Folsom Local News » Police and Fire

Wrong Way DUI Driver Injures Family Of Three In Head-On Collision

Alan — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 00:50:31 +0000

On Friday night, at 9:30 pm, Folsom Police and Fire Personnel responded to a serious injury collision at the intersection of Iron Point Road and Black Diamond Drive.

When officers arrived they found a Nissan Sentra and a Toyota Camry blocking the roadway. Paramedics transported four people at the scene, the driver of the Nissan, the driver of the Camry, and two Camry passengers.

The Nissan had been traveling eastbound on Iron Point Road in the westbound traffic lanes. In the 1100 block of Iron Point Road, the two vehicles collided head-on likely at the posted 45 mph speed limit.

The driver of the Sentra was identified as Karen Ann Benedict (32) of El Dorado Hills. She was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in serious injuries, but was released from custody to be treated for the injuries she sustained in the collision.

The family from the Camry are being treated at area hospitals for serious injuries. No information related to the victims will be made available.

Folsom Police say the results of the complete investigation will be forwarded to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office with criminal charge recommendations.

Burglar Caught In The Act, in Prairie Oaks, Folsom

Alan — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 03:42:32 +0000

On Friday afternoon, 23 year old Andrew Christian Heitmeyer thought it would be a good idea to burglarize an empty home in Fratis Street, Prairie Oaks, in Folsom.

It was just after lunchtime, a few minutes before the homeowner’s nanny arrived. The nanny entered the residence and hear a noise. Thinking it was the owner, she called out, but there was no response. Then the homeowner arrived, and the nanny told him what happened. As he started to check the house, he realized there had been a burglary, and he and the nanny encountered Heitmeyer. Heitmeyer fled from the house, out through the rear sliding door at the rear of the house.

Not content with breaking into one house and narrowly escaping, Heitmeyer tried to break into another house, possibly in an effort to avoid the police.

It wasn’t Heitmeyer’s lucky day, because that home was occupied, and the homeowner chased him.

Police officers eventually captured Heitmeyer, and their investigation tied him to the burglary incident. He was arrested and booked into the Sacramento County Jail on one count of burglary, and one count of attempted burglary. Bail was set at $130,000.

Five In Hospital After Vehicle Crashes Into Bowling Alley

Alan — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 07:42:30 +0000

At 12:30 a.m. this morning, the Folsom Police and Fire Departments responded to the Folsom Lake Bowl after it was reported a vehicle had crashed through a wrought iron fenced patio, where patrons of the bar were sitting.

When officers and fire personnel arrived on scene, they found five people with varying degrees of injuries, though none were considered critical.

The Folsom Lake Bowl is a bowling alley, bar, and casino located at 511 East Bidwell Street in Folsom. The patio of the business is an extension of the bar area and is commonly used by patrons to smoke tobacco.

Tera Lee Nicholson (41) of Folsom was arrested at the scene. She was booked into the Sacramento County Jail for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Causing Major Injury (23153 CVC).

The nature of the patrons’ injuries were not disclosed.

Double Fatal Collision: Intersection of Folsom Boulevard and Parkshore Drive

judythpiazza — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:34:37 +0000

This morning during the investigation into the double fatal collision that occurred last night at 6:46 p.m., Michael Sharp (21) of Folsom was arrested for two counts of Vehicular Manslaughter while Intoxicated (191.5(a) PC) and Drug Impaired Driving Causing Serious Injury or Death (23153 CVC).

Due to Sharp’s injuries, he was unable to be booked into the Sacramento County Jail. No photograph of Sharp will be available.

Investigation concluded Sharp was the driver of the SUV that crossed the center line and struck the victim’s sedan. Investigation and evidence obtained at the scene supported Sharp’s arrest.

The Folsom Police Department will not release then type of suspected intoxicant until results of the toxicological tests have been completed by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.

Transient Threatens To Damage Sutter Street Business

Alan — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:51:28 +0000

A transient man, hiding under a Sutter Street business, like a troll under a bridge, caused Folsom police to evacuate Christmas Shoppers on Sutter Street.

The man, 50 year-old James Saporito, had set up camp under a Sutter Street business. He was banging on the floor and yelling at customers from underneath the building.

At 11:30 am, the business owner called the Folsom Police Department for help.

Folsom police officers arrived a short time later, and asked Saporito to come out. He told the police he had propane, gasoline, and dynamite. Later, he said he also has firearms.

Saporito eventually surrendered to police around an hour and a half later, just after 1:00 pm., when a Sacramento Sheriff’s Department K-9 team made their way underneath the building.

Police then investigated the area under the building, and found there was no damage. Neither police nor Saporito, were injured.

Police said they found an empty propane cooker amongst Saporito’s belongings, but he didn’t have the means to carry out his threats.

Police charged Saporito with making terroristic threats and booked him into the Sacramento County Jail.

Boy Pinned Under Vehicle On East Bidwell, In Motorized Scooter Accident

Alan — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:00:57 +0000

Friday morning at 8:30 am the Folsom Police Department began receiving emergency calls regarding a vehicle that collided with a motorized scooter at the intersection of East Bidwell Street and Glenn Drive. When officers arrived, they found a middle school aged juvenile, wearing a helmet, pinned under the vehicle. Due to the nature of the accident, the juvenile’s injuries were initially treated as life threatening.
Emergency personnel from the Folsom Fire Department’s Station 35 were able to extract the juvenile, who was transported via ground ambulance to an area hospital. His injuries were significantly upgraded, which Fire and Police personnel attributed to the fact he was wearing a safety helmet. The cause of this collision is still under investigation. His exact age, name, and condition will not be released.
The California Highway Patrol website, shows the California Vehicle Code (406(a) VC) requires the operator of a motorized scooter to be at least 16 years of age, possess a Class C Driver’s License or Driver’s Permit, and they must wear a bicycle helmet. The operation of motorized scooters are limited to bicycle paths, trails, or bikeways. On a roadway with speeds greater than 25 miles per hour, the driver must operate the scooter in a Class II bike lane. Just as with a vehicle, a motorized scooter must be driven as close to the right curb as safe, except to pass or turn left.

More information regarding motorized scooters, bicycles, and skateboards ca be found at the CHP website.

Strong Winds Fanning Flames in California

Alan — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:03:19 +0000

CAL FIRE says strong winds caused them to increase staffing and fire equipment throughout the state.

High winds and low humidity over much of the state may continue for the next few days. Winds in some areas are expected to have gusts in excess of 60 mph. This weather event will significantly increase the wildfire threat in wind prone areas including the Sierras, the East Bay Hills, the Central Coast, and throughout Southern California

“The recent devastating wildland fire in Reno, Nevada is a reminder that fires can burn during the winter months even when temperatures are low. With the strong winds forecasted the fire danger will increase in many areas and we will have extra firefighters on duty so that we can respond to any new wildfires that may ignite.”
- Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director

Many communities and watershed areas may be affected by fast moving wildfires. The increased staffing includes the county fire departments of Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Kern and Orange, who CAL FIRE contracts with for fire protection of State Responsibility Areas.

Residents are encouraged to exercise extreme caution when in or near the wildland or open areas to prevent a fire. It is important that everyone monitor the weather and be on the lookout for fires. If fires occur in the area be prepared to follow all instructions of fire and law enforcement officials if an evacuation is ordered. Winds of the forecast velocity can cause conditions to change rapidly and the public is encouraged to review “Ready, Set, Go” procedures at www.ReadyForWildfire.org. Each person and family should insure that they are “Set” for a potential emergency situation and prepared to activate the “Go” (evacuation) portion in a calm and safe manner.

Tuolumne County:

Mountain Fire

Northeast of Sonora near Bald Mountain Rd.

* 50 acres, 0% containment

* Structures Threatened

Ridgewood Fire

Near Phoenix Lake area

* 2-3 acres, 0% containment

Calaveras County:

Dutch Creek Fire

1.5 miles from Blue Mountain

* Unknown acreage, 0% containment

Blue Mountain Fire

Blue Mountain Lookout Rd., southeast of West Point

* Timber fire

* 100 acres – 0% contained

East Fire

10 miles east of West Point

* 100 acres, 0% contained

El Dorado County

Sciaroni Fire

Sciaroni Rd in the Grizzly Flat area

*80 acres

Kirk Fire (previously Stinson Fire)

Stinson Rd in the Omo Ranch area

*5 acres, 90% contained

Creek Fire

Off Park Creek Rd and Old Carson Rd in Pollock Pines.

*2 acres – 80% contained

Onyx Fire

Sly Park and Onyx Rd area

*3-5 acres – 80% contained

Groovy Fire

Off Hwy 50 and Plum Creek Rd.

*44 acres – 60% contained

Grizzly Fire

Grizzly Flat Rd. and Sweeny Rd.

*Spot fire – 100% contained

Boondock Fire

Near Slug Gulch in the Fairplay area.

100% contained

One additional fire in Amador County which is a Federal incident on the El Dorado National Forest.

Nevada County

Chalk Fire

10 miles east of Nevada City

* 20 acres, 100% contained

Shoulder Tap Operation Leads To 5 Arrests in Minor Decoy Sting

Alan — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:36:13 +0000

In its continued effort to ensure minors and merchants are following the law as it relates to alcohol use and sales, the Folsom Police Special Investigation Unit conducted a Minor Decoy/Shoulder Tap Operation on Friday October 21, 2011.

A minor decoy is any person, under the age of 21, who assists police with identifying and apprehending suspects who violate laws associated to alcohol ordinances. The Folsom Police Department Special Investigation Unit, in coordination with the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC), carefully selects individuals older than 18 years of age with no criminal history and no suspected alcohol violations associated with their character.

The following is a summary of Friday’s operation:

Lucas Leiva (19), an employee of Vic’s IGA Market (9580 Oak Avenue Parkway) was arrested for selling beer to a minor decoy.

Wen Feng (45), the owner of the Lucky Dragon Restaurant (9580 Oak Ave Parkway), was arrested for selling alcohol to a minor decoy.

Steven Thomas Williams (26) was arrested for purchasing alcohol for a minor decoy from Save Mart Liquor and Food (8839 Madison Ave).

Steven Garcia (47) was arrested for purchasing alcohol for a minor decoy from Discount Food and Liquor (700 E. Bidwell St). He was additionally charged with possession of narcotic paraphernalia and possession of an open container of alcohol.

Randall Weston (22) was arrested for purchasing alcohol for a minor decoy from 5 Star Liquor (332 E. Bidwell Street).

Through the assistance of grant funding by ABC, Folsom Police Department is afforded the opportunity to conduct such investigations, and thereby continue its efforts in the prevention of tragedies related to youth and alcohol.

Follow the Folsom Police Department on @FolsomPolice, at www.nixle.com

Folsom Police Arrest Transient, A Homicide Suspect

Alan — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 14:53:08 +0000

Homicide suspect detained running from scene

Just before midnight on Friday October 1st a Folsom Police officer was driving in the 600 block of East Bidwell Street when he observed a man run across the street in front of his marked patrol car. When the officer caught up to the suspicious subject a couple of blocks away, the man directed the officer to a knife he had hidden nearby.

Officers responding to assist the first officer observed a subject lying facedown on the sidewalk in front of 606 East Bidwell Street. Those officers diverted from the first call to assist the subject, and found him non-responsive and without a pulse. Folsom Fire Department Paramedics responded and transported the adult male to Mercy Folsom Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Investigation revealed Joshua Allen Atkins, a 22 year old transient from Folsom, had been involved in an altercation with the deceased man. When Atkins was seen by the officer, he was running from the same area the man was found. Atkins was arrested for homicide and booked into the Sacramento County Jail.

No photographs of Atkins will be released at this time. No further information regarding the victim will be released until the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office completes their investigation as to his cause of death.

Folsom Police Motorcycle Competition

Alan — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 00:50:49 +0000

The Folsom Police Department Traffic Bureau will be hosting a statewide motor officer competition on August 27th, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Intel campus located at 1900 Prairie City Road in Folsom.

The public is welcome to come watch police officers from all over the state as they put their riding skills to the test. The competition will include Challenge Courses, Partner Rides, and Speed Contests.

Motor officer competitions such as this serve a dual purpose. Not only is it entertaining to the public to witness the precision and skill motor officers possess in operating their police vehicles, but it sharpens the officers skills by competing, increasing their safety during their day to day traffic enforcement duties.

The Folsom Police Department’s Bicycle Unit will simultaneously be conducting a Bicycle Rodeo for kids, where a limited supply of new helmets will be given away.

There will be a bounce house, rock wall, and remote control car racing too! Plan on bringing a bicycle and the appropriate safety equipment to join the fun!

Tim Galovich Folsom PD at the 2011 Roseville Police Motorcycle Challenge

Southwest Police Motorcycle Competition 09
In this video, Sgt. Scott McCartney, CA-Homeland Security on a BMW R1200RT-P makes some impressive slow maneuvers at the 13th Annual Southwest Police Motorcycle Training & Competition, in Phoenix, Arizona.

There was a police motorcycle competition in Bloomington, Indiana, earlier this month, and Chesapeake Bay, Virginia has theirs in October, where they have four courses, “Winged Wheel”, “The Glock Course”, “Glock Measurements” and “Offset Cloverleaf”.