Inyo County Sheriff's Office

High winds across parts of southeast CA/southern NV could lead to areas of dense blowing dust today. Be alert for locally reduced visibility on sections of I-15 and I-40 near Barstow, U.S. 395 in the Owens Valley and U.S. 95 northwest of Las Vegas.

As always, we appreciate your assistance and partnership CHP - Inland Division Air Operations

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Thank you! To all law enforcement personnel- we are grateful for you! Stay safe and stay well~

Your vaccination card has information on it including your full name, date of birth, where you got your vaccine, and the dates you got it. When you post it to Facebook, Instagram, or to some other social media platform you may be handing valuable information over to someone who could use it for identity theft.

The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office and Inyo County Animal Shelter have partnered with DocuPet as our official dog licensing partner as of December, 2020. DocuPet ...is a world-leading pet profile, lost pet, and licensing platform. Dog owners are now able to license pets through a simple online process at inyocounty.docupet.com. You may also license by calling DocuPet at 1-877-239-6072, or in person at the Bishop Sheriff Substation at 301 W. Line Street, Suite F, in Bishop on weekdays between 9:00AM and 5:00PM. The law requires dogs to be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. Note: a valid rabies vaccination is required at all times in order for the county license to be considered valid. Dog licenses are important as they provide funding for the care of lost and orphaned pets, animal cruelty investigations and other community services that promote animal health and safety. Licenses also serve as identification; pets wearing valid license tags spend little to no time at local shelters, reserving that valuable space for the animals that truly need it. In addition to a contactless license application and delivery, DocuPet offers a free 24/7 HomeSafe lost pet service included with each license, a central dashboard for pet medical information and records, and the option to upgrade to a colorful designer tag that doubles as the pet’s official County license. We are excited to offer residents this simplified and improved process for pet licensing. To celebrate the launch of this exciting new program, DocuPet is offering a $5 discount on a designer tag purchase until February 4th. To redeem, pet owners may enter the promo code INYO5 at check out. Visit inyocounty.docupet.com for more information, or contact DocuPet by phone at 1-877-239-6072, or email at [email protected]. See more

The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office just received an extremely kind donation of about 150 cloth masks from Runabout Goods out of Los Angeles, CA! We are incredibly grateful and send a giant THANK YOU! Stay safe everyone!!

An impressive, widespread natural and human triggered avalanche cycle followed this past week’s big storm. Avalanche danger remains elevated in the BC right no...w. Our next FREE virtual education event will provide a recap of this cycle in addition to an avalanche awareness presentation by ESAC forecaster Steve Mace. Presentation link is found on our website and was sent to ESAC members via email. Tell your BC partners and see you virtually Wednesday at 6 p.m. Photo 1: Large natural avalanche in the Convict Lake region. PC: @ryanahuetter Photo 2: Natural slab avalanche on McGee Mountain which buried a previously established skin track. PC: Chris Engelhardt Photo 3: A skier triggered Persistent Slab avalanche which caught, carried and injured a skier. Photo 4: A very large, natural Persistent Slab avalanche in the Dragon’s Tail found by Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol after the storm cleared. The crown was approx. 5’ tall and was over 1000’ wide! PC: Neil Satterfield Photo 5: A Persistent Slab avalanche intentionally triggered using explosives by MAmmoth Mountain Ski Patrol on 1/31. PC: Mike Phillips

It’s a winter wonderland in Independence, CA! If you must travel stay up to date through Caltrans District 9 and follow weather advisories from US National Weather Service Las Vegas Nevada. Stay safe everyone!

Caltrans has the following road conditions and chain controls in place for Eastern Kern, Inyo and Mono counties as of 07:34 this morning. See full description o...f chain control requirement levels below. (Photograph below does not depict current conditions.) EASTERN KERN COUNTY State Route 178W R-1 from 6 miles west of the junction at SR 14 to 11 miles west of the junction at SR 14 MONO COUNTY U.S. Hwy 395 R-1 from 17 miles north of Bishop to the Nevada State Line State Route 108 R-1 from the junction at U.S. Hwy 395 to 3.8 miles west of the junction at U.S. Hwy 395 State Route 120E R-1 from the junction of U.S. Hwy 395 to 7 miles east of the junction at U.S. Hwy 395 State Route 158S R-1 from the south junction of U.S. Hwy 395 to 3.5 miles north of June Lake Village State Route 167 R-1 from the junction of U.S. Hwy 395 to the Nevada State Line State Route 182 R-1 from the junction of U.S. Hwy 395 to the Nevada State Line State Route 203 R-1 from the junction of U.S. Hwy 395 to the Mammoth Mountain Inn INYO COUNTY U.S. Hwy 395 R-1 from just north of Coso Junction to Olancha R-1 from Lone Pine to Independence R-1 from 5 miles north of Bishop to the foot of the Sherwin Grade State Route 168W R-2 from Aspendell to 3 miles west of Bishop State Route 168 E R-1 from 5 miles east of Big Pine to 18 miles east of Big Pine CHAIN CONTROL CATEGORIES Restriction 1 (R-1): Chains are required. Snow tread tires are allowed for passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 lbs. with front-wheel or rear-wheel drive. Restriction 2 (R-2): Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles equipped with snow tires on all four wheels. Restriction 3 (R-3): Chains are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.

Wireless Emergency Alert Scheduled for noon today INYO COUNTY, CA. December 8, 2020 The State of California, Office of Emergency Services, pursuant to the Governor’s Order will be issuing a WEA (Wireless Emergency Alert) text today at noon. This alert will go out to all Counties who are under a Stay at Home order. ... State Sheriffs were advised yesterday at 4:30pm of the alert. Even though Emergency Managers and Law Enforcement were not involved in the discussions regarding the alert, we were informed we had no control, stated Inyo County Sheriff Jeff Hollowell. Across this state, Emergency Managers and Law Enforcement are dealing with potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs, Red Flag warnings and the potential for wildland fires. We urged the Governor not to conduct the alert as the message could be conflicting with emergency evacuation orders. WEA is supposed to be used for emergencies. The primary concern is the potential for conflicting alerts if an actual emergency occurs. If you receive the WEA, please do not call 9-1-1 or County offices for clarifications. You can call the California Office of Emergency Services at (916) 845- 8510. The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office will continue to advise citizens and visitors via Code Red, IPAWS (Integrated Public Alert Warning Service), or WEA in the event of an emergency. The message will clearly state it’s from the Sheriff’s Office.

From us to you!

No-Shave November INYO COUNTY, CA. December 7, 2020 Judging was held on December 4 for our No-shave November participants. Sergeant Nate Derr was the winner, and Correctional Officer Seneca Willis was our honorable mention. Throughout the month of November the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office allowed employees to forego shaving for No-Shave November. The goal of No-Shave November is create public awareness for cancer by growing out hair (which many cancer patients lose) and do...nating the money that would normally be spent on grooming to a cancer-specific charity. All employees were given the opportunity to participate; males were permitted to grow out their facial hair and females could grow out their leg hair. Each participant was required to donate $25 (minimum), and anyone who did not wish to participate but still wanted to donate could do so. All donations were sent directly to Eastern Sierra Cancer Alliance. Moving forward, the existing facial hair policy, which prohibited beards, has been waived, stated Inyo County Sheriff Jeff Hollowell. Sheriff’s deputies will still be expected to keep facial hair tidy, but I believe it was time for our ban on beards to evolve.

GOAL FOR DECEMBER: Be prepared to give first aid while waiting for an ambulance. An emergency can happen at any time and any place. Many public places have a first aid kit, oxygen, or an AED (automated external defibrillator) to treat people. These items can only save lives if someone knows how to use them. Actions you take in the first few minutes after an injury or other medical incident may save someone’s life.

Our Inyo SO canine, Feit, says Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Enjoy the mild while it lasts, as an Autumn Blast is still on track Sunday through Tuesday. Wind, fire danger, and cooler temps are the main highlights, though a few light showers remain possible as the front moves through.

Happening Tomorrow!

FLU CLINIC RESCHEDULED Hey Independence folks- today’s flu clinic has been canceled due to poor air quality. The plan currently is to reschedule for 3:00-6:00 on Wednesday, October 21. Stay well!

HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION INYO COUNTY, CA, October 12, 2020: On Sunday, October 11, 2020, at approximately 7:15 a.m., an Inyo County Sheriff’s Deputy was requested by Nye County Sheriff’s Office to assist with a homicide. The suspect, 34 year old Zachary Salyer, an Amargosa, Nevada resident called Nye County Sheriff’s Office stating he shot the victim and the victim was on the dry lake bed in Armargosa. Nye County Sheriff’s Deputies, Bureau of Land Management Rangers, and an ...Inyo County Sheriff’s Deputy located the victim in Inyo County just west of Amargosa, Nevada. It was determined the crime occurred in Inyo County. Inyo County Sheriff’s Investigators, Inyo County Evidence Technician, Inyo County District Attorney’s Office and Inyo County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene. Salyer was arrested for first degree murder and transported to Inyo County Jail. Salyer is being held on $1,000,000.00 bail. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. This is an open investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Inyo County Sheriff’s Office at (760) 878-0383 option 4. #####

Multiple Shots Fired in Bishop Area / Suspect Taken into Custody BISHOP, CA, October 5, 2020: At approximately midnight Inyo County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a 911 call regarding a domestic disturbance on Matlick Lane in the Bishop area with shots fired. Inyo County Sheriff’s Deputies, Bishop Police, and CHP responded. The female victim was able to run out of the house when the first shot was fired. Due to the volatile situation and potential for the suspect to fire additio...nal shots, the surrounding residents were evacuated. The suspect was contacted by law enforcement; however he refused to comply and barricaded himself inside the residence. The suspect fired multiple rounds at deputies. A crisis negotiation team was initiated to attempt to persuade the suspect to surrender. When that effort failed the Inyo/Mono Special Enforcement Detail (SED) team deployed CS gas into the residence. The suspect came outside but was non-compliant; he was hit several times by a beanbag gun, but again retreated inside at which point he armed himself with two additional rifles. Further negotiations were attempted and more gas was used. At approximately 6:40am the suspect came outside and the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office canine was deployed. Dustin Flesia, a 45-year old Bishop resident, was taken into custody. Flesia was transported to Northern Inyo Hospital for treatment. No deputies were hurt or injured. Assisting agencies included Bishop Police Department, Mono County Sheriff’s Office, CA Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bishop Fire, and Symons Ambulance Service. Charges and bail information will be made available on our online local crime portal, Citizen RIMS.

Inyo National Forest Partially Re-opening. The Inyo National Forest announces a partial re-opening of the forest on October 3. Open: Wildernesses in the Inyo ...Mountains and the White Mountains, front country dispersed areas throughout the forest, developed sites, resorts, and recreation resident cabins. Developed recreation campgrounds will re-open. However, many campgrounds will remain closed due to end of season operations or because they are within closed areas. Open campgrounds: Aspen, Lower Lee Vining, Hartley Springs, Glass Creek, Big Springs, Oh Ridge, Twin Lakes, Silver Lake, New Shady Rest, Convict, French Camp, Four Jeffery, Sabrina, Bitterbrush, Upper Sage, Lone Pine, and Whitney Portal. Closures: Inyo National Forest within Madera County remains closed. The most common destinations are Reds Meadow Valley and the Devils Postpile National Monument. This area remains closed due to the Creek Fire to the west. Forest Closure 05-04-51-20-17 remains in effect and closes areas, including Monache Meadows, due to the SQF Complex (Castle Fire). Forest order 05-04-54-20-15 remains in effect and includes Navy Beach and the South Tufa Area. The Inyo portions of the South Sierra, Golden Trout, John Muir, Ansel Adams, Owens River Headwaters, and Hoover Wilderness Areas remain closed through December 1, 2020.This closure may be rescinded or extended as needed. Many of the Inyo’s trail networks lead into active fire areas that are closed and that are managing complex and difficult fires. Fire restrictions are in effect. Propane and gas stove use are now permitted in developed recreation sites in National Forests in California. Developed recreation sites are defined as areas that have been improved or developed for recreation such as campgrounds and day use sites. Woodcutting With a valid woodcutting permit, firewood may be cut as long as it is in a permitted collection area that is open. Visitors to the Eastern Sierra should expect smoky conditions from various fires throughout the region.

HAPPY OCTOBER! GOAL FOR OCTOBER: Be able to safely meet your basic needs during an electrical outage. We count on electricity for heat, food, and medical needs. Many gas appliances even need electricity to run. A power outage is an emergency that often follows another emergencylike a hurricane, tornado, or winter storm. That makes it even more important to be prepared in advance.

Today, we received direction from the Regional Office that the Emergency Forest Closures would be extended for the seven of the nine forests that are currently ...closed. This includes the Inyo National Forest. The regional order is expected to be extended through October 8. Emergency Fire Restrictions will also be extended. As always, the regional order can be rescinded or extended, based on conditions. The Regional Office decision is based on the continued hot and dry conditions that remain in the forecast for the upcoming week, continued active fires throughout the state, and continued firefighting resources limitations.

Attempted Homicide BISHOP, CA, September 28, 2020: On Saturday, September 26 at approximately 6:00pm, deputies responded to a residence on Payahuupu Way in Bishop for a report of a stabbing. California Highway Patrol, Bishop Police Department, and Bishop Paiute Tribal Police responded to assist. Upon arrival, a male victim was outside of the residence bleeding from his face and torso area. Deputies rendered first aid to the victim’s injuries until Symon’s Ambulance arrive...d. The victim was transported for treatment of multiple stab wounds. MINT investigators were called out to assist, along with an Inyo County Sheriff’s Office Evidence Technician. Based on statements provided, 39 year old Bishop resident, Gordon Medicinechips, was allegedly responsible for the stabbed victim. A Ramey Warrant was issued for the arrest of Medicinechips for attempted homicide and assault with a deadly weapon. Thanks to the assistance of California Highway Patrol, Bishop Police Department, Inyo County District Attorney’s Office Investigator and Inyo County Sheriff’s Deputies, Medicinechips was taken into custody at a local motel in Bishop. Medicinechips is currently being held on a $250,000.00 Ramey Warrant. ####

This morning, we received direction from the Regional Office that the Forest closure would be extended another week for the 9 Forests that are currently close...d. This includes the Inyo National Forest. We anticipate that the new extended closure orders will be signed tomorrow as the current order expires. The Regional Office decision is based on the continued hot and dry conditions that remain in the forecast for the upcoming week and continued firefighting resources limitations.

Summer is officially over. Anyone else looking forward to cooler temperatures?

Please note that the Inyo is one of the forests that remains closed. Forest Service to Increase Access to National Forests in California VALLEJO, Calif. The USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region announces increased access to some National Forests in California beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2020. ... The prohibition of the use of any ignition source on all National Forest System lands (campfires, gas stoves, etc.) throughout California remains in place. Nine National Forests in California remain closed: Angeles NF, Cleveland NF, Los Padres NF, Inyo NF, Klamath NF, San Bernardino NF, Sequoia NF, Sierra NF, and Six Rivers NF. This decision will continue to be reviewed daily with evolving fire and weather conditions. Nine other National Forests may open to varying degrees. Visitors should contact the following National Forests for more information on their status: Eldorado NF, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Lassen NF, Mendocino NF, Modoc NF, Plumas NF, Shasta-Trinity NF, Stanislaus NF, and the Tahoe NF. These forests will implement their own forest orders that will either limit dispersed use or provide for area closures around fires. Conditions can change quickly. Therefore, we emphasize that all citizens heed local announcements for changes in conditions and potential evacuations. "We understand how important access to the National Forests is to our visitors," said Randy Moore, Regional Forester for the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region. "Continued closures are essential based on extreme fire conditions, critical limitations of firefighting resources, and to provide for firefighter and public safety. The Forest Service manages 18 National Forests in the Pacific Southwest Region, which encompasses over 20 million acres across California, and assists State and Private forest landowners in California, Hawaii and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands. National forests supply 50 percent of the water in California and form the watershed of most major aqueducts and more than 2,400 reservoirs throughout the state. For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/R5.

Be prepared. South to southwest winds will increase across most of the region this afternoon. This will create an elevated fire threat due to very dry fuels due to the lack of precipitation.