the exterior. We will continue to follow this story and bring you more information as it becomes available.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000

Dog's swimming infatuation gets him stranded

2009-07-27T05:09:16Z

Sacramento- When firefighters arrived at Discovery Park Sunday afternoon, Buddy was on a small piece of beach surrounded by water on one side and a dirt wall on the other, with no way out; whimpering and whining, looking up at everyone staring down as if to say, "don't just look at me, get me out of here."

Sacramento Fire Department's Engine 14 and Rescue 20 responded to Discovery Park Sunday afternoon for the rescue.

Buddy, a 9 year old Wiemaraner, was with his owner for a Sunday walk in Discovery Park. Wiemaraners are known for their hunting and love of water. Buddy, took off for the water and jumped about 10 feet down to the river. His K9 senses weren't calculating "how am I going to get out"?

After Buddy got cooled off, he made his way to a small dirt beach, but had no way to get up the dirt wall to his owner. The only option was to call the Sacramento Fire Department.

Engine 14 firefighters arrived and assessed the situation. Rather than risk firefighters' safety, they felt it best to call in the Rescue unit which specializes in difficult rescues and carries specialized equipment for "over the side" rescues.

When Rescue 20 arrived, with ladder, rope and a harness, they were able to safely rescue Buddy from his small piece of beach and reunite him with family.

Buddy's owner stated that Buddy had never got himself in this type of a situation before. The question remains, will this incident linger in Buddy's memory so next time his K9 senses will calculate the risk before another plunge is made?

Editor's Note: The Sacramento Press editorial staff made minor alterations to this article with the author's permission.

Vehicle upside down in the ditch, driver unscathed

2009-07-10T17:53:13Z

Sacramento, CA- 19 year old Sarmeet Singh is not only lucky to be alive today, he escaped his vehicle landing upside down in a drainage ditch without even a scratch.

Friday morning Singh called 911 from his cell phone at 8:16 A.M. stating "I just flipped my car". Per Singh, he was exiting Highway 99 on the Florin Road West off ramp when his car slid off the road, under the fence and flipped over in the cement storm drain.

Emergency crews at first were not able to locate the vehicle because it slid under the fence and out of view. The fencing had to be cut and opened up for crews to access the vehicle. Singh asked Chief King, "Is there a chance of the water hitting the battery and starting a fire…because my speakers are in there?"

Battalion Chief King immediately called for a level two HazMat assignment due to oil leaking in the storm drain. The fluids were quickly contained protecting the environment.

Fallen Soldier Comes Home

2009-04-19T20:51:02Z

Fallen soldier, Staff Sgt. Bryan Hall, was welcomed home today. Hall was returned from overseas to Dover Air Force Base, then flown to Sacramento Executive Airport this morning. A procession followed Hall’s hearse from the airport to south Highway 99 and ended at Elk Grove Funeral Chapel.

Staff Sgt. Hall was killed in Iraq with four other soldiers when an explosive laden truck careened through an Iraqi police headquarters.

Community members lined the freeway and side roads waving flags and welcoming our fallen soldier home; but perhaps the most striking exhibit was the firefighters and apparatus that could be clearly seen atop every freeway overpass on the route. If you knew nothing about what was going on, you knew something significant was happening as you drove down 99 and witnessed firefighters standing atop their apparatus, at attention, aerial booms raised half staff on the fire trucks awaiting Hall’s return. Engines, trucks, ambulances and other apparatus participated from Sac City, Consumnes and Elk Grove fire departments.

Deer lands through family truck windshield near downtown

2009-07-07T23:11:06Z

Tony Pineea and his four sons got a big shock when a deer landed in their windshield.

Tony Pineea was traveling North on Highway 160 out of downtown Sacramento Tuesday morning with his four sons when a deer emerged from the light rail area adjacent to the highway and jumped in front of their pickup truck at the Del Paso exit.

The deer hit so hard in the windshield area that the windshield broke through and collapsed in. The driver only sustained very minor injuries and refused transport to the hospital. Per Pineea, his sons were seatbelted and uninjured.

The deer did attempt to run off, however it was too severely injured. An on scene CHP officer had to euthanize the deer on site to end its suffering from unrecoverable injuries. The Del Paso off ramp was closed for a short time.

Per Captain Doucette of the Sacramento City Fire Department, deer do commonly roam that area this time of year and an occasional mountain lion can be seen.

Shots fired on Bamford Rd. leads to Panos Ct. home

2010-01-28T18:38:38Z

Shots fired on Bamford leads authorities to a Panos Ct. home and a SWAT operation
January 28, 2010

Shots rang out Wednesday afternoon near theSamuel Jackman Middle School on Bamford Rd. Juvenile subjects allegedly fired the weapon in the air causing the school to go on a full lockdown for over an hour.

The subjects fled to a home on Panos Ct. where neighbors stated is the center of neighborhood trouble. Neighbors stated that the woman living at the home is always bringing the juveniles to her home and was just released a few days ago on gun related charges.

Sacramento Police department, including the SWAT unit and K9, moved in on the house, front and rear, safely taking several juveniles and the woman into custody. [SEE VIDEO OF WEDNESDAY'S INCIDENT]

According to neighbors, shots were fired near the school just a few days ago as well and on December 16th of last year a subject was detained for having/brandishing a handgun next to the school [SEE VIDEO] .

See our live and archived web video channel for the news the News doesn't show you.

Brush fire threatens Sac State structures

2009-06-28T03:21:46Z

Sacramento, CA- A brush fire on the campus of Sacramento State University broke out Saturday afternoon, between the buildings and the railroad tracks. The fire was against one of the buildings however firefighters made a quick attack and the structure was saved with no internal damage.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation but believed to be arson. Subjects in a red car were witnessed setting the fire. At the time of posting, full details are not available, but check back for follow-up information.

The accident that wasn't an accident at all

2009-07-04T12:43:16Z

North Highlands, Sacramento, CA- Early Saturday morning, police and fire received a call for a vehicle accident on North Watt at Karl. When police arrived, the victim was crawling from the wreckage.

It was quickly discovered that the victim wasn't just holding his chest from injuries incurred in the accident; he had been shot in a drive-by shooting, lost control of the vehicle, and plowed through a tree before his vehicle came to rest.

The victim was transported to the hospital immediately in serious condition. An update will follow as more information becomes available.

Hero saves sleeping Asian family from fiery demise

2009-07-10T10:01:38Z

Sacramento, CA- A sleeping family lives today because of the heroism of Santino Deanda

Lyndsay Deanda stated she and her husband Santino were on their way to the hospital with their daughter traveling down H Street, when in the 3700 block Santino spotted the back of a house on fire.

Santino stopped the vehicle, instructed Lyndsay to call 911 and headed to the front door to wake the family. Santino actually went into the burning, smoke filled house several times to be sure every one was out.

The blaze started in a couch on the back patio up against the house. The fire quickly spread catching the back side of the house on fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Santino was transported to UC Davis Medical Center by paramedics to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Battalion Chief King indicated that if not for the heroic act of Deanda, this could have been a very bad situation. While Deanda is credited with saving many lives, King noted that firefighters go into fires and smoke filled homes prepared with a vast array of safety equipment and tools. "Inhaling one breath of the superheated toxic smoke of a structure fire will drop you to floor".

Roseville brush fire quickly contained in spite of access issues

2009-05-23T07:57:25Z

Rosville firefighters had a difficult time gaining access to a brush fire burning upslope toward homes.

At approximately 6:45 p.m., a fire call was dispatched for a brush fire at the rear of 6921 Roseville Rd. When fire crews arrived at that address, smoke was billowing in the air behind the commercial structure, however, fire crews quickly found that the fire was inaccessible from that side. They had to work their way around to find the fire access road that runs along the railroad tracks.

With the fire burning upslope and a possible limited water supply, the incident commander called for an additional type 3 grass fire engine to protect the homes above the fire.

Several acres burned along the slope below the homes, but firefighters moved swiftly and the fire did not reach the homes.

One firefighter was treated on scene for skin irritation after being exposed to cactus oil while overhauling some burning cactus.

Cops-3 Bad Guys-0, Pursuit a losing game for Sac bad guys

2009-06-15T07:01:38Z

Less than 20 hours, 3 pursuits, 7 bad guys apprehended.

Sacramento bad guys did a stellar job today proving that running from the Sacramento Police Officers is a losing game.

In the early morning hours Sunday, one man led officers on a pursuit where he finally crashed and wrapped the stolen vehicle around a light pole. In custody, he was transported to the hospital in stable condition. SEE FULL STORY

In the next pursuit, suspects took officers on a tour of the Arcade, DelPaso, Hwy 160 and downtown areas at speeds reaching 90 mph. When the bad guys crashed their car, all four ran from police but were quickly run down and arrested. SEE FULL STORY

Third strike? Early this evening two suspects attempted to evade police in another moderate speed pursuit in the Florin/24th St. area. This pursuit also ended in a crash when the driver landed their vehicle in the back of a parked car. After the crash, both occupants attempted to flee, but once again, officers ran the bad guys down and placed them under arrest.

We could hope these odds would discourage would be police evaders to not attempt their hand at this game of pursuit (that's not a game at all and endangers lives), but chances are that another pursuit will commence even before this 24 hour time frame passes.

Brush fire delays south area Light Rail

2009-07-02T23:52:45Z

Sacramento, CA- Early Thursday after noon, a small blaze broke out off of Hing Avenue, near Franklin and 47th. The fire was contained to the dry field area between the homes and railroad tracks.

Light Rail service was minimally impacted. Trains were briefly delayed during the high part of the blaze then permitted to move through at a reduced speed due to limited visibility resulting from heavy smoke, per on scene RT rail worker.

Several structure firefighting engines were in place to protect the homes along the field, while brush rigs and crews moved through the field to attack the fire and bring it under control. Per Captain Doucette, the cause of the fire is unknown.

Brown out a factor in Curtis Park house fire

2009-11-02T09:01:14Z

Curtis Park, Sacramento, CA
Ed Fogle, MaverickPhotography.us
November 1, 2009

A Curtis Park home ablaze. Battalion Chief first on scene. First engine several minutes away due to brown out.

A two story home caught fire Sunday evening in the area of 25 Street and 8th Avenue in Curtis Park and was severely damaged per Jim Doucette, Sac Fire Public Information Officer.

The community of Curtis Park is serviced by Engine 6 as it's "first in" engine company. Engine 6 was not staffed due to rotating "brown outs" due to budget cuts. Per Jim Doucette, the first on scene unit was a Battalion Chief arriving in 3 minutes from time of dispatch. The first engine arrived 3 minutes later.

The fire got well into the attic giving firefighters a battle. The fire was so heated that it even rekindled in the attic after the fire was initially knocked down.

No one was injured in the blaze, however the family was displaced. A total of 50 firefighters and 6 command staff contained the fire and successfully protected neighboring homes. While the cause of the fire is under investigation, the "brown out" was a factor but to what extent is unknown at this time.

See our action news videos at SacMav where you see all the news the "news" didn't bring you. Just click "OnDemand" in the viewer and select the news capsule you want to see.

Find out when SacMav goes live to web with breaking action news by folowing @SacMav on Twitter.

Body identified, SacFire helps family through process

2009-07-25T02:09:37Z

Sacramento- "After 9 o'clock this morning, we received a report from a guest at the Embassy Hotel that 'there's a body floating in the river'" said Capt. Jim Doucett, Public Information Officer for Sacramento City Fire.

Per Doucette, crews arrived and found a body in the water next to the docks on the south side of the Tower Bridge, behind the Embassy Suites Hotel in Old Sacramento.

The Coroner's office responded, and with the assistance of Sacromento Police and Sacramento Fire, removed the body from the water. Per Sgt. Norm Leong, PIO for the Sacramento Police Department, the Coroner's office has identified the body to be that of 18 year old George Ho.

The Elk Grove resident and recent graduate of Monterey Trails High School, was enjoying the water Sunday at Discovery Park, when a boat's wake took him under the water. Ho never surfaced.

Doucette advised that the Fire Department Chaplain and a gracious social worker are aid the family the this experience and process.

View origional article here

Deputy shot investigating report of masked men

2009-08-09T10:05:35Z

Sacramento, CA- August 8,2009, A Sacramento Deputy stumbles upon bank robbery suspects who evaded Rocklin officers in a pursuit.

As Deputy Duke Lewis approached, one of the three suspects fired multiple rounds, with one striking the deputy in the shoulder from the rear as he attempted to take cover.

The deputy calmly called in that he's been hit and continues to give detailed descriptions to incoming law enforcement units. Units quickly set up a perimeter. (An archive recording can be heard by CLICKING HERE. At the bottom, find the archives, select 2009-08-08, then select the time frame for 01:12PM-01:27PM. On the right, select "Web Player" then click the speaker button. Just beyond halfway through, you will hear Deputy Lewis dispatched to check reports of masked subjects. Next you will hear Lewis reporting he has been hit.)

A command post was designated near by, and the area became flooded with patrol units, K9's and air support. A hard target search was performed house to house, yard to yard over several blocks within the perimeter.

Three suspects were detained per Tim Curran, spokesman for the Sacramento Sheriff's department. The deputy sustained a single through and through gun shot wound to the shoulder and was in stable condition. This took place in the area of Madison Blvd. and Hillsdale.

Check out the new Panarama News page at Maverick Photography.us Stitched together via a "fractal cloud" you will be able to view over 150 photos in their context. The scene becomes interactive in 3D panaramia using Microsoft's new "Photo Synth software".

Sleeping family gets a drunk awakening

2009-07-05T23:39:17Z

North Highlands, Sacramento, CA- A sleeping North Highlands family got a rude awakening early Sunday morning, when a drunk driver careened through their backyard fence.

The drunk driver was driving his Chevrolet pickup, under the influence of alcohol, through the quiet neighborhood. He lost control of his truck, drove over the sidewalk, up a short wall and through the homeowners wood fence.

The driver was arrested on scene and the family was left with a mess. No one was injured in this incident.

South Sacramento pursuit wraps up and around a light pole

2009-06-14T09:00:35Z

Early morning pursuit of a stolen vehicle ends in a light pole.

If you live in the South Sac, Freeport, South Land Park or Greenhaven areas and heard a whole lot of sirens early Sunday morning, that was our local police and sheriff chasing a stolen vehicle.

The suspect lead law enforcement officers on a tour of the South Area at speeds reaching 60 mph. While you may think that this is putting the community at risk, what you don't hear behind the scenes are the officers constantly calling in direction, speeds and amount of traffic.

During pursuits as this, several law enforcement units will be engaged in the chase. The second unit "calls the chase" while a watch commander or official monitors the situation for safety. During most of this chase the streets were clear and when there was some traffic, the helicopter was over top calling in traffic ahead and potential cross traffic situations.

This chase came to an end when the driver lost control and wrapped the vehicle around a light pole in the 600 block of Florin Rd. As a precaution, the driver was placed in spinal precautions and transported to the hospital in custody.

Keep an eye out for updates on this situation as information becomes available.

Metro Fire saves apartment complex while manager gets uppity with media

2009-08-03T08:54:13Z

This photographer/writer has been accused of being "snarky" in the past, but I'll put it right out there and warn you on this one…I'm going to be Snarky!

Sacramento, CA- Metro fire executes a rapid "knockdown" on apartment fire, containing the blaze to one unit and saving the complex.

Early Sunday afternoon, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department, assisted by Sacramento City Fire Department, was called to the apartments at 7326 Stockton Boulevard, for a report of smoke. When crews arrived they found heavy smoke coming from the windows and front door of a top floor apartment. A second alarm was immediately struck out for additional resources due to the "high density residential housing," per Battalion Chief Walter White.

The fire was a "well involved contents fire" that started in a bedroom", said White, "and extended into other portions of the residence".

Two fire investigators were called to the scene for a "routine investigation" per White. Approximately 15 firefighters helped to control blaze and no injuries were reported.

(Here's the snarky part) Part way through the incident, the complex manager became very insistent that all media, including TV networks, leave the premises. When asked why, she refused to answer and became quite animated and demanding. Myself and other on scene media asked her what she was afraid we would discover. We then asked her if she was sure she wanted us to leave and let her know that now we were curious as to what was being hidden. So now instead of leaving this story at just the awesome job the firefighters did in saving this apartment complex, everyone's belongings and keeping from more than one family being displaced; we now start asking the questions: were the required smoke detectors working? …were there proper fire extinguishers available? …were there unattended electrical issues, etc.? So, property managers and owners, know that media personnel are there to cover the story at hand; when you adamantly demand that we leave, it makes us start asking questions that you may not want asked. (Please note that I am an independent photographer/writer and not on staff with SacPress)

99 in South Sac backed up in busy mid day traffic

2009-05-31T09:24:03Z

If you were traveling north bound on highway 99 around 1:30 p.m. and got stuck in some major traffic Saturday afternoon, this incident may have been the cause.

Firefighters, CHP and tow truck driver get ready to move a rolled over vehicle off the side of the road. Details are not available yet about this incident that took place Saturday afternoon, shutting down all but one lane on highway 99 north between Fruitridge and Florin.

Rather than flipping the vehicle back over on it's wheels, the wrecked car was winched and slid right on to the flatbed tow truck.

Details for this incident are not yet available. An update will be posted as soon as more details are flushed out.

Rainy Road Havoc for EMS

2009-05-02T02:40:42Z

Sacramento, CA
Friday, May 1, 2009

Sacramento EMS crews were kept quite busy all day Friday. Mild temperatures and start of a new weekend had many people out on the road, but add in rain with heavy traffic throughout the region and you’ve created a recipe for havoc on the roads. We caught up with Sacramento Fire engines, truck crews, medic rigs, and Sac Police on a couple of incidents today out of the many we heard being dispatched over the squawk box. As the rain poured down, fire crews made sure the scenes were safe and assisted as paramedics tended to the victims; and officers took statements and reports on wet notepads.

The first incident we encountered with EMS crews was a head-on collision on Elder Creek Rd, just east of Power Inn before the railroad tracks. The second incident was a vehicle vs bicycle and a secondary collision when another vehicle ran into the first. We were unable to get information on injuries; however, airbags deployed on both of the vehicles in the first accident, and the juvenile bicyclist was being treated in the back of the ambulance upon our arrival at the second incident.

These weather conditions are expected to continue throughout the weekend. With the decent temperatures expect lots of people out and about and heavy traffic conditions. With the sporadic cloud burst and periods of heavy rain, expect traffic delays. Consider leaving early so you can take your time getting to your destination safely. When we are in a hurry and potentially distracted, it greatly increases our chances to be involved in an accident. Not only do we put ourselves, our families and those around us at risk, we also put our local firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement at risk as they put themselves in harms way on the wet roads to tend to our injuries and take reports. Yes, it is their job, but wouldn’t it be nice if they didn’t have to do their job. Be safe as you travel around town this weekend.

Arden apartment fire claims a life

2009-09-16T14:08:33Z

Sacramento, CA- At 11:27 pm, Tuesday night, Metro Fire received multiple calls for an apartment fire at 2420 Arden Way, #52.

After speaking with Christian Peebles (Metro Fire PIO) this morning , we learned that when fire units arrived, they found the bottom floor of the unit fully involved. The fire was contained to that unit, however 3 other units were smoke damaged, per Peebles.

Metro Fire arrived in 5 min and quickly knocked the fire down in 10 minutes with 18 firefighters, saving the rest of the apartment complex.

Per Peebles, there was one fatality. The badly burned body was found on the initial search of the unit and was burned burned bad enough that they were not able to identify the body on scene. The fire was of suspicious origin, per on scene firefighters and an arson investigator was summonsed to the scene.

"Metro Fire would like to remind our citizens that several working smoke alarms are still the best defense against surviving a working fire."

House fire under investigation

2009-06-06T01:34:27Z

At 2:54 p.m., Thursday afternoon, Sacramento City Firefighters responded to a report of a structure fire. When they arrived they found a two story home well involved.

Per Capt. Jim Doucette, the occupants were out of the house when firefighters arrived, however the family dog was not located. The fire started on the ground level, per Doucette, and the occupants did not know how the fire started. Doucette did mention that the fire is under investigation and that the occupants would not be able to occupy the home.

There were no injuries and surrounding structures were not threatened.

Boom and a sizzle shuts down Oak Park Businesses

2009-05-08T02:48:01Z

Sacramento (Oak Park), California

As patrons enjoyed coffee and conversations today at the Starbucks on the corner of Broadway and 35th, they experienced a not so uncommon power outage; but then a loud unexpected sizzle could be heard outside. The lights flickered before a loud boom shook the surrounding businesses. A bright flash and a shower of sparks could be seen in the air as patrons looked down the street toward the US Bank adjacent to Starbucks.

As people rushed out of the surrounding stores to see what happened, smoke poured from the top of the power pole at 34th and Broadway with traffic stopping in the west bound lane. With a more focused look, you could see the power line down across the street with people all around. Local businesses closed their doors.

SMUD crews were on scene within five minutes from the time of the loud boom. Acting quickly to block traffic and scale poles to clear left over debris that had fallen on other lines, the SMUD crews redirected the power enabling the power line to re-energize and restore power to the businesses. Starbucks, Under Ground Books, 40 Acres Gallery, the barber shop and other businesses that were affected, were able to open quickly and resume business. Business owners were very thankful for the SMUD's rapid response.

In an attempt to get more information and details from SMUD, the on-scene supervisor was not willing to comment and media information personnel at SMUD were unavailable.

Roadside fire brought under control quickly

2009-05-20T07:11:29Z

Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Sacramento, CA

Firefighters put a damp end to a brush fire that burned nearly an acre behind Hungry Hunter restaurant. Sacramento Firefighters’ quick response may have saved a historical restaurant building as well. The slow moving fire that burned nearly an acre this afternoon, burned up slope toward the freeway. One engine company went through the fence, at the bottom of the fire, to make a quick attack, while two more engines helped bring it under control on the top from the freeway side. While this fire was slow moving at the time, with the Delta Breeze picking up, it could have caused a different outcome resulting in a real fight for firefighters to protect surrounding structures. There were several thick trees in the burn area that could have torched had the conditions been different. When torching occurs, the breeze can blow embers that start spot fires in surrounding areas. Just adjacent to the Hungry Hunter sits a Sacramento icon, the former Rusty Duck Restaurant. The Rusty Duck is an all wood structure with shake shingles as siding all around. Thanks to the quick response of the Sacramento Fire Department, this fire was contained and controlled very quickly leaving only charred ground and no damage to structures or people.