Incidents of note for the California Highway Patrol are included in the regular feature, #ICYMI. The roundup of recent items of interest includes the appointments of a new Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner, a chop shop operation uncovered in Bakersfield, CHP K-9 recovering 70 pounds of methamphetamine, a “tire-iffic” roadside assistance, and a CHP officer who saved the life of a child and years later attended their first day of preschool.
Leadership appointments
California Highway Patrol (CHP) Commissioner Sean Duryee announced his appointment of the Department’s new Deputy Commissioner Ezery Beauchamp and Assistant Commissioner Rodney Ellison. Deputy Commissioner Beauchamp brings more than 23 years of law enforcement experience while Assistant Commissioner Ellison brings more than 29 years of law enforcement experience to the executive management team.
Chop shop arrests
The Kern County Auto Theft Task Force (KernCATT) was promptly dispatched following a vehicle theft incident in Bakersfield, California. The stolen vehicle was located by investigators, leading to the further discovery of a Chop Shop. Consequently, Israel Cruz, 39, and Edgar Gonzalez, 38, have been apprehended in connection with the crime. KernCATT, composed of detectives from the California Highway Patrol, Bakersfield Police Department, and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, aims to decrease vehicle theft and related crimes within Kern County through rigorous enforcement and educational interventions.
K9 officer kudos
A CHP officer from the Hollister-Gilroy area office conducted an enforcement stop on a pickup truck for a traffic violation. During the interaction, the officer observed numerous indicators suggestive of criminal activity by the driver who was discovered to be unlicensed. An exterior inspection of the vehicle by K9 Rudi was conducted, resulting in the discovery of approximately 70 pounds of crystal methamphetamine.
“Tire-iffic” assistance
While on duty, Captain Tony Dominguez of the CHP Merced Area encountered a stranded international group of tourists along State Route 99. This Germany family was on their way to Bishop with a plan to visit the iconic Yellowstone National Park. Unfortunately, a flat tire interrupted their journey. Owing to his commitment to service, Captain Dominguez intervened without hesitation. He supported them by changing the tire and ensuring their travel across resumed smoothly.
Touching reunion
On November 21, 2021, an unfortunate incident occurred where an infant unexpectedly stopped breathing. Swiftly, the parents called 911 and while driving to the hospital, spotted CHP El Cajon Area’s Officer Ketchum in his patrol vehicle. Officer Ketchum initiated life-saving procedures and the infant began breathing again. The infant was transported to the hospital and thankfully made a full recovery. The child’s father has maintained regular communication with Officer Ketchum throughout the past three years. Recently, he informed Officer Ketchum that the child was about to start preschool. Officer Ketchum reunited with the family and was on hand the day the child walked in for his first day of school.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
