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Drunk Driver Arrested After Brief Struggle With Officer

December 27, 2019 Written by Micah Hall

DATE OF EVENT: 12/27/2019

TYPE OF EVENT: CVC 23152(a) – D.U.I
CVC 23152(b) – D.U.I over .08% BAC
PC 148(a)(1) – Resist/ Delay/ Obstruct Peace Officer

LOCATION: 100 Blk. W. Javis Ave. Ridgecrest, Ca.

SUSPECTS: Alicia Ward (26 YOA)

On 12/27/19, at about 1605 hours, the Ridgecrest Police Department received a report of a white in color Honda traveling on S. China Lake Blvd. with a flat front tire and front bumper damage. The reporting party followed the driver, later identified as Alicia Ward, and saw the vehicle was swerving on the roadway. While Officers were enroute, the reporting party stated the vehicle stopped in a driveway in the 100 Blk. of W. Javis Ave. Officer Kenney arrived on scene and Ward had gone inside the residence. Ofc. Kenney contacted Ward and found she was intoxicated. While speaking with Ward, Ward’s dog ran out of the residence and Ward started chasing the dog down the roadway. Ward refused to stop running and after a brief struggle, Ofc. Kenney took her into custody. Other Officers arrived on scene and the dog was caught. Animal Control took custody of the dog.

During the investigation, Ward was found to be operating a motor vehicle without due regard for public safety and results from the Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) Test yielded a .22% BAC. Ward was arrested and booked into the Ridgecrest Police Department Temporary Holding Facility. Ward was later released with a citation and promise to appear.

Jed McLaughlin, CHIEF OF POLICE
PREPARED BY: Sgt. A. Tucker

Press Release, Public Information

Vehicle Pursuit Of Parolee Leads To Arrest

December 26, 2019 Written by Micah Hall

DATE OF EVENT: December 26, 2019

TYPE OF EVENT: Vehicle Pursuit

LOCATION: City of Ridgecrest

CHARGES:
CVC 2800.2(A) – Evading arrest with disregard for public
CVC 2800.4 – Evading while driving on wrong side of road
PC 69 – Resisting arrest using force
CVC 23152(g) – DUI alcohol and drugs
PC 3056 – Parole Violation

SUSPECT: Nicholas Jose Reyes 24 YOA Ridgecrest resident

On 12/26/2019, at about 2330 hours, Reserve Ofc. Lloyd was on patrol in the 200 block of N. Norma St. While in the area, he observed a black, Dodge Charger traveling at speeds in excess of 100 MPH. Ofc. Lloyd attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle; however, it failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit lasted more than two miles with continued speeds over 100 MPH. Additionally, the driver failed to stop at stop signs, stop lights, and drove on the wrong side of the roadway with his headlights off.

The pursuit ended near DJ’s Pub with the driver, who was identified as Nicholas Reyes, attempting to flee on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, officers were able to apprehend Reyes. During the arrest of Reyes, he kicked an officer in the chest before officers were able to subdue him.

After the arrest, it was determined that Reyes was also under the influence of an alcoholic beverage. Additionally, Reyes is on active parole. A parole violation was issued and Reyes was booked without further incident.

Jed McLaughlin, Chief of Police
PREPARED BY: Sgt. Groves

Press Release, Public Information

Mayor’s Cellphone Hacked

December 13, 2019 Written by Micah Hall

DATE OF INCIDENT: DECEMBER, 2019
LOCATION OF INCIDENT: CITY OF RIDGECREST
TYPE OF INCIDENT: CELL PHONE HACK

On 12/10/2019, the Ridgecrest Police Department was notified of suspicious activity that was occurring involving Mayor Peggy Breeden’s cell phone. Several people reported receiving strange texts and some also received a distasteful photograph that appeared to have been sent from Mayor Breeden’s cell phone. These texts and photographs were sent without Mayor Breeden’s knowledge and consent. Investigation into the incidents revealed that Mayor Breeden’s cell phone and iPhone “cloud” account had been compromised (hacked) and the text messages sent by an unknown subject. The Ridgecrest Police Department worked with Apple Customer Support to secure Mayor Breeden’s cell phone and stop the unauthorized and false texting. Investigation into the perpetrator(s) of this incident is still occurring.

The Ridgecrest Police Department reminds the public to keep cell phone passwords and passcodes private and secure. Your cell phone and the mysterious “Cloud,” while useful in storing large amounts of data, contains sensitive and confidential information. This information can be used to impersonate you or your phone and gain access to personal bank and credit card information. We recommend you change your account passwords often and do not share them with others.

Hackers will use various methods to gain control of your device. You could receive a telephone call impersonating Apple or a cell phone company warning you that your account has been compromised and to follow instructions or press numbers on your phone. We recommend that you hang up without pressing any numbers and to contact your cell phone provider directly. Also, do not reply or “click” on embedded links within emails that depict account compromises, award winnings, tracking numbers of unordered purchases, etc… This can open your device or computer to the hackers.

Press Release, Public Information

Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested

November 18, 2019 Written by Micah Hall

DATE OF EVENT: November 17, 2019

TYPE OF EVENT:

PC 664/187 – Attempted Murder
PC 245(a)(1) – Assault w/ Deadly Weapon
PC 460(a) – Burglary
PC 3056 – Parole Hold

LOCATION: 1100 block of S. McCall St. – City of Ridgecrest

SUSPECT: Thomas Taylor Pitt (29 YOA)

On 11/17/19, at approximately 4:45 PM, Ridgecrest Police Department officers were dispatched to the Ridgecrest Regional Hospital regarding a stabbing victim being treated. Upon arrival, officers contacted a male victim suffering from several stab wounds on various areas of his body. The victim received immediate medical aid from ER personnel and is in stable condition at the time of this press release.

Ridgecrest Police Department Officers and Detectives worked diligently and identified a suspect in this case. Through their investigation, parolee Thomas Taylor Pitt (29 YOA) was identified as the primary suspect.

On 11/18/19, at about 2:00 AM, Detectives and Officers from the Ridgecrest Police Department located Pitt at a residence in the 900 block of W. Oregon Ave. He was arrested without incident for the listed charges and later booked into the Central Receiving Facility (CRF) in Bakersfield, CA.

If you have any information pertaining to this case, please contact RPD Detective Mixon at 760-499-5100.

JED MCLAUGHLIN, Chief of Police
PREPARED BY: Sgt. R. Marrone – Investigations Sergeant

Press Release, Public Information

How Can You Help Stop Graffiti & Vandalism?

November 15, 2019 Written by Micah Hall

Public Service Announcement

TYPE OF EVENT: Graffiti/Vandalism

LOCATION: City of Ridgecrest

Recently throughout the city of Ridgecrest there has been an increasing number of vandalisms in the form of graffiti. The Ridgecrest Police Department is asking the community’s help in this matter. If you see suspicious activities contact the Ridgecrest Police Department at (760) 499-5100. If you see something, say something.

Jed McLaughlin, Chief of Police
PREPARED BY: Sgt. Groves

Press Release, Public Information
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