Tuolumne County Sheriff

The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a county wide TEST of the Everbridge Emergency Notification system today at 1:00 PM. *This is only a test, please do not call 911 unless you actually have an emergency* The Everbridge Emergency Notification allows residents to receive alerts issued by the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Emergency Services regarding imminent threats and emergency natural disaster warnings such as fire, flood, and massive uti...lity outages. Remember, with any system network that utilizes the availability of tech services, it may not be fail safe. Our office will also distribute any emergency information through other avenues such as Radio, TV News, and our social media sites such as Facebook, and Twitter. If you did not receive an emergency notification, see below: You have not registered with Everbridge Emergency Notification System. You registered but not all the necessary information was included on the form. Address, phone numbers, email were not put into system properly. For more information regarding Everbridge and how to sign up visit: www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov Please go to the website and click on the boxes as shown on the attached images, to register for the notification system. You may register your home, cell, and alternate contact numbers. Email and text notifications are also available. Community members and visitors alike are reminded to always be prepared for possible emergencies by having your property maintained; a Ready, Set, Go action plan and all the necessary items to support a quick departure and extended time away from your residence.

#motivationmonday Deputy Davenport and Deputy Hall both completed the training program at the Dambacher Detention Center. We are excited for these two and their future serving Tuolumne County. We still have spots available. If you or someone you know has dreamed of serving the great community of Tuolumne, apply today and get started. ... https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov//Current-Employment-Oppo

Wildfire Preparedness Virtual Town Hall Meeting Today! Join us and other local leaders and first responders in tonight’s virtual town hall meeting. See details in picture below.

Yesterday, we lost a member of our law enforcement family. San Bernardino County Sheriff Sergeant Dominic Vaca died from a gunshot wound he sustained during a pursuit of a motorcyclist and subsequent ambush in the desert community of Yucca Valley. Sergeant Vaca, who was 43 years old, was a 17-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department and was assigned to the Morongo Basin Station near Twenty-Nine Palms. We extend our sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers of Sergeant Vaca.

On this day in 2004 we lost a member of the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office to a tragic vehicle accident. David P. Grant, you are missed and will never be forgotten. EOW: 5/31/2004

Catalytic converter theft: how to prevent becoming a victim. Catalytic converters contain valuable metals and can be relatively simple to steal. But, the cost on the victim is significant. There are a few steps you can take to prevent your vehicles catalytic converter from being stolen. Thieves are criminals of opportunity. Follow these few directions and eliminate the opportunity. ... Park in well-lit and/or secure areas. Park in your garage, directly under street lights or have motion detector lights near your vehicle. Park in high traffic, publicly visible areas or near the entrance of the stores you are visiting. Purchase a highly sensitive vehicle alarm system so it activates at even slight movement. Speak with your mechanic about clearly marking your catalytic converter to make it traceable, and methods to secure it better. Talk with friends and family about these types of thefts and help everyone stay more aware. When you see suspicious activity, call law enforcement right away. Engrave your license plate number on the converter to make it traceable. If your catalytic converter is stolen, you will know it as soon as you start your vehicle. Your vehicle will sound loud, similar to a motorcycle muffler.

**FOUND** Leighton has been found safe! Thank you all for the help. **MISSING PERSON**... 10 year old Leighton Vanzant is believed to have walked away from her home on Crystal Falls Drive in Crystal falls just after 4pm today. Leighton was last seen wearing a black beanie, large shirt and dark colored pants. She is described as approximately 3 feet 2 inches tall, 120 lbs, brown shoulder length hair and brown eyes. If anyone has seen Leighton or has information on her whereabouts, contact the Sheriff’s Office at (209)533-5815. Please share so we can find her and get her home. #missingperson

On December 30th, 29-year-old Cody Stirm of Groveland was reported missing. The reporting person told deputies no one had heard from Cody since December 15th. An investigation is underway, and the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Search and Rescue team has been deployed to search the immediate area of Cody’s last known location. Cody is described as a white male adult, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 150 lbs, shaved head and beard. Cody may have piercings on both eyebrows, bottom lip, nose and ears. Anyone with information of Cody’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Investigations Division at (209)694-2900.

Burnt-out taillight leads to drug and money seizure. Last night, Deputy Wheat stopped a car on Tuolumne Road for an inoperable taillight. The driver, 54-year-old Mark Vanderburg of Modesto, was determined to be on parole. A search of Mark and his car revealed large quantities of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, US currency, other drug sale related evidence and a flashlight stun gun. Mark’s passenger, 32-year-old Jenna Christopher of Modesto, was also in possession of dru...gs and drug paraphernalia. In all, over 50 grams of methamphetamine, over $500 in US currency and other paraphernalia were seized. Mark was arrested for transportation and possession of methamphetamine for sale, prohibited person in possession of a stun gun, violation of parole and possession of drug paraphernalia. Jenna was arrested for transportation and possession of methamphetamine for sale and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Last night, just after 8 pm, Deputy V. Lee observed a pickup truck driving recklessly in the Big Hill, Columbia area. Deputy Lee attempted to initiate a traffic stop when the driver, later identified as 39-year-old Matthew Carlile of Sonora, fled. A short pursuit ensued through the Gunsight Road and Quail Mine Road area. Matthew attempted to turn onto Four Wheel Drive but was unsuccessful due to the angle of the turn. Matthew placed the pickup into reverse and accelerated bac...kwards, striking Deputy Lee’s patrol vehicle with Deputy Lee still inside. Matthew again tried to pull up Four Wheel Drive but was unsuccessful. Matthew was ordered from the truck and taken into custody without further incident. A record check determined Matthew had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for his arrest and his driver’s license was suspended. Matthew was arrested for his warrant, driving while his license was suspended, reckless driving, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony evasion and assault with a deadly weapon against a peace officer.

Deputy Ardis completed his field training program this week and is officially a solo-beat deputy! Congratulations Deputy Ardis, be safe.

Local man caught stealing mail. Early Tuesday morning last week, a concerned citizen called dispatch stating there was a male throwing trash in the street and looking through mailboxes in the Willow Springs Subdivision. Deputies arrived and located a Ford Explorer with its dome light on and a male sitting in the driver’s seat. Deputies contacted the male, 38-year-old Seth Saladopoor of Sonora. Seth was on searchable probation and a search was conducted of the vehicle. Dur...ing the search, several pieces of mail were located for various people. There were 14 different checks totaling over $14,000. Additionally, deputies located about 2 grams of methamphetamine, .5 grams of heroin and drug paraphernalia. Seth was arrested for felony receiving/possessing stolen property, mail theft, possession of controlled substances and possessing of drug paraphernalia.

With Christmas right around the corner and online shopping more likely this year than any other, it is important to be aware of the Grinch’s attempts to steal your joy. To best fight against packages being stolen, we recommended timing deliveries to arrive while you’re in town, coordinating with neighbors to keep an eye on each other’s front doors, shipping packages to work addresses when possible, and constantly staying alert. Happy holidays!

Last Saturday became a day etched in the history books for the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office! As of Saturday at approximately 3pm, we completed the move and officially call the Dambacher Detention Center our new home.

We are deeply saddened to learn of the recent death of a Sacramento County Sheriff Deputy and K9 late last night. We offer our condolences to the deputy’s family, friends and Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office as they mourn the loss this morning.

During a traffic stop for equipment and moving violations early yesterday morning, the driver of the vehicle, 20-year-old Haleigh Pello of Sonora, was determined to be an unlicensed driver and on probation. The front seat passenger, 27-year-old Mark Hyder of Twain Harte, was determined to be on Parole. Deputies conducted a search of the vehicle as a result of the probation and parole status. The vehicle search netted just over a pound of marijuana, more than five grams of met...hamphetamine, packaging material and other drug sales paraphernalia. Also found during the search were two containers with separate compartments designed to hide contraband, and a flashlight taser. As a result, Haleigh was arrested for possessing a false compartment intended to hide controlled substances, possession of drugs for sale, transportation of controlled substances, possession of marijuana for sale, driving without a license and possession of drug paraphernalia. Mark was arrested for possession of controlled substance for sale, transportation of controlled substances, use of a false compartment to hide controlled substances, possession of marijuana for sale, possession of a stun gun by a prohibited person and a parole hold.

**UPDATE 10/25/20 2pm** There will be four Community Resource Centers set up in Tuolumne County: Mary Laveroni Park, Groveland... Eproson Park, Twain Harte MotherLode Fairgrounds, Sonora Elks Lodge, Sonora All locations will open at 3pm today. **ORIGINAL** It appears much of Tuolumne County will be affected by the upcoming Public Safety Power Shutoff. This event will reportedly take place Sunday, October 25th, and is expected to last into late Tuesday evening, October 27th. We would like to reassure our community our dispatch center will remain operational, and deputies available for standard patrol and calls for service.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Prescription pill take back tomorrow, Saturday, October 24th, 2020 in the Junction Shopping Center from 10:00am-2:00pm. See flyer below for details.

Witness identifies attempted arson suspect. Last night, deputies responded to a home on Fourth Avenue in Jamestown after the victim reported a female attempted to light her SUV on fire. When deputies arrived, they saw a melted plastic, Molotov cocktail style, bottle lying on the ground underneath a car parked on the street. Deputies learned the victim was made aware of the fire by the witness. The two acted quickly and extinguished the fire with a garden hose before it could... spread to the vehicle or nearby vegetation. After conducting interviews, deputies determined the responsible was 41-year-old Samantha Good of Jamestown. Deputies located Samantha at her house and ultimately arrested her for attempted arson. The motives of the attempted arson are not clear at this time.

We want to give a big Thank You to these local scouts. They came out to retire our flag and help wash a few of our patrol cars. You all did a fantastic job!

Local man arrested for various drug and gun charges. Early this morning, Deputy Wend spotted a car with several equipment violations traveling along Highway 108 in Sonora. Deputy Wend stopped the driver, 31-year-old Eran Strawn of Tuolumne. While speaking with Eran, Deputy Wend noticed suspected heroin sitting on the front passenger seat. The car was ultimately searched based on the drugs in plain view. A short barrel, 12-gauge shotgun and several 20-gauge shotgun shells were... located in the passenger compartment of the car. Subsequently, Eran was arrested for possession of a sawed-off shotgun, addict in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia.

**Update: 12:15pm** Last night, deputies responded to The Country Store on Highway 49 in Tuttletown for a reported physical altercation and potential shooting. While deputies checked the area, they were advised a male victim arrived at Adventist Health Sonora with at least one gunshot wound to the upper torso. The victim was transported to an out of area hospital for his injuries. Deputies were able to establish a crime scene and conduct interviews. The investigation led det...ectives to the identity of the shooter, 28-year-old Phillip Smail Jr. of Angels Camp. With the assistance of the Angels Camp Police Department, Phillip was located at a residence in Angels Camp where he was ultimately arrested by Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Detectives for attempted murder and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person. Details surrounding the events leading to the shooting are still under investigation and no further information is available at this time. **Original** Sheriff’s Detectives are currently investigating a shooting in the parking lot of The Country Store on Highway 49 in Tuttletown. The Shooting was reported just after 9 pm on Wednesday. One victim has been identified and is receiving treatment. More information will be released once available.

Yesterday evening, just after 5 pm, Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Dispatch received several reports of a shooting on Robin Road in Twain Harte. One of the reporting persons stated the shooter walked up the driveway of a house, with a gun in hand, just after the shooting took place. Deputies responded to the area and learned one person, suffering from a gunshot wound to one arm, self-transported to the nearby Twain Harte Fire Department. Deputies established a perimeter in the ar...ea of the shooting while others responded to the gunshot victim’s location. The gunshot victim was treated on scene and transported to an out of area hospital. Deputies on scene contacted another person at the house the shooting was reported to have taken place. This person sustained head injuries not related to firearm use. The second victim was treated on scene and transported to an out of area hospital. Both parties are expected to recover from their injuries. Sheriff’s Detectives were called to the scene to conduct the investigation. Detectives were able to determine a money dispute between multiple subjects led to a physical altercation which ended in gunfire. Detectives were able to locate a .38 Colt Revolver believed to be the firearm used in the incident. No arrests have been made in connection to this case, but the investigation is still ongoing. No further information will be released at this time.

**Update** CHP announced they located and arrested Dylan Moyle in Manteca, Ca. on 10/13/20. Big thank you to everyone who helped spread the word. **Original**... Have you seen this man? CHP has an update on the October 3rd, suspicious death of 42-year-old Matthew Winks of Jamestown. Matthew’s death has been determined a murder, and Dylan Colby Moyle is the suspected offender. Please see CHP-Sonora’s post for more information. Help get the word out by sharing the post with friends.

Yesterday morning, deputies responded to Tuolumne City when a man had reportedly threatened someone while brandishing a pistol. The victim noticed a broken-down car next to Jerry Whitehead Field. When the victim went to investigate the car, an unknown man walked up behind the victim, called the victim names, then brandished the grip of a pistol concealed in his waistband. It was later reported other people in separate vehicles arrived on scene and were attempting to tow the c...ar away. Deputies arrived on scene and ordered all subjects out of the cars. The three people, 25-year-old Blaze Garner of Tuolumne, 25-year-old Mackenzie Darr of Sonora, and 25-year-old Shantel France of Tuolumne, complied with orders and were detained without incident. A search of Blaze, Mackenzie, Shantel and their cars was conducted. Blaze was found to be in possession of a replica 1911 handgun, drugs, drug paraphernalia and was responsible for making the criminal threats towards the victim. Blaze was arrested for criminal threats and possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Mackenzie was in possession of a loaded .38 caliber handgun. The firearm’s serial number had been destroyed and Mackenzie is prohibited form owning or possessing firearms. Mackenzie was arrested for felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle, and possession of a firearm without an identification mark. Shantel was issued a citation for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia and released from the scene. We are grateful for the outcome of this dangerous situation and proud of the professionalism our deputies displayed during this stressful incident.