Public Safety

Barton Gallery robbery suspect in custody, police need your help

2013-05-15T06:20:09Z

UPDATE - On May 15, 2013, Knecht was charged with two additional counts of burglary. Detectives recovered additional stolen property from Knecht’s home taken during two separate burglaries to the same location. The Burglaries were to a closed business in the 800 block of 57th Street that occurred on May 4, 2013 and May 8, 2013 in the early morning hours. Most all property was recovered.

Burglary Suspect Caught

The Sacramento Police Department has arrested 43-year-old Gregory Knecht for multiple counts of burglary to businesses in a specific area of Sacramento.

On Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at 4:28 p.m., Sacramento Police detectives executed a search warrant at Knecht’s residence on the 1500 block of J Street. During the search of the suspect’s home, stolen property from multiple burglaries was recovered.

Detectives believe Knecht is responsible for at least four burglaries to businesses that have occurred between May 4, 2013 and May 10, 2013 in the following areas:

On May 4, 2013 at approximately 10:28 p.m., 1800 block of J Street
On May 6, 2013 at approximately 2:11 a.m., 1700 block of I Street
On May 8, 2013 at approximately 1:50 a.m., 1700 block of I Street
On May 10, 2013 at approximately 11:39 p.m., 1700 block of I Street

This continues to be an active and ongoing investigation. Detectives believe Knecht is possibly related to additional burglaries that have occurred in the area.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact the dispatch center at (916) 264-5471 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Disclosure: This is a direct repost from the SacPD press release.

Crime Blotter- Sunday, May 12, 2013

2013-05-14T23:47:12Z

Sunday, May 12, 2013

ELMHURST- Disturbance, 6000 block of S Street, 5:50 p.m.
Officers were dispatched to a disturbance of two people in a parking lot and one was armed with a gun. The subject with the gun fled on foot and the other subject fled in a vehicle. Officers arrived in the area and contacted the subject the fled on foot. He was found to have a loaded gun and ammunition on his person. He was taken into custody and the second subject involved fled prior to police arrival. The second subject was later identified and contacted.

MIDTOWN- Disturbance, 30th Street/K Street, 10:36 p.m.
Employees of a business reported a subject disturbing customers. The subject was identified and found to be in possession of controlled substances and ultimately arrested. Paul Skapinok, 30, was booked into county jail.

MIDTOWN- Robbery, 2800 block of J Street, 1:27 a.m.
Victim was approached by four unknown subjects. The subjects assaulted the victim and went through his pockets taking his money and phone. The victim was also sprayed with pepper spray. The suspects were described as four men with one man wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and another wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt.

DOWNTOWN- Robbery, 4th Street/Capital Mall, 1915,
A victim just left an ATM and was heading to the bus station when he was robbed at knifepoint of his ID and money in his pocket. A report was taken of the incident and money from CARES program allowed him to get a ticket back to San Francisco.. Suspect was described as an 18-year-old black man with light skin and a goatee. He was wearing a white t-shirt, grey shorts, white hat and riding a red and white bike.

Disclosure: Crime blotter information is excerpted from the Sacramento Police Department Dailies.

Police Blotter- weekend edition, Friday May 10 & Saturday May 11

2013-05-14T00:26:11Z

Friday, May 10, 2013

MIDTOWN- Vehicle Tampering, 2400 block of C Street, 8:07 p.m.
Jared Bathe, 28, was taken into custody after officers responded to reports he was attempting to break into a parked vehicle. Bathe was booked into jail after officers observed him entering a vehicle for the believed purpose of theft.
FLORIN- Bicycle Stop, 4300 block of Stockton Blvd, 12:16 a.m.
Ryan King, 34, was arrested for possession of narcotics after leading officers on a foot pursuit in the area. King was also charged with resisting arrest and violation of his probation.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

MIDTOWN- Theft, 3100 block of Folsom Blvd, 12:37 p.m.
A subject was inside a store, selected and grabbed three cell phones and then ran out the door. The suspect was described as a Hispanic or white man, 28-32 years old, 6', 180 pounds, bald wearing a flannel shirt. He was seen driving away in gold Chevy pick-up with a broken driver's side window.
OAK PARK- Assault, San Jose Way / 4th Ave, 1:34 p.m.
Victims were approached by four suspects that drove up in a car. The suspects made a statement relating to a gang and fired at the victims. One female victim was struck multiple times and a second male victim was shot in the lower body. A third male victim was also shot at. The victims were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Investigation into the gang related incident is in progress.
FLORIN/FRUITRIDGE INDUSTRIAL PARK- Shots Fired, 8500 block of Thys Ct, 11:48 p.m.
A caller from inside the store reported that someone was trying to break into the business. Officers were dispatched to the possible robbery and that a firearm may have been involved. Officers arrived, began to approach and could hear multiple shots being fired inside the business. Additional units came to the scene as well as SSD air unit. The initial caller (suspect) opened the rollup door with a gun in hand and surrendered without incident. The business was checked and no other subjects were inside. No injuries occurred. The robbery was unfounded and subject exhibiting irrationality was arrested. Keith Lovato, 56 was booked into county jail for felony gross negligent discharge of a firearm.
SOUTH OAK PARK- Assault, 3500 block of 19th Ave, 2:30 a.m.
Officers responded to a report of a stabbing. A known suspect stabbed the victim due to an ongoing feud. The victim was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The suspect was not located. Investigation is in progress.
FLORIN- Subject Stop, 4300 block of Stockton Blvd, 1:55 a.m.
Officers contacted and arrested parolee-at-large, Roger Crawford. Crawford, 47, was booked into county jail.
OAK PARK- Subject Stop, Stockton Blvd / Broadway, 11:39 a.m.
Officers contacted and arrested Samuel Lincoln, 48, for an outstanding warrant.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Disclosure: Crime blotter information is excerpted from the Sacramento Police Department Dailies.

PHOTOS: Code Pink vs NRA supporters on Capitol Mall

2013-05-11T00:13:11Z

An anti-gun protest organized by the liberal advocacy group CodePink took place in Downtown Sacramento afternoon, drawing a counter protest from gun rights advocates.

Mother’s Against NRA and other anti-gun supporters gathered in front of the Five-Fifty-Five building on Capitol Mall, and were met on the sidewalk by National Rifle Association supporters.

Attendees stated that it was tense until the police stepped in and made the NRA group step back. Officers maintained a police line to keep the groups separated.

“I’m here because the shootings need to stop; I’m here working on this every single day,” said CodePink supporter Amanda Wilcox.

"This not an NRA issue," said NRA supporter Philip Olding "This is a freedom issue. This is a 2nd amendment issue."

CodePink had a permit for their protest, and members were allowed to utilize amplified sound. The NRA counter-protestors did not have a permit, but were allowed to stay.

Code Pink supporters took their turn at the microphone, and after a few chants and songs they ended their protest and dispersed. Officers held a police line until the protesters were safely out of the area, then allowed NRA’ers to disperse.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Crime Blotter, Weekend Edition, Friday May 3rd to Monday May 7th

2013-05-08T01:12:02Z

Friday, May 3, 2013

MIDTOWN: Suspicious Circumstances, 24th Street/P Street, 10:06 a.m.
The victim reported that a suspicious parcel was delivered to her door. It was determined that the package was in fact sent from a known friend of the victim; however, the item appeared suspicious to her. Officers arrived and determined that there was nothing dangerous regarding the package and the currier was notified for further follow up.
DOWNTOWN: Resisting, 7th Street/F Street, 12:46 a.m.
Parker Caldwell, 24, was taken into custody for resisting arrest after officers contacted him in the area. Witnesses reported seeing Caldwell knocking on doors in the area and he became aggressive upon officers arrival. Caldwell had to be physically restrained and pepper spray was deployed to safely taken him into custody.
OLD SACRAMENTO: Robbery, 1200 block of Front Street, 2:15 a.m.
Officers responded to a report of a robbery. The victim was riding his bicycle when he was approached by multiple subjects. One of the subjects attempted to engage in a brief conversation with the victim. The victim was then physically assaulted and had his bike and other property was taken by the subjects. The victim did not require medical attention and a report was taken.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

FAB FORTIES: Sex Assault Report, 40th Street/ J Street, 2:04 p.m.
Officers responded to a local hospital on a report of a possible sex assault of a minor by a known suspect. The outside agency where the assault occurred was advised and is investigating.
DOWNTOWN: Assault, 900 block of F Street, 7:51 p.m.
Officers responded to an assault call. The suspect got into a fight at a gathering, grabbed a bottle and hit the victim over the head with it. The suspect then grabbed her 5-month old child and ran off. She left her other two children at the scene of the assault. Shantae Taylor, 35, was located, arrested and booked into jail for assault with a deadly weapon. All three children were placed into protective custody.
OAK PARK: Assault, 3400 block of San Jose Way, 7:04 p.m.
Officers were dispatched on a report that a man had just shot at the caller's daughter. The suspect had yelled at the victim for parking her car in front of his residence, pointed a gun at her and fired. The suspect then went back into the house. The suspect would not come out for officers and ultimately HNT [Hostage Negotiation Team] and SWAT responded. The suspect eventually exited the house. Alan Myles, 52, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, resisting arrest, and felon in possession of a firearm. The victim was not injured.
SOUTHSIDE PARK AREA: Traffic Stop, 5th Street / W Street, 6:11 p.m.
Christian Walker, 28, was contacted and arrested for violation of parole.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

DOWNTOWN: Assault, N. 12th Street /C Street, 11:03 a.m.
Officers responded to an area hospital for a report of an adult male subject that just arrived with a stab wound. Officers arrived, contacted the victim and found that the fight occurred on May 4, 2013. The victim was drinking with several friends, fell asleep and woke up the next morning. The victim was unaware of his injury until someone pointed it out.
MIDTOWN: Subject Stop, 16th Street / Victorian Aly, 2:21 a.m.
Officers contacted a subject who initially gave officers a false name. The subject was ultimately identified as a parolee-at-large out of Colorado. Gilbert Montour, 43, was arrested and booked into county jail.
MIDTOWN: Burglary, 1700 block of I Street, 2:11 a.m.
Officers were dispatched to a report of a burglary. It was found that a witness heard glass breaking and later found the front window to the business was broken. The glass breaking and falling destroyed merchandise that was displayed inside the business. The owner arrived and found that an object had been taken from the display.
DOWNTOWN: Assault, 1300 block of H Street, 12:57 a.m.
Officers were dispatched to a call of a fight. They arrived and found that the victim and suspect got into an argument that became physical. The suspect hit and kicked the victim. The victim was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries and the suspect was arrested for battery. Michael O'Brien, 24, was booked into county jail for felony battery.
GRANT PARK AREA: Disturbance, 20th Street / C Street, 3:25 a.m.
Officers contacted a subject on a disturbance call. Tony Ruark, 47, was contacted and arrested for possession of methamphetamine, violation of probation and being under the influence of a controlled substance.
RICHMOND GROVE: Suspicious Occupied Vehicle, 17th Avenue / Washington Avenue, 11:18 p.m.
Officers contacted and arrested a subject for possession of heroin. Robert Rodriguez, 48, was booked into county jail.
OAK PARK: Arson, 3400 block of San Jose Way, 1:51 a.m.
Police responded at the request of Sacramento Fire for a possible arson. Fire department personnel put out the small fire that was found in the gutter. Sacramento Fire Department will be conducting the arson investigation. No one was injured.

Monday, May 6, 2012

DOWNTOWN: Disturbance, 100 block of Capitol Mall, 11:53 a.m.
Officers responded for a report of a possibly armed subject. Upon officers arrival the involved parties were contacted and a parole search of an associated vehicle was done. A hand gun and narcotics were located and Richard Villegas, 54, was taken into custody for violation of his parole, multiple weapons charges and possession of a narcotics.
COLONIAL HEIGHTS: Suspicious Vehicle, 5500 block of San Francisco Blvd, 8:36 p.m.
Four subjects were arrested when officers responded to a suspicious vehicle call for service. The unoccupied panel truck was determined to be listed as stolen and two subjects related to the vehicle were located. The two subjects were observed leaving the area and ultimately taken into custody. Two additional subjects were located during follow up related to this incident. One of the additional subjects had an active warrant and the other was in possession of narcotics.
TAHOE PARK: Burglary, 2700 block of 63rd Street, 12:55 p.m.
Witnesses reported hearing the sounds of glass breaking and officers observed signs of forced entry into a residence upon arrival. Items were reported to be missing from inside the home and a report was generated. A canvas of the neighborhood was done and this investigation is ongoing.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Disclosure: Excerpts from the Sacramento Police Department's daily logs.

Shots fired into Midtown's Buckhorn Grill Friday morning

2013-03-29T15:32:13Z

Multiple shots were fired into the Buckhorn Grill restaurant at 18th and L early Friday morning, breaking windows and hitting the front windows of the adjacent apartment lobby, immediately north of the restaurant.

There was no report of shots fired in the area, according to the Sacramento Police Department. California Highway Patrol officers discovered the broken windows and bullet holes on routine patrol. An investigation is underway.

Officers believe they will be able to find surveillance footage from surrounding businesses, but won’t be able to secure that footage until the businesses open later in the morning.

Developing story- Armed, high speed, South Sacramento pursuit ends Downtown

2013-03-21T21:24:31Z

A high speed chase involving Sacramento Sheriffs Deputies and a man wanted for robbery ended when the suspect spun out of control and crashed on J Street in downtown Sacramento Thursday afternoon

The chase began when deputies with the Sacramento Sheriff's Office attempted to pull over Andre Rushing, 23, on Mills Tower Drive in Rancho Cordova, according to Sergeant Jason Ramos, the spokesman for the Sacramento Sheriff's Department.

The (appropriately named) Rushing sped off, and took officers on a chase that went through the South Sacramento area to Interstate 5, Ramos said.

Rushing, who had a 38-year-old female passenger in the car, reached speeds of 90 miles per hour and higher, and collided with multiple cars during the chase, including law enforcement vehicles, according to Ramos.

The chase ended when Rushing took the J Street exit at a high speed and spun out of control, crashing at the bottom of the ramp. Officers from Sacramento Sheriff’s Department, Sacramento Police Department and California Highway Patrol pulled guns on the suspects and took them into custody.

Officers pulled a blanket with a shotgun, shotgun shells, a gun clip and bags from the trunk of the vehicle after the arrests.

This is a news brief. We will update with more information as it becomes available.

Early morning fight in Midtown leaves man dead

2013-03-17T13:31:40Z

An early morning fight in Midtown on St. Patrick's Day has left a man dead.

Around 1 a.m. on March 17, police, firefighters and medics responded to the corner of 18th and P streets in Midtown. They arrived to find a man on the ground and a bystander giving him CPR. According to radio reports, the victim had suffered head trauma, did not have a pulse and was not breathing.

The intersection of 18th and P streets was shut down in all directions for several hours while crime scene investigators and homicide detectives collected evidence, talked with witnesses and sorted out the facts.

Update: The press release from the Sacramento Police Department:

On Sunday, March 17, 2013, at approximately 12:48 a.m., the Sacramento Police Department responded to the area of 18th Street and P Street regarding a report of a subject who was bleeding. Officers arrived and found witnesses administering CPR to the male victim in his twenties.

At this time it is believed that a physical altercation occurred between the victim and three adult males, near or on the sidewalk of 18th Street. During the incident the victim sustained traumatic injuries to his head prompting a witness to call police. Responding officers performed CPR until emergency medical personnel arrived. The victim was transported to an area hospital by ambulance where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Sacramento Police Homicide Detectives and CSI were called out to assist with the investigation. It is unknown at this time what prompted the deadly fight between the suspects and the victim and this investigation is ongoing.

Detectives believe that multiple witnesses may have seen the altercation and are asked to please notify police with any information regarding this incident. Detectives are currently reviewing area surveillance video, as well as video from nearby businesses, in an attempt to identify the subjects involved.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this investigation to contact the Communications Center at (916) 264-5471 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Live crime and public safety blog

2013-03-15T07:00:23Z

We're testing out a new approach to daily public safety coverage. Follow along below and let us now what you think in the comments. While the blog is "live" in the current day, the most recent entries will be at the top, midnight will be at the bottom; At day's end, the "live" portion of the blog will close and the blog will flip with the first entries at the top and will become an archive of the day.

Live crime and public safety blog

2013-03-14T07:02:06Z

Live crime and public safety blog

2013-03-13T07:00:39Z

Live crime and public safety blog

2013-03-12T07:00:17Z

Live crime and public safety blog

2013-03-11T07:00:39Z

Live crime and public safety blog

2013-03-10T08:00:34Z

Live crime blotter - Friday night bar fights

2013-03-09T08:00:09Z

We're testing out a new approach to daily public safety coverage. Follow along below and let us now what you think in the comments. While the blog is "live" in the current day, the most recent entries will be at the top, midnight will be at the bottom; so if you're looking for the activity from the club fights, scroll to the bottom. At day's end, the "live" portion of the blog will close and the blog will flip with the first entries at the top.

Live crime blotter

2013-03-08T11:58:12Z

We're testing out a new approach to daily public safety coverage. Follow along below and let us now what you think in the comments.

Live crime blotter (beta)

2013-03-07T16:19:03Z

We're testing out a new approach to daily public safety coverage. Follow along below and let us now what you think in the comments.

Elderly woman crashes into dive bar, pins three men

2013-03-06T23:01:58Z

A minivan driven by an elderly woman crashed into a Sacramento dive bar Wednesday afternoon, pinning three men between it and the wall.

The incident occurred at about 1 p.m., outside the XO Lounge at 14th Street and Broadway. The men, in their 50s, were on the sidewalk outside the bar, when a silver minivan crashed into the wall, pinning them in the process.

An XO Lounge employee described the scene as loud and bloody, saying that the screams from the men were horrific.

“It was very loud because it hit a jukebox which then came forward and glass shattered,” said Lisa, who only wanted to be identified by her first name. She said the glass from the facade’s window shattered, causing the building to buckle.

Lisa went on to describe the sounds from the injured men. “There was moaning and screaming after that, that was the worst part,” she said. “It was bad, I saw a lot of blood. One man looked like he was in very good shape.”

“I talked to the lady’s son and he said ‘She’s older and she probably shouldn’t be driving,’” Lisa said.

Sacramento Police Department Spokeswoman Michelle Gigante said the woman, who hasn't been identified, mistook the gas for the brake pedal. The driver was in her 70s, and wasn't arrested; she was driven home by her son following the collision.

All three men were taken to a local hospital.

Highway Patrol Officer injured in south area collision

2013-03-06T05:34:22Z

A California Highway Patrol motor officer was involved in a serious accident in the south area of Sacramento late Tuesday morning.

“About 11:35 a.m. we received a call over the Sacramento Police Department Hotline of a motor officer down. SacPD was actually the first to respond and found our officer on the ground,”said CHP Officer Michael Bradley. The incident occurred in the 5800 block of Stockton Boulevard.

“The basic information we have right now is that our officer was traveling northbound on Stockton Boulevard at approximately 35 to 40 miles per hour, last vehicle in a trail of vehicles,” Bradley said. “The green Mercedes... was coming out of the parking lot into the roadway to turn southbound. It is apparent at this point that the driver of the Mercedes did not see our officer and the officer did not have enough time to take evasive action and he impacted/broadsided that vehicles.

“The officer was transported to UC Davis Medical Center. He is conscious and he is talking, a lot of pain. The basic injuries we see right now are a possible broken right arm, lacerations to his face but undisclosed until we get X-rays and conformation from the doctor.”

Bradley said that it was early in the investigation to say if they were going to bring charges against the driver.

“There were no other injuries and it was just the two vehicles involved,” Bradley said.

Roommate suspected of fatal stabbing

2013-02-25T23:00:32Z

A man suspected of fatally stabling his roommate with a kitchen knife Sunday night has been arrested.

According to the Sacramento Police Department, a 30-year-old man was stabbed on the 7700 block of 32nd Ave. around 10:55 p.m., and later died at a local hospital from his injuries.

Police quickly learned that a physical altercation had occurred between the roommates, and during the fight the victim's roommate armed himself with a kitchen knife and stabbed the victim. The two had been roommate for the past few months, according to the SPD.

Police detectives and CSI were called out to help with the investigation, and believe "that this is an isolated incident resulting from an argument between roommates that turned deadly," according to a press release.

The suspect, Sixto Rosas, 36, was questioned by detectives and arrested on suspicion of murder. He has been booked into the Sacramento County main jail.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Armed gunmen take over three North Sac businesses in one night

2013-02-22T19:50:09Z

The following is a news release from the Sacramento Police Department:

The Sacramento Police Department is asking for the community's help with identifying armed robbery suspects.

In the evening hours of Tuesday, February 19, 2013, police responded to three separate take-over-type robberies to businesses in the north area of the City of Sacramento. In each instance, three armed gunman enter the businesses and demand cash. Some of the victims were physically assaulted by the aggressive robbers causing minor injuries. The suspects are described as male Hispanic adults, ranging from approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall to 5 feet 9 inches tall, and approximate weight ranging from 140 pounds to190 pounds.

1) 3800 block of Willow Street, occurred at approximately 8:23 p.m.; the three suspects entered a restaurant and robbed the business at gunpoint. Two employees were physically assaulted by the suspects who stole cash and fled. (Please see surveillance photographs below)

2) 2600 block of Northgate Boulevard, occurred at approximately 9:20 p.m.; the three suspects robbed a liquor store at gunpoint. Two employees were physically assaulted by the suspects who stole cash and fled.

3) 3200 Block of Northgate Boulevard, 9:28 p.m.; the three suspects entered into a restaurant and stole cash from an employee at gunpoint. Officers were already in the area and made it to the scene very quickly but the suspects were unable to be located.

Watch video surveillance of one of the robberies here.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Two teen boys arrested in gang-related Oak Park drive-by

2013-02-06T04:59:11Z

The following is a press release from the Sacramento Police Department:

The Sacramento Police Department has arrested two suspects for murder.

On Thursday, January 17, 2013 at approximately 12:44 p.m., police responded to the 3100 block of 39th Street regarding reports of a shooting. Officers quickly arrived and located 19-year-old Anthony Navarro suffering from what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds. Navarro was transported by emergency medical personnel to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Homicide investigators arrived on scene and have been working the case ever since. Detectives gathered information that led them to the suspects, their identities, roles in the shooting and eventually, their whereabouts.

On Tuesday, January 29, 2013, Sacramento police detectives tracked one suspect to southern California where he was taken into custody by the Palm Springs Police Department. The 16-year-old male suspect was extradited back to Sacramento where he was booked into juvenile hall.

Today, one week later, detectives located and arrested the second homicide suspect involved in the fatal shooting. The 15-year-old male suspect was arrested in the 3300 block of 20th Avenue Sacramento, California.

Homicide detectives are actively investigating the shooting and are still looking into the possibility of others involved in this gang related incident.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this homicide to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” – a message from SacPD

2013-02-03T00:13:51Z

Don’t Let Us Throw a Flag on Your Driving this Super Bowl Sunday
“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”

The Sacramento Police Department will conduct a saturation patrol on Sunday, February 3, 2013, for 5 to 7 hours after the Super Bowl.

The purpose of the saturation patrol is to promote public safety and serve as a deterrent to potentially impaired, unlicensed and dangerous drivers.

Don't forget to designate a driver to and from your Super Bowl party this year. Plan ahead and don't get caught off sides and impaired! DUI/Traffic Officers will be deployed throughout the city looking for dangerous and impaired drivers to help ensure our streets stay safe.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Disclosure: This is a direct repost from the SacPD press release

Two women stabbed after fight, police seek details

2013-01-31T07:44:31Z

On Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at approximately 4:20 p.m., the Sacramento Police Department responded to Del Paso Boulevard and Southgate Road on a report of two subjects who had been stabbed.

Officers arrived and found two female victims in their twenties suffering from multiple stab wounds. Fire department personnel also responded and transported both victims to an area hospital where they are currently being treated for their injuries.

At this time it is believed an altercation occurred involving the occupants of two separate vehicles. The incident appears to have started in the area of Northgate Boulevard and the Arden Garden Connector. The victims pulled over, exited their vehicle, and engaged in a physical altercation with the occupants of the other vehicle. During the incident the victims were stabbed multiple times. After the assault the victims got back into their car, drove to the area of Del Paso Blvd and Southgate Road and called the police.

Due to the seriousness of the victims' injuries Homicide detectives were called out to assist with investigating the circumstances that led to this incident. No one has been arrested in relation to the assault and this continues to be an active and ongoing investigation.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this investigation to contact the dispatch center at (916) 264-5471 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Disclosure: This is a direct repost from the SacPD press release

Vehicle crashes into restaurant patio in Midtown

2013-01-14T18:10:33Z

Marina Filistoeich likes to dine at the tables on the patio when she visits the Crepeville restaurant in Midtown, but it was chilly Sunday evening, so she and her family went inside. Not long afterward, a car ran up on the sidewalk, crashing through the wrought iron fencing, tables and chairs.

“God is in control, that is how it makes me feel”, Filistoeich said, visibly shaken. “It was just too cold today, that is why we didn’t stay outside; we decided to come in and have dinner in here.... We dine out there pretty often at that spot outside, so just imagine us sitting there...”

Witnesses stated that two vehicles were traveling next to each other, west on L Street when the grey vehicle in the north lane attempted to execute a left turn and collided with the red vehicle in the lane next to it, forcing the red vehicle up onto the curb and through the restaurant's outdoor dining area.

The driver of the grey vehicle stated that his wife told him they needed turn left at 18th street. He stated that he checked the lane and didn’t see anyone, he checked again as he executed his move as his head hit the drivers side window and he saw the red car crashing up on to the curb.

The red vehicle also crashed into a parked black Toyota 4-Runner, belonging to a resident who lives in apartments above Crepeville, and caused a chain reaction collision with two more parked vehicles.

“No one was hurt, that’s one of the greatest things” stated Officer Nutila from the Sacramento Police Department.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Woman found dead after accident at Chevron gas station on 65th and S streets

2013-01-12T12:13:12Z

A woman was found shot at the Chevron gas station on 65th Street and S streets in Sacramento early Saturday morning.

The Sheriff's office sent out the following information in a press release:

"At approximately 3:15 a.m., Sheriff’s deputies responded to the aforementioned intersection in response to a call from the Sacramento Police Department. When SPD arrived at the scene for an accident investigation, it was discovered that a 20 year-old woman had sustained a gunshot wound to her upper body.

Preliminary investigation suggested that the vehicle the victim was in had been struck by gunfire at a different location, within the county of Sacramento.

Detectives are investigating a possible connection to a call regarding shots fired on Watt Avenue in the Arden-Arcade area. At this time, a motive for this shooting has not been determined and there is no information available regarding any suspect(s) involved.

A man and a woman who were in the vehicle with the victim have been detained for questioning, as has the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident. None of those individuals were injured as a result of the collision.

Anyone having information pertinent to this case is asked to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (916) 874-5115. Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword SSD, or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).

The identity of the victim in this case will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office, after notification has been made to her next of kin."

Just after 4 a.m., the lifeless body of what appeared to be a young African American female lay on the ground at the gas station next to a black compact vehicle with its windows missing that was sitting across a grass area and the sidewalk. Earlier, Sacramento police officers had attempted to calm and restrain a distraught family member of the victim.

The incident occurred just hours after another woman was shot in an attempted mugging Friday night in Midtown.

Multiple neighbors call 911, stating flames coming from Victorian

2013-01-10T05:29:51Z

Sacramento firefighters arrived to find a lot of flames coming from the windows of a Victorian apartment at 5th Street and D streets on Wednesday evening, Jan. 9, according to Jonathan Williams, battalion chief for the Sacramento Fire Department.

The call was dispatched a little after 6 p.m. “We had multiple calls of a three-story Victorian with fire coming from between the first- and second-floor area,” Williams said. “The first in engine found fire coming from the rear of the second-floor area, and initiated fire attack. We sent some crews to the roof to vent (cut holes in the roof), just in case it went up the walls into the attic space.”

The blaze was contained to one room. There were no injuries, Williams stated.

“With a Victorian, you have to worry about the walls because there’s no firestops in the walls; it’s just studs straight up to the attic. With the age of these buildings, everything is so dry, you have problems with them,” Williams said. “It was a good stop on this one.”

See post on Tuesday's Victorina fire >>

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Midtown arrest, Sacramento Police Department seeking information

2013-01-10T04:15:01Z

The following is from press release from the Sacramento Police Department:

On Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, the Sacramento Police Department arrested 53-year-old Robert Binns for robbery and violation of parole.

On December 30, 2012, at approximately 1 a.m., a victim left a local nightclub in the 2000 block of K Street and started to walk home. As the victim approached 21st and J Street, the suspect rode up on a bicycle, asked a question and then moments later struck the victim, knocking him to the ground. The suspect stole the victim's wallet and keys to his roommate's vehicle before fleeing the area.

Later that same morning, the roommate's parked vehicle, a 2011 gray Honda Pilot, was stolen from the area of 21st and F Street. The vehicle thief was caught on video surveillance, but does not appear to be the same suspect responsible for the robbery.

On Jan. 6, 2013, at approximately 1:03 p.m., police were dispatched to the 1600 block of 28th Street, regarding a suspicious subject. Officers contacted Robert Binns and found him in possession of identifiable property that was in the victim's stolen wallet.

On Jan. 8, 2013, detectives met with the victim who positively identified Robert Binns as the man who robbed him.

Today, Jan. 9, Binns was located, arrested and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail.

The vehicle has yet to be recovered and the vehicle thief is still outstanding. The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to these crimes to contact Crime Alert at 916-443-HELP (4357), or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Midtown family displaced but safe after Victorian blaze

2013-01-08T12:05:25Z

Sacramento fire crews were dispatched to a report of flames coming from a Victorian home in Midtown early Tuesday morning. The fire displaced a family of three, but none of the residents were hurt.

Just after 1:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, the Sacramento Fire Department responded to the 1300 Block of Q Street for a report of a residential structure fire. When fire crews arrived they found a two story Victorian home with three apartments on fire with flames coming out the roof, according to Battalion Chief Scott Williams.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, Williams said, and Red Cross would be called out to take care of the displaced family of three.

Check back on this story for more information and details from interviews with neighbors and other apartment occupants.

Police find occupied stolen vehicle in Midtown, arrest female driver

2013-01-05T05:08:45Z

A Sacramento Police Department officer spotted a stolen vehicle Friday just before 8:30 p.m. while patrolling Midtown and arrested the female driver.

Police followed the vehicle from the 19th Street and K Street area, traveling eastbound K Street, then east on 17th Street then eastbound on O Street near 18th.

“The vehicle was followed by two patrol vehicles with a Sac PD helicopter overhead,” Midtown resident Anthony Cathey said.

Police officials said the vehicle was stolen in the Sacramento area, in the California Highway Patrol’s jurisdiction, however information on what part of Sacramento the vehicle was stolen from was not immediately available.

The vehicle, described as a 1994 maroon pickup truck, was towed from the scene, but the owner will be able to retrieve his/her vehicle when they are contacted.

The female driver – identified as Martha Aliano, 43 – was arrested on suspicion of multiple charges, including vehicle theft, bringing narcotics into jail and violation of her probation. A bicycle was also found in the bed of the pickup, however it's unclear whether it was stolen as well.

UPDATE: Another stolen vehicle was recovered early Saturday morning after a pursuit which began in the area of 9th and V Streets just before 1 a.m. Officers lost sight of the red Pontiac Grand Am with Kansas plates during the pursuit. It was discovered moments later in the V Street alley between 6th and 7th Streets, abandoned with the keys, according to police radio transmissions.

Officers also nabbed two car thieves after a brief Midtown pursuit just two nights before Christmas>

New Year's Day auto accident injures three

2013-01-02T03:49:35Z

Firefighters, medics and police were dispatched to X Street and 18th Street just before 3 o’clock Saturday afternoon for a two car collision that sent three people to the hospital.

According to on scene authorities, the driver of a gray Pontiac Grand Am was eastbound on X Street when the vehicle collided with a black Jeep Cherokee heading north on 18th Street.

One victim was extricated from the Cherokee. As ambulances arrived, firefighter/medics treated the victims, placing them on backboards and preparing them for transport to the hospital.

The actual cause and fault of the accident is under investigation.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Tragic end to 2012: Suspect caught after two killed, three injured in New Year's Eve shooting in Old Sacramento

2013-01-01T05:58:21Z

UPDATE - On Friday, January 4, 2013, a male and female associated with Carlito Montoya were arrested for assault with a deadly weapon related to this incident. Amber Scholz-36 is believed to have instigated the altercation and her husband Charles Fowler-Scholz-34, was involved in the physical fight that preceded the deadly shooting. No further details are available at this time.

UPDATE - Suspect identification: According to a Sacramento Police update, the suspect, 22-year-old Carlito Montoya, is in police custody in an area hospital. Montoya is receiving medical treatment for multiple gunshot wounds.

A 22-year-old man wanted in connection with a New Year's Eve shooting in Old Sacramento that left two people dead and three others with gunshot wounds was apprehended by Sacramento police last night.

The suspect allegedly pulled a gun during a fight inside the Sports Corner Cafe and began firing, hitting a 30-year-old female, a 35-year-old male and an employee in his 20s, according to a police press release. The two male victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died on the scene, while the female victim survived and was taken to a hospital.

The fight had begun as an argument before turning into a physical altercation, which a bar employee attempted to break up. It was not immediately clear from the press release if that was the same employee who was shot.

- The press release continues:

"An armed security guard that was near a side door heard the gunshots, confronted the suspect inside the bar and the two exchanged gunfire. Both the suspect and the security guard sustained gunshot wounds from their exchange.

The suspect, still armed with the gun ran from the bar toward crowded city streets and was immediately taken into custody by responding police. The suspect and the security guard were transported to local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.

The 22-year-old suspect remains in police custody while being treated at a local hospital. The identity of the suspect is temporarily being withheld while investigation is underway.

The Sacramento Police Department's Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Investigations Unit responded to investigate. At this time, detectives are actively investigating and contacting all subjects involved in the incident. Two guns were recovered at the scene. No further information is available at this time.

City Councilmember Steve Hansen, who represents Old Sacramento, posted a message about the incident on Facebook Tuesday morning:

"My heart goes out to the families of the innocent people who lost their lives or were injured last night in Old Sacramento," he wrote."This was a senseless crime. The police appear to have had immediately apprehended the shooter. I am grateful for the prompt response and quick thinking by the police and city staff to keep people calm and safe."

Our previous story:

The New Year's Eve fireworks celebration in Old Sacramento ended tragically before it had even begun: Someone pulled a gun during a fight inside the Sports Corner Cafe around 9:40 p.m., and now two people are dead three more have been shot, according to police. The midnight display was cancelled.

An eyewitness, who provided her name but asked not to be identified, was walking outside the bar when said she heard several gunshots. She said she ducked under a stairwell, turned, and saw a young man in a white hoodie run outside the door, pull out a handgun, turn it sideway and fire repeatedly into the building before fleeing into the crowd.

Other witnesses described a chaotic and confusing scene following the shooting. Mike Delpape had just arrived in Old Sacramento when he heard the first round of gunshots.

"When the shooting started the first time, people kind of just looked at it, like it was part of something that was happening out here," Delpape said. "But when people started running, there was a mad rush of people just running away."

Police spokeswoman Michelle Gigante said the investigation was still preliminary but that it appeared the incident began as a fight and spilled outside.

Jason Boyd did not see the shooting occur, but was in a nearby bar when it happen:

A police helicopter circled over Old Sacramento, announcing over a loudspeaker "Old Sacramento is closed, please go back to your vehicles, the midnight fireworks display is cancelled."

The shooting happen after the 9:30 p.m. fireworks display had ended and a new crowd was beginning to arrive for the midnight show. Witnesses told TV news stations that there were two bursts of gunshots, and that mounted police arrived as panicked bystanders ran down the street and into nearby shops.

The crowd was calm by 10 p.m. Groups of onlookers gathered by the police line tape.

Crime Scene Investigators studied the scene, including bunches of what appeared to be the victim's clothing, scattered by the boardwalk.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Car-thieving couple nabbed by downtown cops after brief pursuit

2012-12-24T06:56:35Z

A couple led officers on a brief pursuit in a stolen vehicle Saturday night, Dec. 22, before being apprehended.

While patrolling, a Sacramento Police Department DUI unit spotted a stolen vehicle with two occupants traveling north on 16th Street near S Street, Saturday night before midnight.

When the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspects took off and led officers on a brief chase north on 16th Street, then east on Q Street. The pursuit ended just a few blocks from where it started, with the suspects surrendering at gunpoint near the light rail train tracks.

Officers, with guns drawn, commanded the driver out of the vehicle. Once he was in custody, they ordered the female passenger out and took her into custody.

The vehicle, an older gray compact, was reported stolen over a month ago in the city of Sacramento, according to a Sacramento Police Department official.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

UPDATE: Elderly man struck by light rail train Friday pronounced dead at hospital

2012-12-22T03:35:28Z

A man died from the injurues he sustained after walking in front of an oncoming light rail train at the intersection of R and 14th Streets shortly after 6 p.m on Friday.

The cars at the downtown intersection were stopped and the railroad crossing arms were down when the man walked south on the sidewalk on the east side of 14th Street, according to Sacramento Police Sergeant Doug Voska. As he approached the edge of the train tracks, the train operator spotted him and sounded the horn; however, the man continued, finally stopping and freezing in the middle of the tracks, "like a deer caught in the headlights," Voska said.

The train then went into emergency breaking, but still hit the pedestrian before coming to a stop in the middle of 14th Street, according to police.

Witnesses stated that the man was under the front end of the train when rescuers arrived. The train was moved back so paramedics could begin treating the victim.

Paramedics transported the unidentified victim to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

An investigation is under way.

Press release: DUI/Drivers License checkpoint planned this weekend in Rancho Cordova

2012-09-20T20:10:40Z

A notice from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department about a DUI checkpoint in Rancho Cordova this weekend:

The Rancho Cordova Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on September 21, 2012 at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 7:00 pm and 2:00 am. DUI checkpoints are a proven enforcement tool effective in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving alcohol drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted often enough.

Officers will be contacting drivers passing through the checkpoint for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. Officers will also check for proper licensing and will strive to delay motorists only momentarily. Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000.

“Over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have claimed 2 lives and resulted in 39 injury crashes harming 56 of our friends and neighbors,” said Sgt. Lane of the Rancho Cordova Police Department Traffic Unit.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.

“Deaths from drunk and drug-impaired driving are going down in California,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). “But that still means that hundreds of our friends, family and co-workers are killed each year, along with tens of thousands who are seriously injured. We must all continue to work together to bring an end to these tragedies. If you see a Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1.”

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to Rancho Cordova Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, targeting those who still don’t heed the message to designate a sober driver.