Opinion: SLTPD trying to curb crime spike

By Brian Uhler

The department is deeply appreciative of the support given to the family of Mark Hounsell who was killed, along with his wife, Jeanne, and her friend Laura Fisher, in a motor vehicle accident. They are survived by four children who have been the recipients of beautiful and heartfelt support from the entire community. The fund for the children is now approaching the goal of $130,000.

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Brian Uhler

During the latter part of September and first part of October at least five vehicles were stolen from the city. The auto theft series has subsided after our investigations and assistance from other law enforcement agencies has culminated with the arrest of several suspects. One of our newest officers (Davis Spaid) located and arrested one auto thief in the stolen vehicle while still in the city.

Amador County sheriff’s deputies located another of the stolen vehicles from South Lake Tahoe and arrested both occupants. Our detectives have linked these suspects to other auto thefts. Adam Roland now has an active arrest warrant for auto theft.

What can you do?  Many of the cars stolen in our area were left unattended with the keys inside.  Keep your car locked and do not leave keys inside. We know that many community members like to pre-warm their cars. There are remote start systems which allow the doors to remain locked and any attempt to drive the car would result in the engine stopping. Consider installing one of these systems to avoid being a victim of a car thief.

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In October we had two gang-related drive-by shootings. The first resulted in an adult male being shot in the leg by a suspect identified as David Angeles. We believe he has fled from South Lake Tahoe. We are coordinating with federal authorities to locate and arrest him.

The other drive-by shooting occurred on the evening of Oct. 28 when a suspect driving in the 800 block of Emerald Bay Road fired several rounds into a vehicle parked in front of a residence.  Detectives arrested 23-year-old local resident Jahem Barton the following day in connection to this case. He was arrested on charges of being an ex-felon in possession of firearm ammunition and resisting arrest.

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department is committed to identifying and arresting violent criminals. If you are involved in gangs, don’t be surprised when we commit significant resources to tracking you down and arresting you.

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Issues with winter approaching:

(1)    Driving: Allow extra time to drive slowly on slippery roads. Unless you’re in the car repair business, all accidents are bad.

(2)    Parking: Don’t forget we tow or cite cars which are parked on public roadways during snow removal times. Keeping cars off the roadways provides for faster snow removal. Also note that the snow removal period can last many hours or even days beyond the first pass. Sometimes people forget about the “widening phase” of snow removal which can be several days after a large snowfall event.

Brian Uhler is the police chief for South Lake Tahoe.