Carpool lane violation, retail crime crackdown

The #ICYMI features highlight a roundup of notable incidents involving the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in recent weeks and include calls ranging from honoring Coastal Division CHP officers to a “spooky” Carpool lane violation is enough to result in a citation.

Fight against retail crime

On October 15, Governor Newsom announced that the CHP Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) is continuing its work to curb organized retail theft statewide. This year, the task force conducted 621 investigations resulting in 1,123 arrests and recovered 269,992 stolen items valued at $8.1 million. Since its inception, the task force has made 3,223 arrests and recovered 880,276 stolen items valued at more than $46 million.

CHP's ORCTF in the Border Division served multiple search warrants on October 14, seized over $140,000 in stolen retail merchandise, and made multiple arrests. On October 16, CHP's ORCTF in the Southern Division worked with retail partners at Lululemon to arrest two “boosters” who stole 131 items valued at approximately $15,000 from several of their retail locations throughout Los Angeles County.

“Creepy” driver quotes

A driver recently placed a Halloween skeleton wearing a “Scream” mask in the passenger seat and then used a carpool lane in the San Jose area. The CHP officer was not fooled. Even though the skeleton was wearing a seatbelt during the Oct. 12 incident, the officer issued a citation. The CHP reminds the public that while “spooky season” is upon us, it is important to remember that decorations carried in the passenger seat do not meet carpool requirements.

Officers honored

On October 12, the Peace Officers Association of Ventura County held its 43rd annual Medal of Valor Ceremony. Police officers and civilians were recognized for their extraordinary actions in life-threatening situations. Congratulations to the CHP officers honored on this momentous occasion: Officer Chisholm, Officer Neuner, Officer Winter and Officer Ayers. Additionally, officials recognized Officer Chevalier's remarkable performance as a 2024 Investigator of the Year nominee, demonstrating his remarkable competency in conducting criminal investigations.

Brandishing a firearm

Over the summer, CHP officers assigned to Operation Safe Streets in the city of Oakland observed a person quickly exiting a vehicle and fleeing the scene of an accident when he noticed the officers. During the pursuit, officers discovered that the suspect was carrying a handgun and unfortunately the suspect was able to evade arrest. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle was stolen and a loaded handgun was found nearby. After multiple search warrants, the CHP Oakland Area Major Crimes Unit identified the primary suspect as Daniel “Danny” Lopez-Curiel, a 21-year-old from Oakland.

In the early morning hours of October 16, a warrant was executed at Lopez-Curiel's residence with the assistance of the CHP Golden Gate Division Warrant Service Team, the Northern FEAR Team of the Investigative Services Unit, and the Alameda County Sheriff's Office. During the investigation, additional evidence emerged that linked Lopez-Curiel to the stolen vehicle and firearm. Other features found on the site included aftermarket key fobs, key programmers and multiple shaved keys, indicating possible vehicle theft activity. Lopez-Curiel was located in Union City and was arrested without incident. Curiel faces various charges including possession of a stolen vehicle, resisting arrest and numerous firearms violations.

Teen arrested for drunk driving

Santa Cruz area CHP officers responded to reports of a vehicle failing to maintain its lane on Southbound Highway 1 on October 13th. After they stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver, the driver showed clear signs of impairment, resulting in an arrest on suspicion of impaired driving. During a subsequent inspection of the vehicle, a loaded, unregistered firearm was discovered. The 18-year-old Castroville resident was taken into custody on charges of drunk driving and possession of an unregistered firearm.