City of Ukiah Police Department

Press Release - UPD Case # 21-0201 Date: February 6, 2021 Location: 1208 S. State St., Ukiah... Suspect: Artemio Ortega-Reyes, 37-year-old of Ukiah Violations: 148.10(A) PC: Resist arrest causing serious bodily injury (Felony), 69 PC: Obstruct or resist arrest with force (Felony), 11377(A) HS: Possesion of a controlled substance (Misdemeanor), 11364(a) HS: Possession of drug paraphernalia On February 6th at about 7:55 PM, Officers were dispatched to Motel 6, located at 1208 S. State St., regarding a male subject who was disturbing patrons at the motel and who refused to leave the property. A UPD Officer arrived and was directed to the location of the male subject. The Officer contacted the male, who was actively sweeping the dirt using a broom with a broken metal handle. The male was subsequently identified as Artemio Ortega-Reyes. The Officer observed Ortega-Reyes displayed symptoms of being under the influence of a stimulant. Ortega-Reyes was uncooperative, argumentative and refused to put down the broom. The Officer removed the broom from Ortega-Reyes’ possession and attempted to determine why he was on the property. Ortega-Reyes continued to be argumentative and follow the Officer’s lawful directions. Ortega-Reyes became confrontational and assumed a fighting stance. For officer safety reasons, the Officer attempted to detain Ortega-Reyes. Ortega-Reyes actively resisted the Officer. The Officer radioed for additional officers to assist, while attempting to subdue Ortega-Reyes. During the altercation the initial Officer suffered a broken hand and another Officer sustained an injury as well. Ortega-Reyes was ultimately taken into custody and a subsequent search of his pockets revealed suspected methamphetamine and a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine. EMS arrived at the scene to access Ortega-Reyes’ injuries as well as the Officers’ injuries. Ortega-Reyes was treated at UVAH for minor injuries and was later booked at the MCSO Jail for the above-mentioned violations. Both Officers were also treated and released from UVAH. As always, our mission at UPD is simple: to make Ukiah as safe a place as possible. If you would like to know more about crime in your neighborhood, you can sign up for telephone, cellphone and email notifications by clicking the Nixle button on our website; www.ukiahpolice.com .

City of Ukiah Police Chief Justin Wyatt speaks to misconduct by former Sergeant Kevin Murray.

Join us in welcoming our newest police officer, Jordan Miller! Officer Miller brings vast police experience as a lateral officer from Pennsylvania, as well as experience as a Corrections Deputy for the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office. We are grateful Officer Miller has chosen to relocate to the area & continue his law enforcement career with the City of Ukiah Police Department! #NewOfficer #NewBadge #SociallyDistancedPic #SwearingIn #PoliceJobs #OfficerJobs #UkiahPD #UkiahPolice

Date: January 20, 2021 Location(s): 650 S. State St., Ukiah, and 117 Poulos Ct., Ukiah Suspect: Phillip Ronnie Lopez (31-year-old male of Ukiah)...Continue reading

We have a lot to celebrate this week! We’d like to start off by congratulating recently promoted Captain Waidelich! Captain Waidelich began his law enforcement career with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in 2002. He joined the City of Ukiah Police Department in December 2005. Over the span of his career, he has served as President for the Ukiah Police Officers Association, detective, patrol sergeant, and administrative lieutenant. Next, we'd like to congratulate Lieutenant ...Phillips, who began his career with the City of Ukiah Police Department in 2008. Over the course of his career, he has served as a field training officer, detective, patrol sergeant, and will now serve as the Operations Lieutenant who oversees patrol. And lastly, join us in welcoming our newest police officer; Coleton Mummert! Officer Mummert is a Ukiah native who joined our department after working for Fetzer Vineyards. Officer Mummert brings a strong work ethic and we are grateful he chose to embark on a new career with the City of Ukiah Police Department! #NewOfficer #NewBadge #SociallyDistancedPic #SwearingIn #PoliceJobs #OfficerJobs #UkiahPD #UkiahPolice

Press Release - UPD Case # 21-0100 - Bank Robbery & Violation of Post Release Community Supervision Date: January 20, 2021 Location(s): 700 S. State St., Ukiah and 1720 N. State St., Ukiah...Continue reading

Santa Claus is coming to Ukiah! Come join us for a social-distance opportunity to take a picture with Santa Claus and see vehicles from the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority, City of Ukiah Police Department, Mendocino Transit Authority, and Medstar/Ukiah Ambulance on Saturday, December 12th from 11 am - 4 pm in front of the Civic Center at 300 Seminary Ave. This is a FREE event but please pre-register on ukiah.recdesk.com.... Please register under 1 name only. Please wear a mask and social distance amongst other groups when you arrive. Thank you to the following businesses for sponsoring this event: Mendocino and Humboldt Forestry Mendo Mill & Lumber Company Adventist Health BAS Roofing Hillside Health Center Ukiah Waste Solutions Premier Auto Body

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, we can’t help but feel grateful for you, our community! Our staff is often showered with commendations, thank you cards, and other gracious tokens of gratitude from citizens and local businesses for the service our staff provides to the members of our community. Your appreciation exemplifies the great relationship we have built with our Ukiah community while we continue to commit to our values of Safety, Professionalism and Community Servic...e. We’re actively recruiting for multiple police officer positions! If you or anyone you know is interested in serving in our grateful community, now is the time to apply! Our department is currently offering a competitive incentive package for applicants who live outside of the Mendocino County area. For more information, please visit our website, www.ukiahpolice.com/about-us/careers/.

Press Release - UPD Case # 20-2608 On 11/17/2020 at approx. 2011 hours, A UPD Officer was on patrol in the 300 block of S. Main Street when he came in contact with a vehicle on a traffic stop for vehicle code violations. The Officer contacted the occupants of the vehicle and identified them as Lacee Marie Ross, Age 37 of Boonville, and her 17-year-old minor daughter. While conducting the traffic stop the Officer learned that the vehicle had recently been reported stolen out o...f Brookings Oregon. The Officer also learned that Ross was currently on CDC Parole for a prior conviction of 451(b) PC (Arson of an inhabited structure). A search of the vehicle was conducted pursuant to Ross’ Parole terms and in the passenger compartment near where Ross had been seated Officers located a large explosive device that resembled dynamite. UPD Officers immediately cordoned off the area and created a perimeter around the vehicle to keep any personnel or vehicle traffic from entering the area. UPD Officers contacted the Sonoma County Bomb Squad to respond and assist. Sonoma County Bomb Squad personnel arrived on scene and removed the device from the vehicle. The device was rendered safe by Bomb Squad personnel by a controlled detonation of the device on scene. It was determined by Bomb Squad personnel that the device was in fact a live explosive and if detonated would have likely caused significant injury and or damage to property. Ross was arrested for violations of 18710(a) PC (Possession of destructive device), 18715(a)(1) (Reckless possession of destructive device), 10851(a) VC (Vehicle theft), 273a(a) PC (Child endangerment) and 3056(a) PC (Violation of Parole). Ross was booked at the Mendocino County Jail for the above offenses. Ross’ 17 year old daughter was released to a family member. As always, our mission at the Ukiah Police Department is to make Ukiah as safe as possible. Additionally, the Ukiah Police Department would like to thank the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Department and the Sonoma County Bomb Squad for their assistance with this incident.

Today, on National First Responders Day, we want to take a moment and thank all the first responders who work hard to protect our community. Thank you for your incredible dedication and service. *Please note, all photographs were taken prior to COVID.... #NationalFirstRespondersDay #PoliceOfficer #Dispatcher #Firefighter #EMT #Paramedic #Nurse #UkiahPolice

Press Release - UPD Case # 20-2594 - Willful Discharge of Firearm into Inhabited Dwelling On 11/16/2020 at approx. 1932 hours, UPD Officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Court Street for a report of a shots fired. UPD Officers arrived on scene and located evidence consistent with a shooting. UPD Officers canvassed the area and located a residence and vehicles that had been struck by gunfire. UPD Officers contacted numerous witnesses at the scene and are actively investigating this incident. The UPD asks that anyone with information contact the UPD at 707-463-6262. As always, our mission at the Ukiah Police Department is to make Ukiah as safe as possible. Additionally, the Ukiah Police Department would like to thank the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Department and the California Highway Patrol for their assistance with this incident.

Recently a community member had the below bicycle stolen from their residence in Ukiah. Anyone with information regarding the theft of this bicycle or its current whereabouts, are strongly encouraged to contact the Ukiah Police Department. The Ukiah Police Department would also like to take this time to remind bicycle owners to license their bicycles with the City of Ukiah Police Department. The cost for doing so is $10.00 and helps UPD keep track of bicycles and their owners. Additional information related to bicycle safety can be found on our website by searching Bicycle safety at: https://www.ukiahpolice.com

Press Release - Case # 20-2235 - Using Caustic Chemical on Another & Assault Causing Great Bodily Injury On 10/5/2020 at approx. 2218 hours, UPD Officers were dispatched to the area of 200 Cherry Street for a report of a disturbance between neighbors. While responding to the call, UPD Officers learned that one of the involved parties may have been doused with a chemical agent. Once on scene, UPD Officers began their investigation and learned that during the course of the neig...hbor argument, James Lee (age 53 of Ukiah), became angry and doused his two neighbors with a gallon bottle of Muriatic Acid. The acid was poured in the face and neck area of both victims. UPD requested the assistance of Ukiah Valley Fire Authority and medical personnel. Medical personnel arrived on scene and began treating the victims for their injuries. UVFA began hazmat procedures to contain the acid which had been spilled on the sidewalk and concrete. One of the victim’s injuries were so severe that she was transported to Adventist Health Ukiah Valley by ambulance and then transported by air ambulance to an out of county hospital for more specialized medical treatment. UPD Officers contacted Lee and placed him under arrest for 2 counts of 244 PC (Using Caustic Chemical on another) and 243(d) PC (Assault causing great bodily injury). Lee was transported to Mendocino County Jail where he was booked for the above offenses. Due to the severity of the crimes Lee had been alleged to have committed, UPD Officers contacted the on call Superior Court Judge and requested a bail enhancement on Lee. A bail enhancement was granted and Lee’s bail was raised to $125,000. As always, our mission at the Ukiah Police Department is to make Ukiah as safe as possible. Prepared by: Sgt. K. Murray # 329

Press Release - Case # 20-2278 Date: 10/10/2020 Location: 1300 N. State St. Ukiah...Continue reading

Press Release - Case # 20-2279 - Evading Law Enforcement, Exhibition of Speed & Drug Possession Arrest Date: 10/10/2020 Location: 400 Brush St. Ukiah... Suspect: Michael David Gray (49) of Morgan Hill Offenses: 2800.2(a) CVC: Evade Law Enforcement, 23109(c) CVC: Exhibition of Speed, 11378 HS: Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales, & 11379(a) HS: Transportation of a Controlled Substance. On 10/10/20 at approximately 0955 hours, an on duty UPD officer was conducting an investigation in the Safeway Parking Lot (653 S. State St.). As the officer was standing in the parking lot he observed a Honda CBR 1000RR motor cycle traveling at a high rate of speed northbound on S. State St. The officer observed the driver of the motorcycle (later identified as Michael David Gray) bring the front tire of his motorcycle off of the roadway and perform a wheelie. The officer responded to his patrol vehicle and attempted to catch up to Gray. The officer caught up to Gray at the intersection of Perkins St. and Orchard Ave. The officer activated his patrol vehicles overhead emergency lights and initiated a traffic enforcement stop. Gray failed to yield to the officer and continued to drive his motorcycle at a high rate of speed northbound on N. Orchard Ave. in an attempt to evade the officer. As the officer pursued Gray he observed Gray travel at a high rate of speed, drive into oncoming traffic, and run one stop sign. Gray came to the intersection of N. Orchard Ave. and Brush St. and continued driving northbound off the roadway and into the empty field that runs along the west side of Highway 101. The officer drove his patrol vehicle off the roadway and continued to pursue Gray through the field. A short distance later Gray’s motorcycle hit a hole and Gray was thrown from the motorcycle. The officer exited his patrol vehicle and placed Gray under arrest. Gray was transported to the Ukiah Valley Medical Center for injuries he sustained when he fell off the motorcycle. After receiving medical treatment, Gray was transported to the Mendocino County Jail. While at the Mendocino County Jail, Officers found Gray to be in possession of approximately 46 grams of methamphetamine that was packaged to be sold. Gray was booked at the Mendocino County Jail for the above listed charges. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, Gray was set to be released from jail with no bail required. UPD officers believed Gray displayed a blatant disregard for the safety of our community members by driving so recklessly on the streets of Ukiah, and requested a bail enhancement on Gray. A bail enhancement was granted and Gray is currently being held at the Mendocino County Jail on a $75,000.00 bail. Prepared by Sgt. T. Corning # S30

Press Release - Case # 20-2273 - Resisting Arrest & Marijuana Violations Date: 10/09/2020 Location: 800 S. State St. Ukiah...Continue reading

Today we had a special visit from the Ukiah Shamrock 4-H Group. They showered the Ukiah Police Department staff with some beautiful flower arrangements! The Ukiah Shamrocks wanted to say thank you to all the first responders out there for their hard work and dedication. It was our honor to accept these beautiful flowers today. Thank you for thinking of us Ukiah Shamrock 4-H Group!

Date: September 19, 2020 Location: 900 block of S. State St., Ukiah Suspect: Melissa Rene Miller, 40-year-old female of Bakersfield... Victim: 45-year-old male of Ukiah Violations: 664/187 PC: Attempt Murder (Felony), 207 PC: Kidnapping (Felony), 148(a)(1) PC: Resist / Delay Arrest (Misdemeanor), and 1203.2(a) PC: Violation of Probation Terms (Misdemeanor) On September 19, 2020 at approximately 10:11 PM, Officers were on-duty in the 900 block of S. State St., when they heard yelling coming from the area near ABC Supply Company. Officers observed a female, who was later identified as Melissa Miller, holding a metal pipe across the throat of an adult male. Miller was using the pipe to push the victim away from the lit area of the parking lot and into a darker portion of the lot. Officers responded to the location and upon arrival saw Miller had the victim pinned against a large metal dumpster and was depressing the metal pipe across the victim’s throat. Officers ordered Miller to drop the pipe, but she refused to do so. Officers again ordered her to drop the pipe, at which time she threw the pipe down. Officers attempted to take custody of Miller, but she physically resisted. After a brief struggle; she was taken into custody. Officers contacted the victim and learned he and Miller were acquaintances and that she asked him to walk with her over to the area of ABC Supply Company. Once there, Miller put the pipe against his throat and pushed him toward the dark area of the lot. He stated he believed he had no choice, but to allow her to push him into the dark area, due to the fact that she was armed with the pipe. The victim advised Miller stated she was going to kill him, and he was indeed in fear for his life, once she pinned him against the dumpster with the pipe. The victim denied medical treatment and was released from the scene. Miller provided statements regarding the incident and admitted she was going to kill the victim and pushed him into the dark portion of the lot so that her activity was hidden from detection. Miller was found to be on summary probation, from this county, for a prior violation of 69(a) PC (Resist arrest with violence). One of the terms of her probation was obey all laws. Miller was subsequently transported and lodged at the MCSO Jail for the aforementioned violations. As always, our mission at UPD is simple: to make Ukiah as safe a place as possible. If you would like to know more about crime in your neighborhood, you can sign up for telephone, cellphone and email notifications by clicking the Nixle button on our website; www.ukiahpolice.com. Prepared by: Sergeant Phillips #27

We’d like to give a special thanks to Grandma Elledge (pictured with her grandson Detective Elledge) & Mendocino- Lake Audiology for treating our staff to donuts & coffee this week! The support from our community means a lot to us, and we continue to commit to our values of Safety, Professionalism and Community Service even during the highest level of controversy. #Grateful #PoliceSupport #Safety #Professionalism #CommunitySupport #UkiahPolice

On 9/15/2020 at approx. 2149 hours, Ukiah Police Department was notified of a large fire in the area north of Mason Street between Clara Avenue and Ford Street. UPD Officers arrived on scene to find the wooden railroad trestle and multiple trees above the trestle fully engulfed in flames. UPD Officers worked to evacuate nearby residents and businesses while Ukiah Valley Fire Authority and Cal Fire personnel worked to extinguish the blaze. Once the fire had been extinguished..., UPD Officers determined that the fire had been intentionally set and began investigating the fire as an act of arson. Anyone who may have witnessed any of these fires or any individuals who may be responsible for setting them is urged to contact the UPD at 707-463-6262. The Ukiah Police Department would like to thank the Ukiah Valley Fire Department, Cal Fire and the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office for their quick response and assistance with these fires. Prepared by: Sergeant Murray # 329

Press Release - Case # 20-2015 On 9/14/2020 at approx. 2256 hours, A UPD Officer was patrolling the area of 400 Mason Street when he came into contact with a 2006 Honda Civic for a traffic violation. The Officer contacted the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle and identified him as 19 year old Jonathan Cervantes of Ukiah. As the Officer was explaining the reason for the stop, he observed an open bottle of alcohol on the back seat of the vehicle. The Officer detained Cer...vantes to further investigate and a search of the vehicle revealed a loaded 9mm handgun with an attached 32 round magazine tucked under the driver’s seat. Upon further inspection the handgun, which resembled a Glock, was found to be a completed and functional 80% build with no serial number or unique markings. These guns are commonly referred to as Ghost guns due to their inability to be traced. Cervantes explained that he had illegally obtained the gun from another individual and also knew that he was not of age to possess the gun. Cervantes was arrested for numerous weapons related charges which included 25850(a) PC (Carrying a loaded firearm in public) and 25400(a) PC (Carry concealed firearm). Cervantes was transported to the MCSO jail where he was booked and lodged. Prepared by: Sergeant Murray # 329

Date: 09/08/2020 Time of Call: 4:46 AM Location/Victim: 859 N. State St. Ukiah (Redwood Tree Service Station)... Crime: 451(d) PC-Arson (Felony), 454(a)(2) PC-Arson During a State of Emergency (Felony), & 1203.2 PC-Violation of Probation (Misdemeanor) Suspect: Zakedis, David Michael (54-year-old white male transient) On 09/08/20 at approx. 4:46 am, Ukiah Valley Fire Authority and UPD officers were dispatched to the Redwood Tree Service Station, 859 N. State St., regarding a fire at the location. Upon arrival, officers found a wooden gazebo, along with the south side of the building was on fire. Ukiah Valley Fire Authority personnel were able to put out the fire. The building sustained major damage to the south side interior and exterior of the building. Smoke was able to enter the building and caused damage as well. The owner was contacted and was unable to provide an estimate on the repair at this time, due to the extent of the damage. UPD Detectives assumed the investigation. Later in the day, Detectives were able to obtain video surveillance from the business. The video surveillance captured a single subject on the property at the time the fire started. The subject was last seen walking northbound on N. State St. UPD Detectives continued investigating the case and obtained additional information and located additional video surveillance from a business in the area. The additional surveillance showed a subject having similar features and personal items, as the subject seen in the Redwood Tree Service Station surveillance. The information was disseminated to the UPD patrol division, asking them to be on the lookout for a similar subject. On 09/10/20, UPD patrol officers located a subject matching the description walking in the 800 block of N. State St. UPD Officers made a consensual contact with the subject, later identified as local transient, David Zakedis. UPD Detectives were notified and responded. Zakedis was interviewed at the scene and admitted to being the one responsible for the fire. Zakedis was also in possession of items seen on the video surveillance footage as well. Zakedis was arrested without incident for arson, committing arson during a state of emergency and a violation of probation. Zakedis was lodged at the county jail. Anyone with any additional information is urged to contact Ukiah PD at 707-463-6262. Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Pintane #D3

Date: September 13, 2020 Locations: 300 block of S. Orchard Ave., Ukiah Suspect: Luis Martin Ortiz, 33-year-old male of Ukiah...Continue reading

Press Release - Case # 20-1980 Date: September 11, 2020 Locations: 700 block of S. Orchard Ave., Ukiah...Continue reading