CHP

Captain Lowther swears in Cameron Switzer (A18440) as the Bishop Communication Center's newest Public Safety Dispatcher.

We're back!! This last year has somewhat unpredictable, burdensome and overwhelming at times for us all in one way or another. Even Miss Cleo () couldn't have predicted what we've endured and adapted to. Here are just a few pics that show some of what we've been up to during our absence from social media.

Making the right decision is not difficult, this Labor Day weekend please remember the dangers associated with driving under the influence and designate a sober driver. Our Officers will be out in full force looking for impaired drivers and will be taking the proper enforcement action in an effort to protect those traveling on our roadways. Please drive safely, and if you suspect a driver is impaired, don’t hesitate to call 911.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for Inyo County along US-395 today. Winds could gust as high as 70 MPH which will make for dangerous driving conditions. High profile vehicle closures along US-395 are likely.

CYCLIST STRUCK BY TURNING VEHICLE A juvenile driver from Bishop, CA was driving southbound US-395 and had stopped in the two-way left turn lane at MacGregor Avenue waiting to make a left turn. Maxwell Silver of Bishop, CA was riding his electric bicycle northbound US-395 on the northbound right shoulder at approximately 40 mph approaching Macgregor Avenue. The juvenile began a left turn across the northbound lanes and onto the northbound right shoulder. Mr. Silver observed th...e other vehicle and tried to stop. Mr. Silver contacted the right front of the other vehicle. Due to the force of the collision Mr. Silver was ejected from the bicycle and made contact with the ground. Mr. Silver was transported to Northern Inyo Hospital with a possible fractured wrist. The following agencies were on scene and rendered aid, and assisted with the collision investigation: Bishop CHP, Bishop Fire Department, CALTRANS, Big Pine Fire Department, Symons Ambulance.

CHP OFFICERS FIRED AT ON BAY AREA FREEWAY This morning at approximately 2:22 AM, a fully marked California Highway Patrol enforcement vehicle was shot at seven ...times. The gunfire came from a black Mercedes Sprinter van traveling near southbound I-880 Lewelling Boulevard offramp near the I-238 flyover. Luckily, the patrol vehicle, which was occupied by two CHP officers assigned to the CHP - Hayward Area, was not struck and the officers were uninjured. A short time later CHP officers located a black Mercedes Sprinter van matching the description of the suspect vehicle and detained its three male occupants ranging in ages of 20, 18, and 14 years old. Multiple firearms were located in the van and processed as evidence. The 18-year-old driver, Ethan Escobedo from Los Angeles, has been arrested for assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer (California Penal Code 245c) and shooting at an occupied vehicle (California Penal Code 246). Detectives assigned to CHP Golden Gate Division Investigative Services Unit (ISU) are actively investigating this shooting. Our detectives are requesting assistance from the public in gathering the details surrounding this incident. If you or anyone you know have any information that might be helpful, please call the CHP Investigative Tipline at 707.917.4491.

SEMI-TRUCK MAKES U-TURN IN FRONT OF MOTORCYCLE ON US-395 On June 12, 2020 at approximately 1:00pm, Justin Verzani of Ponca, Nebraska, was driving a tractor-trailer combination of vehicles northbound US 395 and had pulled to the right shoulder near Dusty Lane, just north of Ft. Independence, CA.. James Bennett of Oxnard, California, was riding his motorcycle northbound US 395 in the number one lane and was approaching the tractor trailer from the south. As Bennett approached, ...Verzani began a U-turn to southbound US 395 across the northbound lanes, at intersection of Dusty Lane. Bennett applied his brakes and swerved, but was unable to avoid a collision with the tractor trailer. The collision caused Bennett and the Harley-Davidson he was riding, to fall to the ground. Bennett was transported to Southern Inyo Hospital for major injuries.The following agencies were on scene and assisted with the collision: Bishop CHP, Inyo County Sheriff, and Independence Volunteer Fire Department. See more

On Saturday June 6th at around 1:30 p.m., we received a call about a suspicious van parked off the road near Jamison Creek, Boulder Creek. The caller saw guns a...nd bomb making materials inside the van. When deputies arrived, the van was seen leaving the area and tried to follow it, finally finding it at a home on Waldeberg, Ben Lomond. As deputies began investigating, they were ambushed with gunfire and multiple improvised explosive devices. Sergeant Damon Gutzwiller was shot and taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Another deputy was either shot or struck by shrapnel and struck by a car as the suspect fled the property. We are hopeful the deputy will recover. Calls of a carjacking nearby soon followed as officers from departments throughout Santa Cruz County began arriving to the area, several of whom were involved in the arrest of the suspect, Steven Carrillo, who was reportedly armed was shot during his arrest. The suspect survived and was treated and released from the hospital. He will be arrested for the murder of Sergeant Gutzwiller and other felonies. Damon was a patrol supervisor and worked for the Sheriff’s Office since 2006. He is 38-years-old and married with children. Damon was a courageous, intelligent, sensitive and a caring man. Words cannot express the pain we feel for Damon and his family, Sheriff Jim Hart said, He was the kind of person we all hope to be. Today, we lost a hero. We are grateful to have known him and we mourn with his family. The District Attorney’s Office is investigating the case. We will release more information about the incident early next week. A memorial fund has also been set up to support Sgt. Gutzwiller’s family: https://porac.org//line-of-duty-death-damon-gutzwiller-eo/

NON-INJURY CRASH BRINGS DOWN LIVE POWER LINES On 06-08-2020 at approximately 10:40 AM, David Froehle of Desert Hot Springs, CA, was driving a 2000 Ford Ranger pickup northbound on US-395 near Locust Street in Big Pine, CA. For unknown reasons Mr. Froehle drove across the southbound lanes of US-395 and collided with a power pole. This collision caused the power pole to fall, leaving electrical wires across the roadway. Mr. Froehle exited his vehicle and was determined to be uninjured. Personnel from the Big Pine Volunteer Fire Department, Inyo County Sheriff’s Department, Caltrans, and California Highway Patrol responded to the collision scene. This collision is still under investigation by the Bishop CHP Office.

FATAL HEAD-ON COLLISION IN DEATH VALLEY On 05/31/20 at approximately 12:21 PM, Luis Echeverria of Fontana, CA, was driving a 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche westbound along SR-178 just east of SR-127. At the same time, Chantra Sun of Baldwin Park, CA was driving a 2017 BMW X5 eastbound along SR-178, approaching the Chevrolet Avalanche. For an unknown reason, the Chevrolet Avalanche and BMW X5 collided head-on within the roadway of SR-178. Two passengers of the Chevrolet Avalanche an...d one passenger of the BMW X5 sustained multiple traumatic injuries during the collision and succumbed to their injuries. The remaining five victims were transported to Las Vegas University Medical Center for medical treatment. This collision is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, Bishop Area. The identities of the deceased parties will be released through the Inyo County Coroner's Office and Clark County Coroner's Office.

We're sad to hear of the loss of one of our brothers in blue. Officer Dan Walters with the San Diego Police Department struggled with injuries sustained in 2003 while on duty. Our sincere condolences to family and friends. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

CHP Citations Jump by 87% for Violators Speeding More Than 100 mph SACRAMENTO Caltrans announced today a joint effort with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to urge drivers in the state to slow down given a recent 87% increase in citations for speeding in excess of 100 mph that coincides with decreased traffic volumes during the COVID-19 pandemic. From March 19 when the state’s stay-at-home order began to April 19, the CHP... reports issuing 2,493 citations statewide for speeding more than 100 mph, as compared to 1,335 during the same period last year. This increase in citations occurred as Caltrans has measured an average decline in traffic volume on state roads of approximately 35% as compared to this time last year. Excessive speed and unsafe driving threaten everyone using our highway system, said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. Viewing less congested roads as an invitation to drive dangerously jeopardizes the safety of construction and maintenance crews who are working to maintain reliable access to our highways when people need it most. It is alarming to see the number of citations officers are writing for excessive speeds on California roadways, said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley. Higher speeds can lead to much more serious injuries and significantly increase the chance of death should a crash occur. Keep yourself and those on the road around you safe. Slow down and drive at a safe, legal speed. California’s Move Over law continues to be in effect and requires all drivers to move over a lane or, if unable to do so safely, slow down when they see amber flashing lights on Caltrans vehicles, law enforcement and emergency vehicles, and tow trucks. Fewer cars on the road doesn’t give drivers the green light to travel over the speed limit, OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. Driving at a safe speed when you must go out is one way to keep you and your family safe during this pandemic. California’s more than 700 electronic highway signs will also soon display the following types of safety-related messages: IF YOU MUST TRAVEL DO NOT SPEED KEEP ESSENTIAL WORKERS SAFE DO NOT SPEED During the COVID-19 emergency, Caltrans continues to provide the general public with a safe and reliable transportation system. The department is maintaining all critical functions during this crisis, including ensuring roadway access to medical facilities and the convenient transport of essential goods and services throughout the state. Some non-essential work has been deferred to limit spread of the COVID-19 virus, but maintenance and construction crews are still addressing hazards, safety concerns and other critical functions on the highways. Please slow down and Be Work Zone Alert!

In recent weeks, several Inyo County businesses showed their support for first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bishop Starbucks and LooneyBeanBishop.com both delivered fresh coffee to our CHP Office for our crew to enjoy. Earlier today Coppertopbbq.com delivered a box full of delicious hamburgers for our team! If you happen to see some coffee and BBQ stains on our officer's uniforms, you'll know why! We are definitely humbled that you all continue support us during this dark time. We understand that businesses like you are financially suffering in a time like this and we hope and pray that you all persevere!