Archive for the ‘CHP’ Category

Largest CHP graduating class in nearly 16 years adds strength to ranks

Tuesday, October 7th, 2025
New CHP Officers were sworn in during a ceremony on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. Photo: CHP

146 among 600 CHP officers sworn in so far in 2025 as the Department continues statewide push to enhance public safety.

By Jaime Coffee Director of Communications Office of Media Relations

SACRAMENTO—In the largest graduation since December 2009, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, proudly welcomed 146 new officers, underscoring the Department’s enduring commitment to public safety and public service in California.

After 26 weeks of rigorous training at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento, these newly sworn officers are prepared to carry forward the CHP’s mission of Safety, Service, and Security, which not only strengthens the Department today but also builds a stronger foundation for the generations of officers to come.

“Today’s graduates embody the heart of service and sacrifice that defines our profession. These men and women have chosen the path of dedication to others, and we are proud to welcome them into the ranks of law enforcement as they begin their journey to protect and serve California’s communities with integrity and compassion.” 

-Commissioner Sean Duryee

These new officers will now report to one of the CHP’s 102 Area offices across California to start their law enforcement careers, protecting and serving communities throughout the state’s 58 counties.

The graduates bring a broad range of skills and experiences to the Department, reflecting their diverse backgrounds. Among them are former college athletes, military veterans, and correctional officers, as well as others with prior public safety experience.

During academy training, cadets receive instruction in traffic enforcement, crash investigation, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations and community policing. The curriculum also focuses on legal responsibilities, communication, ethics and cultural awareness to prepare cadets to serve California’s diverse population.

New CHP Officers are pinned with their badges on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. Photo: CHP

Following Friday’s graduation ceremony, nearly 300 cadets remain at the CHP’s live-in training facility, and an additional 160 cadets are set to start instruction on October 13 as part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety across the state.

See video of ceremony.

The CHP continues to actively recruit dedicated individuals who are ready to make a difference in communities throughout California. A career with the CHP offers comprehensive training, competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

To learn more about joining the CHP, please visit www.CHPMadeForMore.com to take the first step towards a rewarding career in law enforcement.

The CHP provides the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to everyone in California.

CHP welcomes 130 new officers dedicated to serving California

Friday, August 1st, 2025
Source: CHP video screenshots

Nearly 500 CHP officers have been sworn in so far in 2025 as Department continues its statewide push to enhance public safety.

By Jaime Coffee, Director of Communications, Office of Media Relations, California High Patrol

SACRAMENTO—The California Highway Patrol (CHP) proudly welcomed 130 newly sworn officers on Friday, celebrating their successful completion of 26 weeks of intensive training at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento. This milestone marks another step in the Department’s ongoing mission to increase public safety across California.

“This graduation represents more than a ceremony; it signifies a solemn pledge to protect and serve. These officers have demonstrated their dedication to keeping California’s communities safe and upholding the CHP’s core values,” said Commissioner Sean Duryee.

New CHP Officers listen to Commissioner Sean Duryee during the ceremony on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025.

These new officers will now report to one of the CHP’s 102 Area offices across California to start their law enforcement careers, protecting and serving communities throughout the state’s 58 counties.

This group of graduates brings a rich blend of backgrounds and experience, including several with public safety and military service, former college athletes and even one with a unique background as a public address announcer.

See graduation ceremony video.

New CHP Officers take their oaths of office on Friday, August 1, 2025.

During academy training, cadets receive instruction in traffic enforcement, crash investigation, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations and community policing. The curriculum also focuses on legal responsibilities, communication, ethics and cultural awareness to prepare cadets to serve California’s diverse population.

Following today’s graduation ceremony, nearly 300 cadets remain at the CHP’s live-in training facility and an additional 160 cadets are set to start instruction on August 11 as part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety across the state.

The CHP continues to actively recruit dedicated individuals who are ready to make a difference in communities throughout California. A career with the CHP offers comprehensive training, competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

To learn more about joining the CHP, please visit our website to take the first step towards a rewarding career in law enforcement.

The CHP provides the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to everyone in California.

Antioch man arrested for two East Bay freeway shootings

Friday, July 25th, 2025
David Milburn was arrested by the CHP for two shootings. He tossed his gun during the pursuit which was later recovered by officers. Photos: CHP

33-year-old David Milburn held on $1 million bail; one victim in hospital

By CHP – Contra Costa

VALLEJO, Calif. – California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers arrested a 33-year-old Antioch man early Wednesday, July 23, 2025, after two freeway shootings spanning Contra Costa, Alameda, and Solano counties.

Officers took David Milburn (born 1/25/92) into custody around 1:35 AM. after spotting his white Chrysler Crossfire on eastbound Interstate 80 near Midway Road between Vacaville and Dixon. Milburn refused to stop, leading officers on a short pursuit before being arrested without incident. During the chase, officers saw him throw a firearm and two high-capacity magazines from the vehicle.

The arrest came after two other shootings just hours earlier. Around 8:07 P.M. Tuesday, a man was admitted to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek with a gunshot wound, stating he was shot while driving westbound on Highway 4 near Willow Pass Road. About five hours later, at 12:52 A.M. Wednesday, another driver reported his vehicle had been hit by gunfire on eastbound Highway 24 near Highway 13.

Detectives from CHP’s Golden Gate Division Special Investigations Unit linked all three incidents to Milburn with help from the Traffic Management Center, Communications Center, and Flock Safety data.

Milburn was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, shooting at a vehicle, and multiple counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

“Swift work by CHP personnel across the Bay Area directly led to the apprehension of another dangerous criminal who chose to endanger the general public with his reckless and careless behavior,” said CHP Golden Gate Division Chief Don Goodbrand. “From officers in the field to detectives and dispatchers, incredible teamwork is the key to successful outcomes in these investigations, and I applaud all of them for their hard work.”

This investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information or who may have been involved in incidents with a white Chrysler Crossfire is asked to call the CHP investigative tip line at (707) 917-4491.

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

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, eight-inch tall, 180-pound Milburn is listed as Non-Hispanic but also as Black and is being held on $1 million bail.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CHP distributes over $35 million to fight impaired driving

Thursday, July 10th, 2025
Photo by CHP

Antioch PD, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Dep’t among 148 Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program recipients

CCC Sheriff Forensic Services Division will use funds for toxicology crime lab

By Tami Grimes, CHP Public Information Officer

SACRAMENTO – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) today announced more than $35 million in grant funding to 148 California law enforcement agencies, crime laboratories, local government agencies and nonprofit organizations to help address the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“As the legal cannabis market continues to grow, so do the state’s efforts to ensure Californians are recreating responsibly. By supporting the organizations that enforce and amplify our laws on the ground, we can keep everyone safer,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

The grants from Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act, assigned the CHP the responsibility of administering grants for education, prevention and enforcement programs aimed at helping communities tackle impaired driving. Additionally, funds are available for crime laboratories that conduct forensic toxicology testing. The funding for these grants comes from a tax on the sale of cannabis and cannabis products in California.

Source: CHP

“This funding represents a major step forward in our ongoing mission to save lives and prevent impaired driving,”said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “With over $35 million going to nearly 150 public safety partners across the state, we’re expanding our reach like never before. These resources will help those on the frontlines keep California’s roads safer for everyone.”

These funds will go towards a variety of activities. One hundred twenty-six recipients of law enforcement grants will use the funding to combat impaired driving in their communities, including Antioch, Danville, Pinole, Pleasant Hill, Richmond and San Ramon Police Departments. The funds will also support drug recognition evaluator training to improve the identification of drug-impaired drivers, as well as public outreach campaigns, including educational presentations and community events.

Eleven recipients of education grants will use the funds to inform local communities about impaired driving laws while highlighting the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Source: CHP

Seven recipients of two-year toxicology crime laboratory grants, including the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department Forensic Services Division, will use the funds to eliminate backlogs in analyzing forensic science evidence and to purchase or upgrade laboratory equipment to enhance testing capabilities.

Four recipients of two-year medical examiner’s and coroner’s office grants will use the funds to improve and advance data collection in cases involving driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

With the passage of Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA), California voters mandated the state set aside funding for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to award grants to local governments and qualified nonprofit organizations, as described in Revenue and Taxation Code Section 34019(f)(3)(B).

The Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program marks an important step toward reducing impaired driving crashes, increasing public awareness surrounding the dangers of impaired driving, and making California’s roadways a safer place to travel.                  

The application process for future grant funding is expected to reopen in early 2026. More information is available on the CHP website at CHP’s Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program.

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Seat belts save lives: CHP ramps up roadway patrols ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

Friday, May 23rd, 2025
Photo: CHP

Holiday Enforcement Period Friday, May 23 at 6:01 PM to Monday, May 26 at 11:59 PM

SACRAMENTO — As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) urges drivers and passengers to prioritize safety by buckling up before each trip.

The CHP will begin its annual statewide Memorial Day Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) on Friday, May 23, at 6:01 p.m. and continue through Monday, May 26, at 11:59 p.m. To help maintain safety on California’s roadways, CHP officers will be vigilant for impaired and reckless drivers and motorists who fail to buckle up.

“Our top priority is keeping the public safe, not just during the holidays but daily,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Buckling up is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your passengers in a crash. Our officers will be out in force to help everyone arrive at their destination safely.”

In addition to CHP officers driving traditional black-and-white patrol vehicles, motorists are reminded that they may encounter the CHP’s new generation of low-profile Specially Marked Patrol Vehicles on the roadway. These fully marked patrol vehicles blend into traffic just enough to observe the most reckless and dangerous driving behaviors without immediate detection.

Last year, 42 people lost their lives in crashes across California during Memorial Day weekend. Tragically, nearly half of all vehicle occupants killed in a crash within CHP jurisdiction were not wearing seatbelts. CHP officers also made more than 1,100 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

California law mandates that all drivers and passengers aged eight and older must wear seatbelts. Children under eight need to be properly secured in an appropriate child passenger safety seat or booster seat situated in the back seat of the vehicle. Children under two must also ride in a rear-facing car seat unless they weigh more than 40 pounds or are taller than 40 inches.

This year, the CHP’s holiday enforcement effort coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) designation of May 19 – June 1 as the national “Click it or Ticket” mobilization campaign. Throughout this awareness initiative, CHP personnel will concentrate their enforcement efforts on seat belt and child safety seat violations.

As always, the CHP urges everyone to make smart choices behind the wheel: Buckle up. Drive sober. Stay alert. If you plan to drink or use drugs, arrange for a safe ride home before heading out. Your safety and the safety of others depend on it.

Let’s work together to make this Memorial Day weekend safe for all Californians.

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

4th Annual Texas Hold’em Tournament fundraiser for Antioch and Deer Valley High Marching Bands and Color Guard May 17

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025

Supporting The Pride of Antioch High School and Deer Valley Marching Band and Color Guard

Get ready for the most thrilling night of the year at the 4th Annual Texas Hold’em Tournament!

Join us for an unforgettable evening supporting the AHS and DVHS Marching Band and Color Guard. This event is packed with excitement, including:

  • Fantastic prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners
  • A delicious dinner to satisfy your taste buds
  • Exciting raffles with amazing prizes
  • A lively atmosphere with great company and lots of fun

Whether you’re a poker pro or just looking for a fun night out, this event has something for everyone. The cost is $75 for the full event, or $20 for the Dinner Only option.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to support our talented musicians and performers while having a blast. Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready for a night of fun, excitement, and great memories!

See you there!

For tickets use the QR codes or visit https://antioch-band-backers-association.square.site/shop/2023-poker-night/7.

For more information about the Antioch Band Backers visit www.antiochbandbackers.com.

CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force achieves record-breaking success in 2024

Tuesday, February 4th, 2025
Source: CHP

After a record-setting 2023 combatting organized retail crime, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) continues to aggressively disrupt and dismantle illegal operations throughout California. Thanks to the state’s continued investment in combating organized retail crime, the CHP is proud to announce its most successful year yet for the Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF). In 2024, the task force set new records for investigations, arrests, and recovered stolen goods since its launch in 2019—surpassing all expectations and demonstrating its unparalleled effectiveness.

Source: CHP

In the 12 months of 2024, ORCTF efforts have resulted in:

✔ 879 investigations
✔ 1,707 arrests
✔ 676,227 stolen goods recovered
✔ $13.5 million in recovered goods value

With increased funding since 2022, CHP has expanded its efforts statewide, adding more investigators and enhancing proactive crime prevention strategies. This past holiday season, ORCTF teams partnered with local law enforcement and more than 50 retailers to safeguard shoppers, merchants, and retail districts across California. Their heightened presence deterred crime and led to in-the-moment arrests of retail criminals.

Source: CHP

CHP’s unwavering commitment to stopping organized retail crime underscores its dedication to public safety. Recent legislation signed by Governor Gavin Newsom has further strengthened law enforcement tools to hold offenders accountable, reinforcing the ORCTF’s mission to ensure the safety and security of California communities.

For more information about CHP’s Organized Retail Theft Program, visit our website at https://www.chp.ca.gov/notify-chp/organized-retail-theft-program

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

Following high-speed pursuit of stolen car on Hwy 4 two Antioch men arrested for Dublin robbery

Saturday, January 18th, 2025
Source: Oakley PD

From Oakley to Hercules; with help from Contra Costa Sheriff’s helicopter, CHP

Kalil Houston still in custody on $70,000 bail, Isaiah J. Mitchell bonded out

By Oakley Police Department

On January 10, 2025, at 9:44PM, Oakley Police Officer F. Williams was on patrol on Main Street near Bridgehead Road. Officer Williams saw a gray Honda Accord with a license plate reported as lost or stolen and belonging on a Lexus. It was also made known to Officer Williams the same Honda with the same license plate had been used during a robbery in Dublin. Officer Williams was joined by Officer R. Hernandez and they attempted to stop the Honda, but it fled at a high rate of speed onto westbound Highway 4. Officers Williams and Hernandez initiated a pursuit and the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff helicopter (STARR) was in the area within a few minutes.

The suspect continued to flee travelling westbound on Highway 4 reaching very high speeds at times. The pursuit continued for several minutes. Due to the nexus of this vehicle to violent crimes, our officers remained engaged in the pursuit all the way to the City of Hercules. The pursuit ultimately ended in the 1900 block of Railroad Avenue when the driver, identified as Kalil Houston (male, 20, Antioch, born 7/6/04) foot bailed from the vehicle. The passenger, identified as Isaiah J. Mitchell (male, 21, Antioch), remained in the vehicle and was taken into custody immediately. Our officers later caught Houston as he was trying to flee the area and took him into custody as well.

Pursuits by their very nature are dangerous and police agencies diligently assess the need to continue them when they occur. Every decision made in a pursuit weighs the seriousness of the incident versus the public’s safety. When a vehicle is associated with a crime(s) of violence, it becomes more critical to apprehend the violator(s).

Our officers found several stolen license plates and a blank key fob in the possession of Houston and Mitchell and fired shell casings could also be seen inside the vehicle. The Honda was towed to be examined for evidence.

During this pursuit, a Black Ford Mustang started pacing our officers, even at the high speeds that were reached, turned its lights off, and tried to block our officers. The driver of the black Mustang intentionally interfered with our officers and placed our officers in a great degree of danger. Our officers will be doing additional follow-up in an attempt to identify the driver of the Mustang.

Houston and Mitchell were both booked into jail for crimes associated with possession of stolen property, conspiracy and felony evading. The Oakley Police Department will be working with the Dublin Police Department in regards to the robbery that occurred in Dublin.

Chief Beard said of this incident, “It does appear as if Houston and Mitchell were going to continue the destructive and violent behavior their vehicle had already previously been involved in. The action of fleeing at high speeds, the propensity to work in concert with others against police officers, having stolen license plates and spent shell casings is not a good look in any scenario. It is my concern a crime of violence was going to be perpetrated against an innocent person(s) in Oakley. I appreciate and respect Officer Williams and Officer Hernandez for keeping the residents of Oakley safe. Officers from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol and the Hercules Police Department all assisted Officers Williams and Hernandez during this incident, and I extend a personal thank you to each of them.

“The experiences of Officer Williams and Officer Hernandez in this investigation underscores the risks American peace officers face everyday. I am grateful for the service of all peace officers who stand between those who wish to do harm and the rest of society and I am honored to be associated with them.

Stay safe Oakley!”

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch, 175-pound Houston is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $70,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 27 at 8:30 a.m. in Delta Superior Court in Pittsburg.

Also, according to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Mitchell is Black and as of Jan. 11th, he bonded out of custody. According to localcrimenews.com, Mitchell was arrested on Dec. 22, 2021, by Antioch Police for vandalism – property damage.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.