Amador County Region – A Calaveras County Sheriff’s detective suffered a minor gunshot wound to his shoulder Wednesday while investigating an auto theft case near Railroad Flat. A suspect, Michael D. Thompson, 29, of Mokelumne Hill, was shot multiple times and hospitalized in serious but stable condition, as of Thursday morning at Modesto Memorial Hospital. Calaveras County Sheriff’s Sergeant Dave Seawell said Thursday that: “As of this morning investigators have determined that Detective Rick DiBasilio had been struck by ricocheting metal fragments as a result of shots fired by Detective Wade Whitney.” Investigators concluded that rounds fired by Whitney fragmented as they hit the suspect’s vehicle, and at least 1 round struck DiBasilio. Seawell said “2 small bullet fragments remain in DiBasilio’s left shoulder.” The 6-year Calaveras sheriff’s office veteran was treated and released late Wednesday from Mark Twain Hospital and expected to fully recover. The incident began Wednesday morning when detectives served a search warrant in Rail Road Flat, for possession of stolen property. Suspect John Palmer, wanted for 2 outstanding arrest warrants, was not at the residence, but detectives recovered a stolen vehicle and stolen items. Returning to headquarters, DiBasilio and Whitney passed a white Chevrolet Camaro, similar to one Palmer reportedly was driving. The detectives later found the vehicle parked at 5915 Rail Road Flat Road, and Thompson working under its hood. As detectives approached and announced their presence, Thompson ran to start the car. DiBasilio tried to prevent Thompson from starting the car and reached into it. Thompson started the car, placed the vehicle into reverse, and drove backwards, turning the Camaro into DiBasilio as he raced the engine in reverse while DiBasilio hung on, to maintain his balance and avoid being run over. Seawell said Whitney believed DiBasilio was going to be run over. In response, Whitney fired multiple rounds into the vehicle in an attempt to stop Thompson. Thompson was subsequently struck several times in the upper torso and the car stopped. Seawell said Whitney and DiBasilio secured Thompson and immediately rendered first aid and called for medical assistance. The vehicle driven by Thompson was found to be stolen. It was seized, and authorities are seeking a warrant to search it. Thompson has a history of resisting arrest, possession of controlled substances, illegal firearm possession and probation and parole violations. The DA is considering charges for Thompson. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The Amador County 2008-09 Grand Jury released a damning report Tuesday outlining the results of an investigation into alleged misconduct by Jackson Valley Fire Chief Thom Reed. The investigation came after a number of witnesses and JVFPD volunteers reported Reed responded to calls and endangered others by performing his duties under the influence of alcohol. Through the process of the investigation, 25 individuals from local emergency response districts were subpoenaed, sworn in and interviewed over the course of four days. The report find that “78 percent of witnesses were aware of the JVFPD Chief being under the influence of alcohol while attempting to perform his duties” and the knowledge of his intoxication “was widespread.” Witnesses testified to being threatened by Reed after confronting him about consuming alcohol on the job. Among the myriad of other violations, the Grand Jury found there had been no Operations and Procedure Policy in place for the JVFPD since at least 1992; the JVFPD “took no action after receiving a complaint concerning the consumption of alcohol by the individual in question while on calls”; “neighboring emergency service departments took no action after receiving complaints concerning the consumption of alcohol”; and the Jackson Valley Board of Directors “is in violation of the Brown Act.” Testimony revealed that on at least one occasion, witnesses requested Reed “stop providing medical aid to an accident victim” because of his level of intoxication. Perhaps the most pejorative conclusion of the Grand Jury was that Reed, as well as the Chief and Captain of the Ione Fire Department, Operations Manager of American Legion Ambulance Service, Assistant Fire Chief of the Jackson Valley Fire Protection District and the Chairperson for the Jackson Valley Board of Directors gave “false, misleading, or inconsistent testimony.” The report finds that the “Fire Chief for the City of Ione, the Chairperson for the JVBD, a Battalion Chief for Cal Fire, and a Supervisor for the American Legion Ambulance had the knowledge, and the power, to correct this issue and preserve the public safety. It was determined that they turned their back on their responsibility to the safety of the public.” It goes on to say “the individuals without the immediate power to correct the problem were the ones who eventually brought the problem to the attention of the Amador County Grand Jury.” The Grand Jury found Reed in contempt of court by openly and defiantly” discussing “his testimony (before the Grand Jury)”and trying “to ascertain the testimony of others,” as well as requesting “that the Ione Fire Department discontinue mutual aid within the JVFPD” subsequent to the Grand Jury hearing. The report recommends that Reed and the Chairman of the Jackson Valley Board of Directors be removed from office. The Jackson Valley Fire Protection District is a special district staffed by volunteers, and governed by the Jackson Valley Board of Directors. The JVFPD responds to calls involving fires, medical emergencies, and traffic collisions. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County – The District Attorney announced yesterday that a Jackson man was sentenced to 8 years in prison on April 29 for the rape of a woman at the National Hotel. Larry Steven Smith, 51, received his sentencing from visiting Judge Thomas Smith one month after an Amador County Jury found him guilty of felony charges of rape of an intoxicated person, rape of an unconscious person and a misdemeanor sexual battery. The rape occurred on November 11, 2008, when a female victim who had visited Jackson for a shopping trip and stopped at the Fargo Club for a drink reported that she’d woken in the National Hotel with no recollection of how she got there. The investigation was assigned to and investigated by Detective Chris Mynderup. According to District Attorney Todd Riebe, “surveillance video of the Fargo Club and the National Hotel were obtained that showed that the victim was so intoxicated at the Fargo Club that she vomited on the floor, was unable to stand or walk without Smith’s assistance, and at one point, was passed out at the bar.” Smith is seen groping the victim and taking advantage of her intoxication. After a male companion of Smith’s used the victim’s credit card to obtain a room at the hotel, Smith is seen returning multiple times to the room. Smith reportedly demonstrated “no remorse” during the trial; while the victim talk about the negative impacts this has had on her life. She said she is afraid to let her daughter play outside and her trust in people has been shattered. Riebe was happy with the outcome, stating that it was the product of the hard work of the Jackson Police and Deputy District Attorney Gabrielle Bettencourt. Riebe said, “This case stands as a testament to the courage of the victim, who told her story under the most uncomfortable of all circumstances to ensure that the man who raped her would not escape punishment and perhaps victimize someone else.” Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County - A resident of the Buckhorn Mobile Park suffered serious burns while working on his truck Monday, according to police reports. The man was reportedly repairing the truck’s engine when gas in the engine compartment ignited and spread to clothing on his body. Initial reports say the man suffered second degree burns across much of his upper body, but these have yet to be confirmed. Local paramedics immediately arrived on the scene to assess the situation. The man was taken to a landing zone by medics at Mace Meadows Golf Course, loaded onto a helicopter by fire personnel and flown to an area hospital for burn treatment. The reports do not indicate how the fire was initially started and the incident is still under investigation. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County - A suspected drunk driver sustained injuries while resisting arrest during a battle with Amador County Sheriff’s Deputies in Pioneer last Sunday. Acting on a tip, Sheriff’s deputies initially began following the driver who was believed to be operating a car while under the influence. As the driver passed through Pioneer, the deputy attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver continued on and pulled into the parking lot near the Pioneer Resort Hotel. He then exited the vehicle, ignoring orders by the deputy to stay put. According to Sheriff reports, the driver exhibited aggression and fearing the vehicle’s passenger may also get involved, the deputy called for backup. Officers from the Sheriff's office, CHP and US Forest Service arrived on scene. According to eye witness reports, the driver was aggressively resisting arrest and had to be physically subdued by deputies, during the fight, the driver sustained lacerations to his hands and arms, but medics on the scene determined that the injuries were not critical. A large amount and array of alcohol was found in the vehicle. The driver faces a list of charges including assault on an officer, resisting arrest and DUI. The passenger may be charged with public intoxication. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amador County - An argument between two brothers-in-law in Pioneer last Saturday led to one of the brothers being stabbed, according the reports by the Amador County Sheriff’s Department. Amador County Undersheriff James Wegner reported Monday that Sheriff’s Officers responded to a call at approximately 5:11pm from the Ok Corral Hotel & Lounge in Pioneer. The caller reported that a man had just been stabbed. When deputies arrived on the scene, they found a 45-year-old man suffering from a stab wound to his abdomen. The victim reported that the would was the result of an altercation between himself and his brother-in-law over employment. He said that his brother-in-law pulled a knife from his back pocket and stabbed him in the stomach. The victim and witnesses reported that the assailant, who was identified as Richard Anthony Bogdanowicz, 57, of Pioneer, fled the scene in a blue pickup truck. Sheriff Deputies immediately visited Bogdanowicz’s residence where he was arrested on the spot and the knife used for the stabbing was recovered. Bogdanowicz was booked into the Amador County Jail charged with assault with a deadly weapon. Bail was set pursuant to schedule at $20,000.00. American Legion Ambulance, Amador Fire Protection District and Cal Fire personnel provided medical care for the victim who was subsequently flown by Air Med 42 to Sutter Roseville Hospital for treatment. The victim’s name was not released. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Amador County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an on-going investigation into a shooting which occurred two weeks ago in Pine Grove.  As part of that investigation, the Sheriff’s Office secured an Amador County Superior Court Ramey Arrest Warrant for suspect Joshua Cornell Walker, 23, who fled the scene of the incident after allegedly shooting his girlfriend’s husband and former roommate three times with a shotgun.  Bail was set at 750,000 dollars for the warrant which alleges Walker committed attempted murder, was a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possessed an unlawful firearm, used a firearm in the commission of a felony, discharged a firearm resulting in great bodily injury and that he committed a felony resulting in great bodily injury. On Friday, July 11, the Sheriff was contacted by a member of the Office of Correctional Safety - Fugitive Apprehension Team, which is a task force operated in cooperation with the United States Marshal's Office. 

The Fugitive Apprehension Team offered to assist in locating and apprehending Walker, as Walker was also wanted for violation of parole. On Monday, July 21, the Fugitive Apprehension Team, assisted by the Reno Police Department and the Sparks Police Department, conducted surveillance of multiple locations in the Reno, Nevada area.  After several hours of surveillance, it was determined that Walker, along with Caitlin Jaye Steinmeyer, 24, of Pine Grove were living at a Reno area residence.  Walker and Steinmeyer were subsequently taken into custody at that location without incident.  Steinmeyer is the wife of the shooting victim. Walker is currently in custody in the Washoe County Jail on the Amador Superior Court Arrest Warrant. The Reno Police Department has arrested Steinmeyer for harboring a fugitive.

Before the conclusion of the Plymouth City Council meeting last Thursday evening, concerns were raised regarding the 3rd Annual Motorcycle Expo held at the Amador County Fairgrounds earlier this month. The concern did not arise from the roughly 3,500 motorcycles that roared into Plymouth, nor did it stem from the violent ongoing tensions between the Hell’s Angels and the Mongols. Concern centered around the large police presence at the event, and the potentially negative impacts that could have on business and the community. Councilman Michael O’Meara introduced the issue, stating that although he understood the reasons that such a large turnout of law enforcement were called in, he felt as though the citizens of Plymouth were “living in a police state.” Mayor Jon Colburn echoed O’Meara’s sentiment, saying that Plymouth felt like a “war zone” during the event. Another issue raised was the perception of a high number of vehicles pulled over for unnecessary reasons. Local business owners claimed that if a large group of motorcyclists were in front of their businesses to eat or purchase items, they tended to disperse as soon as law enforcement was spotted. Councilman Baldwin, whose father was a CHP officer in the 1970’s, spoke from another perspective. He “understood the need” for such a high population of law enforcement as things can slip out of control quite rapidly. At the conclusion of the discussion, O’Meara stated that he would draft a statement summarizing the concerns raised so Council could prepare for similar events in the future.

A vehicle accident in Pioneer left one man injured late last week. The driver of a pickup truck lost control of the vehicle on Pioneer Creek Road Friday evening around 6:30PM and wound up on its side in the oncoming lane. Luckily no one was traveling in the opposite direction when the accident occurred. CHP arrived quickly on the scene and wereevaluating the driver for possible impaired driving issues. At the time of this report, no suspicion of driving under  intoxication has been reported.

The Amador County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, or OES, in partnership with Cal Fire, conducted a successful multi-agency disaster preparedness exercise on Thursday.  Headquartered at the Amador County Fairgrounds, the exercise was meant to give each agency an opportunity to evaluate current response concepts, plans and capabilities for conducting a large-scale neighborhood evacuation in case of a catastrophic wildfire. According to Martha Shaver, the county’s Public Information Officer, a catastrophic wildfire swept through Amador County in 1961, destroying several ranches and burning about 25 to 35 thousand acres.  If that were to happen today, that would put at risk 1400 parcels, as well as multiple businesses, and cause an estimated 215 million dollars worth of damage, and “that’s just the assessed value” says Shaver. “Are we equipped to deal with that?” In addition to OES and Cal Fire, the exercise included the California Department of Forestry, or CDF, the Amador County Sheriff’s Department, the Ione and Jackson Police Departments, Animal Control, the American Red Cross, and the county’s Administrative Office.

The exercise started off with teams meeting at the fairgrounds to discuss evacuation plans and inter-agency coordination.  The Valley Division of the CHP was on hand with their Rapid Response Vehicle, which contains everything needed to rapidly respond in an emergency.  The Chevy Tahoe, packed full with sophisticated video and satellite equipment, can easily interface various agencies, as well as pick up live video images from agency aircraft overhead. The video can be downloaded to the vehicle via satellite, which can then be linked back to CHP headquarters. As part of the mock evacuation, sheriff deputies and local city police went door-to-door in the Burke Ranch area of Plymouth, making contact with residents and handing out fire safety information. For those residents that weren’t home, police left information in an envelope attached to a balloon. Burke Ranch resident David Brattstrom, who received information from an Amador County Sheriff’s deputy, says “fire is always an issue up here.” After the evacuation, personnel regrouped at the fairgrounds and spent the afternoon evaluating the exercise.  The OES says that they “view this exercise as an excellent opportunity to bolster interagency cooperation, establish communications and to provide for a more efficient use of limited resources.”