FBI Seek Public’s Assistance to Identify
Chase Bank Robber
September 9, 2010 The FBI and San Diego Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the unknown male responsible for robbing the Chase Bank, located at 9450 Scranton Road, San Diego, California, on Tuesday, September 7, 2010.
On Tuesday, September 7, 2010, at approximately 4:00 p.m., an unknown male robbed the Chase Bank, 9450 Scranton Road, San Diego, California, using a demand note.
The note threatened that the robber was armed with a weapon, but a weapon was not displayed. After receiving a sum of money the robber walked out of the bank.
Witnesses describe the robber as follows:
Sex: Male
Race: Black
Age: Mid 20’s to early 30’s
Height: 5’8” - 5’10” tall
Weight: 185 - 200 lbs.
Build: Medium
Clothing: Black baseball cap, black sport coat, blue jeans, dark dress shoes, and light brown framed sunglasses
Weapon: Threatened not observed
Anyone with information concerning this robbery is asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. You may remain anonymous by calling the FBI or Crime Stoppers.
FBI Press Release
San Diego Man Charged with Robbing Chase Bank in Poway, California
On Thursday, September 2, 2010, at approximately 8:55 p.m., Colter Stanley Johnson was arrested near the intersection of Narragansett Avenue and Chatsworth Blvd.Johnson was arrested following the robbery of the Chase Bank, located at 12380 Poway Road, Poway, California, earlier that afternoon.
The robbery of the Chase Bank is believed to be the third bank robbery in the “Skateboard Bandit” series investigation.
According to the federal complaint filed in this matter, on Thursday, September 2, 2010, at approximately 3:27 p.m., the Chase Bank, located at 12380 Poway Road, Poway, California, was robbed by an unknown male. At the time of the robbery, the robber approached a teller, lifted his shirt, exposed the handle of a gun, and demanded money.
The robber was wearing a dark hat, black sunglasses, a black bandanna covering his mouth, a dark blue or black hooded sweatshirt, long black shorts, and carried a black backpack and a skateboard. The robber instructed the victim teller to put the money in his black backpack.The robber then moved to another teller and demanded money. The second victim teller complied with the robber’s demands and provided him with a sum of money.
After receiving a sum of money, the robber exited the bank and traveled Northbound on his skateboard through the bank parking lot.A witness from the bank observed the robber fleeing the scene and followed the robber to an alley in the vicinity of the bank.
The witness watched as the robber pulled down the bandanna that covered his mouth revealing his face. The witness observed the robber’s face and observed him getting into a white sport utility vehicle.
The witness recorded the license plate and provided this information to San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. Additional investigation involving the San Diego Police Department and the FBI led to the arrest of Johnson later that evening.
Johnson is currently being detained at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) and expected to appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge on Tuesday, September 7, 2010.
The “Skateboard Bandit” investigation involves the following bank robberies:
- Comerica Bank, 3361 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, Monday, July 12, 2010.
- Wells Fargo Bank, 7875 Highland Village Place, San Diego, Friday, July 23, 2010.
- Chase Bank, 12380 Poway Road, Poway, Thursday, September 2, 2010.
Anyone with information concerning any of the above bank robberies is asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255 or Crime Stoppers at (888)580-8477.
You may remain anonymous by calling the FBI or Crime Stoppers. This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
FBI Press Release
POLICE INVESTIGATE MURDER IN MIRA MESA
September 5, 2010 San Diego Ca, San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit detectives are investigating the shooting death of a male on a Mira Mesa street.
Last night, at 11:05 p.m., officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 10900 block of Martinique Way. They arrived to find the victim, a 20-year-old male, down in the street. Paramedics transported the victim to a trauma center, but he died at 11:38 p.m.
The preliminary investigation has revealed that the victim was at a party on Martinique Way when he stepped outside for an unknown reason. Upon hearing gunshots, friends ran outside and found the victim lying in the street.
Two black males were seen running away from the victim while they yelled gang-related language.
The victim has been positively identified, but his name is being withheld pending complete family notification.Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
San Diego Police Press Release
East County Fire Keeps San Diego
Firefighters Busy
08-03-10 San Diego Ca, According to Cal Fire the Cowboy Fire Near the Pacific Crest Trail, between Campo and Potrero and Southwest of Lake Morena is now 95% contained, there are 10 fire crews, 22 engines, 2 bulldozers, 11 water tenders, there are 354 firefighters assigned to the incident, and with 4 Injuries the cost to date to fight the fire is $2,712,214.
Firefighters continue to make progress in containing the fire with full containment expected today and full control expected on the 7th at 6 pm. The Cowboy Fire, which started Thursday, September 2nd at 1:13 pm, and burned 827 acres, was started by two illegal aliens who were in distress.
They called C4, which is Mexico’s emergency dispatch system and advised them that they had been lost for two days, were stranded, dehydrated, and were going to light a signal fire to attempt to get some help.
This information was relayed to the U.S. Border Patrol. CAL FIRE worked with Border Patrol in attempt to locate the individuals, but were unsuccessful, and the two individuals are still at large.
Investigators from CAL FIRE and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service have determined that the evidence near the fires origin, of illegal aliens in the area, which supports this report.
Cooperating Agencies:
Any one with information about this fire or any suspicious fire activity should call the arson hotline at 1-800-468-4408
CHP, San Diego Sheriff, San Diego County Fire, Border Patrol, SPCA, Caltrans & US Fish and Wildlife
Chula Vista Man Arrested For Two Stabbings
09-02-10 Chula Vista Ca, members of the Chula Vista Police Street Team/Gang Suppression Team arrested Andrew Pequeno, DOB 3/22/1991, at the Plaza Bonita Shopping Center.
Pequeno, a resident of Chula Vista was wanted in connection with two separate incidents involving an assault with a deadly weapon.Both incidents occurred in the City of Chula Vista in the month of August and the victims received serious, but non-life threatening stab wounds. Pequeno was booked into the San Diego County Jail on various charges.
One of the stabbings happened at the Chula Vista Sports Bar at 1073 Third Ave. It was reported at 11:44 p.m. Sunday, August 22, 2010. The victim, an off-duty employee of the bar, was stabbed in the abdomen.
Chula Vista Police Press Release
Man Sought in Vehicle Burglary Series
09-01-10 La Mesa Ca, Michael Penwell is being sought by the La Mesa Police Department after fleeing from a traffic stop where numerous items of stolen property, narcotics and drug paraphernalia were found.
Penwell is described as a white male, 25 years old, blond hair, hazel eyes, 5 foot, 7 inches tall, with a thin build andmultiple tattoos. He also has a felony parole warrant for his arrest. See his attached photo.
On August 29, 2010, at about 7:30 AM, a La Mesa Police Officer made a traffic stop on a 2002 Ford Explorer driven by a male with a male passenger. As soon as the vehicle stopped in the 5600 block of Lake Murray Boulevard, the driver, later identified as Michael Penwell, fled into the nearby residential neighborhood and was not located. The police detained the male passenger at the scene.
A search of the vehicle revealed stolen property from three separate La Mesa vehicle burglaries. These burglaries occurred in residential areas on the east side of La Mesa, just hours before the traffic stop. Stolen property from two vehicle burglaries in the San Diego area along with narcotics and drug paraphernalia were also found in the vehicle.
The male passenger, Christopher Simmons, of Spring Valley, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of stolen property and drug paraphernalia then booked into County Jail. The registered owner of vehicle, Megan Flinn, of Victorville, California, was located by police after the traffic stop and arrested for a felony warrant and possession of stolen property then booked into Las Colinas Women’s Detention Facility.
Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Michael Penwell should contact the La Mesa Police Department at (619) 667-1400. You may also call Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line (888) 580-TIPS (or www.sdcrimestoppers.com). You can remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case. Investigation is continuing.
La Mesa Police Press Release
CBP Arrests 20 for Maritime Smuggling Attempt
at Carlsbad State Beach
09-01-10 Carlsbad, Calif. - A collaborative effort between U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Air and Marine and U.S. Border Patrol prevented a maritime smuggling attempt early this morning as 20 foreign nationals who illegally entered the country were arrested at Carlsbad State Beach.
At about 1 a.m., the San Diego Coastal Border Enforcement Team (CBET) comprised of U.S. Border Patrol agents and CBP officers were on patrol along the coastline spotted a panga boat at sea near the shores of Carlsbad State Beach.
CBET responded to the area shortly after the boat reached the shore and apprehended seven people. A CBP helicopter crew assisted agents in a search of the surrounding area resulting in the arrest of an additional 10 people.
The panga, with two occupants aboard, attempted to flee towards Mexico. A CBP Air and Marine plane and boat responded and detected and stopped the panga.
In addition, Border Patrol agents noticed a van waiting near the beach and arrested the driver, a Mexican national, suspected of being involved with the smuggling attempt.
The total arrested in this smuggling incident was comprised 19 males and one female. All were adults and Mexican nationals except one male from Ecuador.All individuals were in the United States illegally. Agents transported the group to a local Border Patrol station for processing. An investigation is being conducted to identify and prosecute the individuals responsible for this smuggling attempt.
The interdiction was part of a coordinated effort by member agencies of the San Diego Maritime Unified Command. The San Diego Maritime Unified Command, comprised of CBP, ICE, the Coast Guard, and other law enforcement partners, is an all-threats multi-agency approach to maritime law enforcement operating in the San Diego and Orange County coastal region.
CBP Press Release
Bicyclist Runs into Trolley the Side
of the in La Mesa
The callers further reported that the bicyclist was down on the tracks near that intersection.
The male bicyclist was northbound on Severin Dr. approaching Amaya Dr. and the Trolley Crossing. The trolley arms were down for the north and south bound lanes as there was a west bound trolley approaching the intersection.
The bicyclist rode northbound into the southbound lane and went around the trolley arm, apparently in an effort to beat the approaching trolley.
The bicyclist impacted the side of the trolley.The male bicyclist sustained various broken bones and was found unconscious
at the scene.He was transported to the trauma center at the Sharp Memorial
Hospital. His current status is unknown. His name is being withheld until familymembers can be notified.There are no photos or video available at this time. No additional information at
this time.If you have any information on this case, please call the La Mesa Police Department at (619) 667-1400 (or specific detective and direct #). You may also call Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line (888) 580-TIPS (or www.sdcrimestoppers.com). You can remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.
La Mesa Police Press Release
FBI and San Diego Police Seek Public’s Assistance
to Identify Robber
On Monday, August 30, 2010, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the Chase Bank, located at 8843 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego, California was robbed by an unknown male.The robber presented a demand note and gestured that he was armed with a weapon. After receiving a sum of money, the robber walked out of the bank. No weapon or vehicle was observed.
Witnesses describe the robber as follows:
Sex: Male
Race: Hispanic
Age: Mid 40’s
Height: Approximately 5”9” tall
Build: Medium
Hair: Black and gray hair
Clothing: Blue jeans, green buttoned-down long-sleeve shirt with pockets on both sides of shirt.
Anyone with information concerning this robbery is asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. You may remain anonymous by calling the FBI or Crime Stoppers.
FBI Press Release
FBI and El Cajon Police Seek Public’s Assistance
to Identify Pair of Bank Robbers
On Saturday, August 28, 2010, at approximately 2:48 p.m., two men simultaneously approached two tellers at the US Bank, located inside of the Albertsons grocery store, at 1608 Broadway, El Cajon, California, and made threatening verbal demands for money. The robbers threatened to shoot the tellers if they did not comply with their demands.
Both tellers complied with the robbers’ demands and provided a sum of money to each robber. The robbers then walked away. No weapon or vehicle was observed.
The robbers are described as follows:
Robber number one:
Sex: Male
Race: White
Age: Approximately 40 years old
Height: Approximately 6’0” - 6’2” tall
Weight: Approximately 180 lbs.
Build: Medium build
Hair: Dark with mustache
Clothing: Black baseball cap with lime green fox symbol on front, black long sleeve shirt buttoned to collar, black wire frame round lens sunglasses, and blue jeans
Weapon: Weapon threatened, but not observed
Robber number two:
Sex: Male
Race: White
Age: Mid 30’s to early 40’s
Height: Approximately 6’1” - 6’2” tall
Weight: Approximately 180 lbs.
Build: Medium build
Hair: Light brown hair, unshaven
Clothing: Black sunglasses, baggy maroon sweater with Polo horse logo on sweater, band aids on outside ear lobes, blue jeans, gray hat, blue bandana tied around neck to cover up tattoo, tattoo on right side of neck, and acne scars
Weapon: Weapon threatened, but not observed.
Anyone with information regarding this robbery should contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255, or CrimeStoppers at (888) 580-8477.
FBI Press Release
Investigators Determine Cause of El Monte Fire
With the abundance of seasonal grasses, there has recently been a rash of fires caused by children playing with matches or lighters in the backcountry. CAL FIRE and the U.S. Forest Service actively work together with children in the schools in the backcountry conducting various fire prevention education programs on the dangers of playing with fire.
The agencies also conduct juvenile firesetter intervention programs in the homes of children who are known to have started fires or have been caught playing with fire by family members.
Both agencies work with the Burn Institute on Juvenile Fire Play issues. CAL FIRE and the U.S. Forest Service want encourage parents and teachers to discuss with children the consequences of playing with fire.
As a safety reminder never leave matches and lighters in reach of children. Remind children that matches and lighters are tools and not toys, and that Smokey Bear’s friends never play with fire.
For more information contact your local fire station, or if you live in the backcountry contact the nearest CAL FIRE or U.S. Forest Service fire station.
CAL FIRE NEWS RELEASE
San Diego Police Arrests Suspect Wanted
For Shooting Police Office
The suspect was identified as Andrew Barrientos, a 20year old Hispanic male.Federal officers and San Diego police officers began to watch the port of entries and adjacent streets.
Southern Division Sergeant Jason Weeden obtained a photograph ofthe suspect from the DMV and positioned himself at 5700 Camiones Way, which is near the pedestrian point of entry.
At 3:53pm, Sgt. Weeden observed a 1985 Ford occupied by two H/Ms. The passenger resembled Barrientos and a computer check showed the license plate was registered in Oakland, Ca.Sgt. Weeden stopped the car and officers arrested Barrientos and Gustavo Silva, an H/M, 23years old. Barrientos was armed with a loaded handgun in his waistband at the time of the arrest.
Silva was arrested for aiding a fugitive. Neither person resisted arrest. Silva and Barrientos were transported to Police Headquarters and are awaiting the arrival of Oakland Police Department detectives.
San Diego Police Press Release
Related StoryFremont Police Officer shot in Oakland
08-27-10 Oakland Ca, this afternoon a Fremont Police Officer was shot and wounded while attempting to apprehend a suspect in the city of Oakland. The officer, a six year veteran with the department, is currently listed in "Critical but Stable" condition at Highland Hospital.
The suspect in the shooting is still outstanding. He has been identified as Andrew Barrientos, Hispanic male 20yrs, 5'7" 240 lbs heavy build BK hair BR eyes Barrientos should be considered armed and dangerous.
Wounded Officer Identified.
Officer Todd Young remains in "Critical but Stable" condition at Highland Hospital. Todd is a 6 year veteran with the Fremont Police Department, with 10 years prior experience at Newark (CA) Police Department. Todd is 39 years old and is married with two children.
Officer Young required 60 units of blood during his lengthy surgery, with additional procedures expected in the next few days. Anyone wishing to donate blood is asked to contact The American Red Cross (800-448-3543) or their local blood bank, and request to donate in the name of Officer Todd Young. Blood type is not critical.
On behalf of Todd’s family, and the Fremont Police Department, we would like to thank everyone for their continued support.
Attempt Assault With A Firearm On
A Deputy Sheriff
On August 27, 2010, at about 9:06 PM, Sheriff's Deputies from the Santee Station received a radio call of a person driving erratically in the area of Mast Boulevard and N. Magnolia Avenue in Santee.
A description of the vehicle was broadcasted to all Santee patrol units. Deputy Montan saw the vehicle drive into the Albertson's mall parking lot at Mast Boulevard and N. Magnolia Avenue.
Deputy Montan turned his vehicle around to make an enforcement stop on the vehicle. As the vehicle drove out of the parking lot and turned right onto Mast Boulevard, Deputy Montan activated his overhead lights in an attempt to stop the vehicle.
The vehicle immediately pulled over to the right shoulder. The vehicle stopped in such a manner that it forced Montan to stop his vehicle partially on Mast Boulevard and partially in the driveway.
From Deputy Montan's position, he did not have a clear view of the driver's side door but saw the male driver moving around the interior of the truck. He could also see was a female in the passenger seat.
Suddenly, the suspect vehicle's engine revved at high rpms and intentionally rammed into Deputy Montan's patrol vehicle before speeding off westbound on Mast Boulevard.Deputy Montan broadcasted the hit and run vehicle description and advised he was in pursuit of the truck. Once the suspect vehicle passed Halberns Boulevard, the male driver jumped out of the truck, discarded a loaded firearm, and fled on foot. The female also jumped out and attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by Deputy Montan.
The truck was still in motion and collided into a fence near the intersection.
A perimeter was set up around the area where the suspect was last seen running. A short time later, a resident on the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Halberns advised a deputy that he saw a male under a bush in his yard.About a minute later, Deputy Benjamin, who was just a few houses away, advised she was in foot pursuit of the suspect. The suspect did not comply with Deputy Benjamin's orders to stop and get on the ground.
Deputy Benjamin deployed her TaserX26 on the non-compliant suspect. The Taser immobilized the suspect and he was taken into custody by several deputies without further incident.
The suspect’s vehicle contained numerous items of stolen property. Santee Detectives responded and assisted with evidence collection and processing.
The male suspect was identified as Kenneth Shepherd and he has an extensive criminal history. The female, Colleen Donovan, was also arrested for theft related charges and conspiracy.
The suspect was transported to Alvarado Hospital and evaluated as a procedural measure because of the Taser deployment and a possible overdose of methamphetamine.
Shepherd is being charged with attempted homicide, felony evading, assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of stolen property.
San Diego Sheriff’s Press Release
Police Investigate Murder In Clairemont
Mesa East Park
At 1:19 a.m., officers responded to a report of a shooting at Lindbergh Park in the 4100 block of Ashford Street. They arrived to find 15-year-old Joanna Vargas suffering from a single gunshot wound. Paramedics arrived and attempted to revive her, but she died at the scene at 1:36 a.m.
The preliminary investigation has revealed that Joanna and her female cousin went to the park with two males. As the group stood in the park, an unknown suspect fired a round at them, striking Joanna.
The surviving witnesses noticed a white SUV facing north in the 4100 block of Ashford Street at the time of the shooting. The vehicle drove away at normal speed and was last seen turning westbound on Balboa Avenue. Whether the SUV is related to the shooting is not known.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
San Diego Police Press Release
FBI and San Diego Police Seek Public’s Assistance
toIdentify Bank of America Robber
On Thursday, August 26, 2010, at approximately 2:57 p.m., the Bank of America, located at 737 University Avenue, San Diego, California, was the location of an attempted bank robbery.An unknown male approached a teller and presented a demand note for cash that was written on a bank deposit slip. The robber demanded a specific amount of money and threatened to have a weapon.
The teller, who was behind ballistic resistant glass, initiated bank security protocols. After a short delay, the robber left the bank without receiving any money.
The robber is described as follows:
- Sex: Male
- Race: White
- Age: Early 20’s
- Height: Approximately 5’9” tall
- Weight: Approximately 155 lbs.
- Hair: Light brown hair
- Clothing: Black baseball cap, black backpack, blue plaid shorts, flip flop sandals, medium blue long sleeve shirt, black short sleeve shirt over long sleeve shirt.
Anyone with information concerning this robbery is asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255, or Crime Stoppers at telephone number (888) 580-TIPS. You may remain anonymous by calling either telephone number.
San Diego FBI Press Release
FBI Seeks Public’s Assistance to Identify
Bank of America Robber
On Wednesday, August 25, 2010, at approximately 11:15 a.m., the Bank of America, located at 10701 Tierrasanta Blvd., San Diego, California, was robbed by an unknown male. At the time of the robbery, the robber entered the bank and ordered everyone to get down on the floor.The robber climbed over the teller counter and attempted to access several teller cash drawers. The robber made several demands for cash, and, after obtaining a sum of money from a currency container, the robber climbed back over the counter and ran out of the bank.
Witnesses describe the robber as follows:
- Sex: Male
- Race: Black
- Age: Mid 20’s to early 30’s
- Height: 5”9” - 6’1” tall
- Weight: Approximately 175 lbs. – 200 lbs.
- Build: Medium-muscular build
- Clothing: Nylon stocking mask covering head and face, white baseball cap with black bill and unknown insignia on face of cap, white button down collared shirt, white tennis shoes, black and gray baseball style batting gloves, and blue jeans
Anyone with information concerning this robbery is asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. You may remain anonymous by calling the FBI or Crime Stoppers.
San Diego FBI Press Release
Back-To-School Is Great Reminder To Immunize
August 25, 2010 Three New Cases; Whooping Cough Vaccination Clinics Continue, As San Diego County children begin another school year, it’s the perfect time for parents to make sure their children are up-to-date on vaccinations, especially as cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, continue to rise according to County Health and Human Services Agency officials.
There have been 412 cases reported so far in 2010. There were 143 cases in all of 2009, and the previous high for San Diego County was 371 cases in 2005. “Back to school time is the perfect time to remind parents to make sure their children are immunized against pertussis and other diseases,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “It’s important to remind parents that they are not only protecting their own children, but their child’s classmates and friends.”
The County is holding additional vaccination clinics on weekends at Northgate Markets and the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
The clinics at the six Northgate Markets locations will be held on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The San Ysidro Port of Entry clinic will be held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The clinics are scheduled to continue on weekends until Sept. 26, based on vaccine availability. County residents are encouraged to continue going to their private health care provider. Vaccines are available at County Public Health Centers for those with no primary care provider.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children get one dose of DTaP vaccine at the following ages: 2 months; 4 months; 6 months; 15 to 18 months and 4 to 6 years.The CDC also recommends that children receive a booster shot of Tdap vaccine at 10-11 yrs.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends an adolescent-adult pertussis booster vaccine (Tdap) for everyone 10 years or older who has not yet received it, especially women of childbearing age, before, during, or immediately after pregnancy; and other people, including household contacts, caregivers, and health care workers,who have contact with pregnant women or infants.
Children 7-9 years of age who did not receive all of their routine childhood shots are recommended to receive a Tdap booster dose. A typical case of pertussis in children and adults starts with a cough and runny nose for one-to-two weeks, followed by weeks to months of rapid coughing fits that sometimes end with a whooping sound.
For more information about whooping cough, please call the HHSA Immunization Branch toll-free at (866)
358-2966, or visit the web site at www.sdiz.org.
Health And Human Services News Release
CBP Officers Seize 2,520 Pounds of Marijuana
in 3 Separate Attempts
The first seizure occurred at about 11:30 a.m., when a CBP officer referred a 26-year-old Mexican citizen driving a 1991 Freightliner Tractor to the secondary examination area for further inspection.
During the secondary examination, an x-ray of the vehicle displayed anomalies, and a detector dog alerted officers to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle.An intense inspection led to the discovery of 36 wrapped packages of marijuana concealed in the tires of the tractor. The total weight of the narcotic was 435 pounds with a street value of $217,500.
The second seizure occurred at the Otay Mesa Rail Yard where vigilant officers were scanning the incoming rail cars with a rail x-ray.
Officers noticed anomalies in two rail cars. Officers had the bottom door of the hopper open and they discovered a total of 16 bundles which had been magnetically attached to the structure of the rail car. The weight of the narcotic was 202 pounds with a street value of $101,000.
And the third and final attempt was at approximately 4:50 p.m. when a 1996 Freightliner tractor and trailer driven by a 37 year-old Mexican citizen entered the inspection facility, and the primary officer referred the tractor and trailer to the secondary inspection dock and x-ray area.CBP officers noticed anomalies in the x-ray and conducted an intensive inspection of the cargo in the trailer.
A narcotic detector dog alerted to the presence of narcotics. Officers completely unloaded the trailer, which claimed to contain tackle boards for carpet installation.Concealed within the boxes of tackle strips, there were 263 packages of marijuana with a total weight of 1,883 pounds with a street value of $941,500.
The total amount of marijuana seized was 2,520 pounds with an estimated street value of $1,260,000.
CBP officers turned over the custody of the two individuals to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.All are awaiting arraignment at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in San Diego. CBP seized the drugs, the tractors, and trailer. The rail car was released as soon as it was verified to not have any more narcotics.
CBP Press Relaese
Dead Bird Tests Positive For West Nile Virus
August 24, 2010 County Officials Urge People to Follow Three Rules to Protect Themselves, and Others,
A Stellar’s jay found dead in Pine Valley tested positive for West Nile virus, County Vector Control officials announced today. Although no Californians have died from the mosquito-driven disease this year, there have been three deaths nationwide, and 16 people in the state have contracted West Nile virus so far in 2010.
“Now that the weather is warming up we may see an increase in the number of birds testing positive for West Nile virus,” said Jack Miller, County Department of Environmental Health director. “People should follow three simple steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites and help prevent mosquito breeding.”
PREVENTMosquito Breeding: Backyard water sources are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Residents should dump or remove anything that can hold water, such as potted plants and saucers, rain gutters, buckets, trash cans, children’s toys, old spare tires and wheelbarrows. Mosquito fish can be used to control mosquito breeding in backyard water sources such as unused swimming pools, ponds, fountains and horse troughs. They are available at several locations around the County.
PROTECTYourself from Mosquito Bites: Protect yourself from the virus by staying inside when mosquitoes are most active especially at dawn and dusk. Wear long sleeves and pants, and use insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus when you are outdoors. Keep screens on doors and windows and make sure the screens are in good condition.REPORTDead Birds: Vector Control staff will collect and test dead crows, ravens, jays, hawks and owls if they are good test specimens. Dead birds do not need to be reported if they have been dead more than 24 hours; have been hit by a car, shot, or killed by animals; are covered with ants or flies; have a foul odor; or their bodies are not intact.
To report dead birds, mosquito breeding areas, green swimming pools or standing water, please call County Vector Control at 858-694-2888. For more information about West Nile virus, call the Vector Control Program at 858-694-2888 or visit the County’s West Nile virus Web site at www.SDFightTheBite.com
County Of San Diego News Release
DEA & NTF Seize 25,000 Marijuana
Plants in Santa Ysabel
On August 24, 2010, San Diego, CA –DEA/NTF conducted a marijuana eradication operation in the area of Highway 76 and Highway 79 on the Santa Ysabel Indian Reservation.
There were approximately 25,000 marijuana plants located with an estimated street value of $75,000,000.00 - $100,000,000.00.
No arrests have been made at this time. This was the 2nd largest marijuana field that DEA/NTF has found to date this year in San Diego County. Water was being diverted from the natural springs in order to support the marijuana grow.
Chemicals were also found on the scene as well as a camp for the people who were tending the plants. It is estimated that approximately four to five people were staying at the location.
San Diego Man Arrested and Charged with
Robbing Wells Fargo Bank
Jones was arrested on Thursday, August 19, 2010, following the robbery of the Wells Fargo Bank, located at 685 Saturn Blvd., San Diego, California.
On Friday, August 20, 2010, a criminal complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, charging Jones with robbing the Wells Fargo Bank, located at 685 Saturn Blvd., San Diego, on Thursday, August 19, 2010.According to the complaint, Jones approached a bank employee and advised that he wanted to close his two savings accounts. The teller advised Jones that he needed to speak with a banker at the desk across the lobby. After speaking with this employee Jones was refunded his money.
After receiving the money, Jones requested to speak with a manager. Jones advised the bank employee that he had a bomb in the fanny pack he was carrying.Jones told the employee if he did not receive two million dollars within the next 10 minutes, his co-conspirator outside the bank would detonate the bomb.
The bank employee went to the vault, retrieved a sum of money and provided the money to Jones.
As Jones exited the bank, he was taken into custody by responding San Diego Police Officers.
Jones has been booked into the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) and expected to appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge, on Tuesday, August 24, 2010.
If anyone has information concerning this robbery they are asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255. This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
San Diego FBI Press Release
An arrest itself is not evidence that the defendant committed crimes charged. The defendant is presumed innocent until the government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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