Lodi Police Department

The Lodi Police Department is looking to identify this person regarding an ongoing investigation. If anyone has information about his identity, please contact Detective Hitchcock at 209-333-6871, or remain anonymous by contacting Lodi Area Crimestoppers at 209-369-2746 or online at http://369crime.com/

The Lodi Police Department is seeking information regarding a 2020 homicide in which the victim, Robert Ramirez (33), was shot and killed. On 06/14/20 at 3 AM, LPD officers were dispatched to the area of the 100 block of S Washington Street on a report of a male that had been shot. Officers arrived on scene and located the victim, Robert Ramirez (33), suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Lifesaving measures were attempted, however Ramirez succumbed to his injuries and was ...pronounced deceased on scene. This has been an on-going investigation in which Detectives have continued their efforts to identify a suspect and are asking for anyone with information regarding this homicide to contact the Lodi Police Department at (209) 333-6727 or Detective Jimenez at (209) 269-4838 or [email protected]. You can also contact the Lodi Area Crimestoppers at (209) 369-2746 or www.369crime.com to remain anonymous (you may also be eligible for a Crimestoppers reward of up to $1000). Please reference Lodi PD Case #20-3336.

Homicide Investigation On 03/20/21 at around 1220 AM Lodi PD officers responded to the area of the 100 block of N Cherokee Lane for the report of a shooting. Officers located a 35 year old male, in the area of Cherokee Ln and Victor Rd, suffering from gunshot wounds. Life-saving measures were attempted however the victim succumbed to his injuries. This remains an active investigation and no further information is available at this time. The victims name is being withheld pending next of kin notification. LPD is asking anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact LPD at (209) 333-6727 or Detective Hitchcock at (209) 333-6871. You may also contact the Lodi Area Crime Stoppers at 209-369-2746 to remain anonymous. (Please reference LPD Case#21-1798.).

Be Safe and Sober this St. Patrick’s Day If you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, remember to do so responsibly by having a plan to get home safely. This St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), The Lodi Police Department will have officers on patrol throughout the day and evening hours, looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.... If drinking is part of your plans, plan on designating a sober driver and find a safe way home, Lodi Police Sergeant Andre Belaski said. Don’t make poor choices and allow yourself to mix alcohol or drugs with driving. On St. Patrick’s Day 2019 in California, seven people were killed, and 116 others were injured in crashes caused by driving under the influence. Not only does driving under the influence put yourself and others on the road at risk, but it also hurts financially; attorneys’ fees, fines, court costs, insurance rate hikes and car repairs can reach $15,000 or more in California. It’s simple: don’t drink and drive, Sergeant Belaski said. Stay at home or find a sober driver to take you home. California’s public health guidance advises to limit mixing with people you don’t live with as much as possible to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Although many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations will be held virtually this year, it’s important to designate a sober driver or stay at home for the night. If you ever see a suspected drunk driver on the road, call 911.

The Lodi Police Department is attempting to identify the following individuals. The two pictured individuals stole multiple items from our local Hobby Lobby (2350 W Kettleman.) If you can ID these people please contact the Lodi Police Department 209-333-6728 or contact Officer Cascio [email protected]. These same people have also been involved in several other thefts from Hobby Lobby in Stockton, Modesto, Turlock, Sacramento, Roseville and Elk Grove.

Today, Lodi Police Detectives arrested Daniel Niehaus (a 76 year old male from Lodi) for possession of child pornography. Our Detectives regularly follow up on tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and make arrests based on those tips. We encourage parents to monitor their children's internet usage and report any suspicious encounters to the Lodi Police Department. If you suspect a child is being exploited or trafficked call the Lodi Police Department at 209-333-6727 or contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at www.MissingKids.com

Lodi Police Officers Arrest "Sticky Bandits" on Christmas Morning: On 12/25/20 just before 7:30 AM, Lodi Police Officers responded to Lowe's on Lower Sacramento Road on the report of a burglary alarm. When Officers arrived on scene they saw the two pictured subjects actively burglarizing the business. Officers were able to arrest Carlos Canales, 30 years old of Martinez and Eric Freitas, 30 years old of Oakley. It was discovered they were in possession of over $10,000 worth of stolen property from the business. Great work by our dayshift Officers!

Be Safe, Be Sober This Holiday Season. National Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign Begins Dec. 14 This holiday season, Lodi Police Department wants to remind the public about the importance of being safe and sober when you are driving.... While the COVID-19 pandemic is changing how we celebrate the holidays, the Lodi Police Department is dedicated to keeping the public safe and urges people to stay at home or use a designated sober driver if you plan to drink. Starting Dec. 14 and through New Year’s Day, Lodi Police Department will have officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, intended to show zero tolerance for drunk driving and keep roads safe. This year has been challenging and difficult on all of us, Lt. Eric VerSteeg said. The last thing we need is more heartbreak and tragedy. Make the right choice by not driving impaired so everyone can have a safe holiday. Lodi Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and marijuana can also impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs. Do your research and understand how certain drugs you are taking may affect your driving ability. Due to COVID-19, the state of California is asking residents to avoid large gatherings for the holidays to mitigate the spread of the virus. Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The female shown below, walked into our Lodi Ulta and decided to steal. The woman filled her purse with over $800 in cosmetics and left without paying. The male (shown below) acted as a look out. They both left in vehicle similar to silver Ford Expedition. If you know these people, please report them to the Lodi Police Department. As always, you may remain anonymous.

Welcome to the Lodi Police Department Family Officer Pasillas.

Records Supervisor Becky Hill wanted to give our employees a Christmas tree that represented everyone in our department. With the assistance of the Police Officers Association of Lodi, Mid-Management Association, and a variety of LPD supervisors, Becky was able make this tree a reality. During a year when we needed it the most, Becky reminded us that we are all a family and we are in this together. Thank you so much Becky.

Plan for Safe Halloween and Día de los Muertos Celebrations This Year. California Health Officials Strongly Discourage Traditional Trick-or-Treating As everyone prepares to celebrate Halloween and Dia de los Muertos, The Lodi Police Department is encouraging the community to make this year’s festivities as safe as possible by planning lower-risk online, at-home and car-based activities. To limit the spread of COVID-19, the state’s Department of Public Health released safety ...guidelines strongly discouraging traditional trick-or-treating and asks families to plan safer alternatives. These alternative celebrations include a candy scavenger hunt at home, online pumpkin carving and costume contests, and car-based tours of Halloween displays. The health guidance also covers Día de los Muertos, a Mexican tradition celebrated in the Latinx community honoring the deceased. Día de los Muertos celebrations often include gatherings of extended family. Families are encouraged to place traditional indoor alters outside so others can view them from a safe distance and create virtual altars online. Families and individuals are also encouraged to check with local or county guidance on holiday celebrations. Unfortunately, Halloween is going to be celebrated a bit differently than it has in the past, Sergeant Andre Belaski said. While skipping traditional trick-or-treating and indoor celebrations is recommended, please be safe if you are out and mindful of others who may drive by to look at decorations. Halloween is on a Saturday this year, and the Lodi Police Department will have additional officers on patrol Halloween night looking for suspected impaired drivers. It is important to keep traffic safety in mind and designate a non-drinking driver before going somewhere to drink. The Lodi Police Department offers these tips for drivers and those who are out walking: The days are getting shorter. Be visible and carry a flashlight or reflective vest if you are out at dusk or at night so drivers can see you. Stick to familiar, well-lit routes. Only cross the street at crosswalks or corners where it is safe. Always look left, right, then left again before crossing. If you are doing car-based tours of decorations, be extra alert for other vehicles backing out of driveways or leaving parking spaces. Watch for pedestrians and yield to them at all crosswalks. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Please be advised that over the next several hours there will be rolling road closures westbound on Lodi Ave from Cherokee to Ham Lane, and southbound on Ham Lane to Century Blvd. During that time there will be some oversized trucks on the roadway. Please use alternate routes if possible as several intersections in that area will be temporarily affected.

On 10/19/2020 at around 1:37 AM, LPD Officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Huntington Drive for a report of a house fire. Officer Gonzalez was first on scene and found that the house was fully engulfed in flames. Officer Gonzalez noticed a female, suffering from burns to her upper body, outside of the house and she was able to pull the female away from the house to a safe distance. Other officers arrived and assisted with rendering first aid until they were relieved by members of the Lodi Fire Department. The female was transported to a local hospital and was listed in critical condition at that time. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar has announced that a jury returned guilty verdicts on three counts of child sexual molestation for defendant Jairo Mairena.... The victim was a relative whom he began to abuse when she was only three years of age. She reported these crimes when she turned ten years old and her family promptly contacted law enforcement. He has now been convicted of one count of Penal Code 288.7, Sexual intercourse with a Child under Ten, and two counts of Penal Code 288(a), Lewd Acts with a Child under 14. The Honorable Lance Jacot remanded the defendant into custody to await sentencing. Jairo Mairena is facing the possibility of life in prison. Congratulations to Deputy District Attorney Theresa Stroud who skillfully and successfully prosecuted this case, and as always, our thanks to the citizen jurors of this community who so graciously performed their civic duty during the pandemic and have provided justice for this victim. #SJCDA #GuiltyVerdict See more

Teach Teen Drivers the Rules of the Road to Keep Them Safe National Teen Driver Safety Week is Oct. 18-24 This week (Oct. 18-24) is National Teen Driver Safety Week, and the Lodi Police Department is encouraging parents to discuss the importance of safe driving habits with their teens as newly licensed drivers.... This week, and every week, we want parents to get involved with their teen’s new responsibilities as a driver and help them understand the rules of the road. New drivers will naturally be inexperienced, Lodi Police Sergeant Andre Belaski said. Parents play an important role helping teens stay safe behind the wheel. It starts with practicing good habits like wearing a seat belt, staying off the phone and following the speed limit. The greatest risk for teen drivers is distracted driving, speeding, and impairment. Throughout the week the Lodi Police Department offers tips to parents and caregivers on how to talk to teens about the consequences of making dangerous and illegal choices behind the wheel. Avoid Distractions: Cell phone use while driving is illegal. Drivers under 18 are not allowed to use a phone or other electronic device for any reason, including hands-free. Understand Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Laws: For the first 12 months you have a license or until the age of 18, no passengers under 20 years old are allowed unless a licensed parent, guardian or other adult 25 years old or older is in the car with you. Late-night driving (between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.) is also not permitted. Never Drive Under the Influence: All teens are too young to legally buy, possess or consume alcohol. Under California’s zero tolerance law, any driver under 21 cannot drink any alcohol and drive (blood alcohol concentration of .01% or higher). Follow the Speed Limit: The road is not a racetrack. Speeding is a risky behavior that increases the chances of serious injury or death in a crash. It’s important for parents to let their teen know that driving is not a right, but a privilege. It can be taken away when they don’t follow the rules. For more safe driving tips to share with your teens, visit gosafelyca.org. To learn more about state laws for different traffic safety issues, visit the Governors Highway Safety Association website. Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

*****UPDATE SHE WAS LOCATED***** At-risk missing person: The Lodi Police Department is currently looking for Ernestine Thornton (71 years old) who was reported missing and is considered at risk. She was last seen today around 10:00 am when she left her residence in the area of the 300 block of W. Pine Street. Ernestine Thornton was wearing a blue long-sleeve shirt, denim pants, and black sneakers carrying an orange purse. If you have any information on Ernestine Thornton's whereabouts, please call the Lodi Police Department at (209) 333-6728.

The Lodi Police Department needs your help. We have been investigating a cold case involving a missing 71 year old man named Domingo Esparza who went missing possibly around September 2009. We have been working hard to bring answers to this case. If anyone has any information on the location or disappearance of Domingo Esparza, please contact Officer Stillman at 209-333-6883 or email [email protected]. As always, you may remain anonymous.

On September 23rd, 2020 the Lodi Police Department was proud to honor its 2019 Department Awards Recipients during a private ceremony. Congratulations to all our award recipients.

Update: The victim has been identified as Juan Carlos Lozano (39) of Fresno. At this time the motive is still under investigation and detectives are still actively following up leads. During the investigation it was learned that several customers left prior to speaking with police. LPD is asking anyone who was at the Black Bear Diner during the incident, who has not spoken with police, to please contact LPD at 209-333-6727 or Detective Kautz at 209-269-4833. You may also... contact the Lodi Area Crime Stoppers at 209-369-2746 to remain anonymous. (Please reference LPD Case #20-5751.) Details: On October 9th at around 5:59 PM Lodi PD officers were dispatched to Black Bear Diner (2347 W. Kettleman Ln) on a report of a stabbing with multiple victims and the suspect still on scene. Officers arrived and found an adult male suffering from multiple stab wounds inside the restaurant. Officers conducted life saving measures until medical personnel arrived and transported the victim to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. While on scene several witnesses identified the suspect, who was also inside the restaurant, and he was taken into custody without further incident. The suspect was later identified as Robert Andrino (34 of Carmichael) and he was ultimately transported to the San Joaquin County Jail where he was booked for murder. At this time it appears the victim and suspect knew each other, as they were reportedly having a meal together at the restaurant. While seated at their table an altercation took place between the two and the suspect produced a knife and started stabbing the victim. During the altercation an uninvolved patron intervened and was able to take the knife away from the suspect. In doing so he suffered a cut to his hand and was medically treated at a local hospital. Several witnesses were contacted at the scene and no other victims were reported or located.

On October 9th at around 5:59 PM Lodi PD officers were dispatched to Black Bear Diner (2347 W. Kettleman Ln) on a report of a stabbing with multiple victims and the suspect still on scene. Officers arrived and found an adult male suffering from multiple stab wounds inside the restaurant. Officers conducted life saving measures until medical personnel arrived and transported the victim to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. While on scene several wit...nesses identified the suspect, who was also inside the restaurant, and he was taken into custody without further incident. The suspect was later identified as Robert Andrino (34 of Carmichael) and he was ultimately transported to the San Joaquin County Jail where he was booked for murder. At this time it appears the victim and suspect knew each other, as they were reportedly having a meal together at the restaurant. While seated at their table an altercation took place between the two and the suspect produced a knife and started stabbing the victim. During the altercation an uninvolved customer intervened and was able to take the knife away from the suspect. In doing so he suffered a cut to his hand and was medically treated at a local hospital. Several witnesses were contacted at the scene and no other victims were reported or located. At this time the relationship between the suspect and victim is unknown and the motive is still under investigation. The victim’s name is being withheld pending next of kin notification. LPD is asking anyone with information to contact LPD at 209-333-6727 or Detective Kautz at 209-269-4833. You may also contact the Lodi Area Crime Stoppers at 209-369-2746 to remain anonymous. (Please reference LPD Case #20-5751.)

Put Down the Phone and Just Drive: Oct. 5-12 is Distracted Driving Awareness Week Despite the risks of phone use while driving, many California drivers continue to violate California’s hands-free cell phone law. In support of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) U Drive. U Text. U Pay. high-visibility enforcement campaign, The Lodi Police Department reminds drivers to put down the phone when you drive.... From Oct. 8 to Oct. 12, the Lodi Police Department will join other law enforcement agencies across the country with increased patrols that focus on drivers who break California’s hands-free cell phone law. Distracted driving is dangerous, especially when it involves cell phones or other electronics that take your eyes off the road. People may think they can use their phone and drive at the same time safely, but it is far from safe and also illegal, Sergeant Andre Belaski said. If you are on your phone, you are putting yourself and others on the road at risk. Last year, the CHP issued nearly 20,000 tickets during the month of April alone to drivers who were on their cell phone. According to an online survey conducted this year by the OTS, University of California, Berkeley Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC), and Ewald and Wasserman Research Consultants, 75.1% of surveyed drivers listed Distracted Driving because of TEXTING as their biggest safety concern. We want drivers to change bad behaviors like distracted driving, Sergeant Belaski said. When there are no distractions, our roads are much safer. Distracted driving laws have been in effect since 2008. Under the 2017 hands-free cell phone law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or other electronic device while behind the wheel. First-time offenders face a $157 fine. If you need to make a call or text someone, pull over and park at a safe location. Drivers are encouraged to silence their phones before starting the car, or placing the phone somewhere you can’t reach it, such as the glove box or trunk. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.