Amador County – The Ione Police Department reported two drug-related arrest last week, including one aided by the help of one of the city’s Volunteer Patrol Officers.

Chief Michael L. Johnson said the 9-11 weekend began there previous week with an arrest of a man on a warrant, and another man for possession of a controlled substance.

Johnson said a suspicious vehicle led to a man’s arrest after a traffic stop Friday, Sept. 9. At about 9 p.m., he said, “Ione Police officers were on routine patrol in the area of Preston Avenue and Plymouth Highway. Officers located a suspicious occupied vehicle.”

Socorro Serrano, 31, of Stockton “was contacted. A record check revealed that Serrano was a wanted person with a $5,000 misdemeanor bench warrant.”

Johnson said: “Serrano was placed in custody. Additionally, officers discovered drug paraphernalia inside the car. Serrano was booked into the county jail on his warrant and drug related charges. His vehicle was towed.”

On Saturday, Sept. 10, Ione’s Volunteer Patrol helped protect the community, Johnson said: “A man was seen lurking about the premises of the Ione Junior High School” late that night. The IPD Volunteer Patrol made the observation while passing through the area during routine patrol.

Johnson said: “Upon seeing the volunteer patrol, the man, later identified as Joseph Jenkins, quickly disappeared behind the buildings. The volunteer patrol unit alerted the on duty Ione Police Officer of the suspicious character.”

The IPD Officer intercepted Jenkins, who is a parolee, on the other side of the campus. A search of Jenkins person revealed that he was in possession of a controlled substance. Jenkins was placed in custody. His parole agent was contacted and authorized a parole hold for his arrest.

Jenkins was booked at about 11 p.m. into the Amador County jail.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.