TOP FIVE CHP STORIES OF THE WEEK

#ICYMI: A roundup of notable incidents involving the California Highway Patrol (CHP) this past week, including the days leading up to graduation and the swearing in ceremony for 106 cadets, honoring 232 fallen heroes at the CHP Memorial, the campaign for change on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, the arrest of a freeway shooting suspect in Oakland, and cases of beer bringing traffic to a halt in Placer County.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each announcement.  Click on the headlines to access accompanying assets that are available for download.

1.    THE CHP WELCOMES 106 NEW OFFICERS DURING A CEREMONY IN SACRAMENTO

The CHP swore in 106 new officers on May 10, closing out graduation week at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento.  The ceremony, which was live-streamed, marked the sixth class from 2023 to complete its 26 weeks of training at the live-in facility. To accommodate the surge of interest in joining its ranks since the onset of its recruitment campaign, the CHP has been conducting three cadet classes simultaneously. On May 8, the Wednesday prior to graduation, the cadets were up before the sun to take part in the long-standing tradition of the Cadet Run – a 5-mile journey from the CHP Academy to the Peace Officers Memorial near the State Capitol.

2.    GOVERNOR NEWSOM HONORS FALLEN HEROES AT CHP PEACE OFFICER MEMORIAL

On May 7, Governor Gavin Newsom joined the CHP in honoring the agency’s 232 fallen officers during its annual memorial ceremony held at the CHP Academy. The name of each sworn member killed in the line of duty during the Department’s 94-year history was read aloud at the start of the ceremony. Family, friends, and colleagues of the fallen watched as Governor Newsom, CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee, and others laid down a wreath on the memorial fountain. The ceremony also included a moment of silence, a 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, and a flyover.

 3.    NEW INITIATIVE FOR SAFE DRIVING MEASURES ON PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY IN MALIBU

The CHP is part of the ongoing multi-agency effort to increase safety along a 21-mile stretch of Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. In addition to the CHP, the Go Safely PCH campaign involves the California State Transportation Agency, the California Office of Traffic Safety, local law enforcement, and city officials. Last year alone, there were 220 crashes along the busy stretch of highway, killing seven people including four Pepperdine students. In addition to infrastructure changes, the CHP has committed three officers and a sergeant to the enforcement effort along the corridor.

4.    SUSPECT ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO OAKLAND FREEWAY SHOOTING

The CHP arrested a suspect wanted in connection with an Oakland freeway shooting. Dominic Jerome Taylor, 32, of San Leandro, was taken into custody recently on multiple charges related to the shooting and DUI. On March 29, 2024, a 9-1-1 call reported gunfire from a white sedan on eastbound Interstate-580 at Seminary Avenue. Investigators responded to the area and found no victims, and no other 9-1-1 calls were received in connection with the shooting. However, dashcam footage provided by a witness helped identify the suspect. On April 12, Taylor was located driving in Oakland and was arrested without incident. Signs of alcohol intoxication led to a DUI investigation, adding to the charges.

5.    CASES OF BEER SPILL ONTO I-80 AFTER TRUCK OVERTURNS

A big rig carrying beer overturned on Interstate 80 in Placer County on May 6, spilling cans of Coors Light across the roadway. The driver and passenger inside the big rig received minor injuries in the crash. Caltrans crews spent several hours cleaning up after the 8 a.m. crash, so that the only thing left flowing at that scene was the traffic.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security.

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