Kimberly and Cory Blakely, both 37, from Roseville, have been charged with the murder of their 9-year-old son, as well as child endangerment and cruelty. The boy was found unresponsive at their home and later died at the hospital. The couple also faces charges related to the abuse and endangerment of their other children. Both parents are being held without bail, and the siblings of the deceased boy are now in protective custody.
A shooting involving officers occurred in the parking lot of the Olympic Village Inn in Olympic Valley, Placer County, following a "critical incident." The circumstances leading to the shooting are still unknown, and the sheriff's office has described the scene as stable with a heavy law enforcement presence. The resort remains open for operations, and California State Parks was the primary agency for the incident. This is a developing story.
A Lincoln man over the age of 65 has become the first West Nile virus death in Placer County since 2018. While the risk from West Nile is generally low, individuals aged 50 and older are more susceptible to complications. California has reported 286 confirmed human cases and 10 deaths related to the virus this year. Placer County has at least six confirmed cases, with record numbers of mosquitoes and dead bird samples testing positive for the virus. Health officials advise using insect repellent, wearing long clothing during peak mosquito activity, and eliminating standing water to prevent mosquito bites.
Placer County in California has reported its second human case of West Nile Virus, both of which are in the Roseville area. Additionally, the county has detected the St. Louis Encephalitis virus in a mosquito sample, marking the first time since 2017 that the disease has been found in Placer County. The Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District is focusing resources on monitoring and testing the mosquito population in the affected areas. So far, 172 mosquitoes and 41 dead birds in the county have tested positive for West Nile virus. The district advises residents to use EPA-approved repellents, wear protective clothing, and avoid mosquito-prone areas.
A Placer County judge has denied the immediate release of William Stephenson, a sexually violent predator, following a public hearing. Stephenson, who has a history of sexual battery dating back to the 1980s, was sentenced to 31 years in state prison for his crimes. Despite being eligible for release for a year and a half, all possible locations for his housing have fallen through. The judge stressed the need for confirmation on housing and supervision after release. A review meeting has been scheduled for September 20th.
A big rig carrying 20 tons of chocolate caught fire on westbound Interstate 80 in Placer County, causing a traffic jam as officials cleaned up the scene. Firefighters were able to contain the flames, and no injuries were reported. Chocolate is highly flammable due to its high fat content.
A semi-truck carrying 40,000 pounds of chocolate caught fire on westbound Interstate 80 in Placer County, California. The incident occurred when the truck became separated from the trailer. No injuries were reported, and the fire was contained to the trailer. Cleanup efforts are underway to remove the burned-out trailer and clear the area.
A Placer County Sheriff's Office deputy, Wes Montz, has been arrested for charges of forcible rape and sodomy of an intoxicated person, marking the second arrest of a county deputy in a week. The allegations against Montz were discovered on March 14, and an investigation revealed two alleged victims who were in a dating relationship with Montz. Another deputy, Jon Persinger, was arrested earlier in the week for soliciting prostitution and engaging in unlawful access to law enforcement telecommunications data. The Placer County District Attorney is conducting a joint investigation into the allegations against Persinger, who is also facing a lawsuit from a woman who alleges he sexually assaulted her multiple times in her home.
Custom FN Customs owner showcased a customized Cadillac CTVS race car with a message to stop illegal fentanyl use at a car show in Auburn, Placer County. The car is wrapped with pictures of colored pills and the message, "One pill can kill." The front passenger seat is purple and reserved for the memory of a person lost to fentanyl poisoning. The trio of former addicts plans to take the car across the country to spread their message.
A speeding car flew into the second story of a home in Cape Horn, Placer County, California, crashing into a bedroom and landing on top of a carport. The driver survived and was being treated for major injuries. The homeowners were not present during the accident. Authorities are investigating whether drugs or alcohol were involved.
A white SUV crashed into the second-floor window of a Placer County home in California, injuring the solo occupant of the vehicle. Firefighters and members of the California Highway Patrol worked to rescue the driver, who was transported to a hospital. There were no injuries to the home's residents or first responders. Authorities are investigating how the car landed on the second story, noting that the carport roof is on the same level as a hill next to the house.
A woman driving "extremely fast" crashed her vehicle into the second story of a home in Placer County, California. The driver was airlifted to the hospital with major injuries, and it's unclear if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. The homeowners were not present during the incident and have been living in an RV since the crash. The car has been removed from the roof, leaving a massive hole.
A family in Placer County is mourning the loss of Jason Cassem, who died of carbon monoxide poisoning after being trapped in snow while trying to pour gas into his outdoor generator during a record-hitting snowfall. His wife and children tried to rescue him, with his daughter eventually using the SOS feature on her phone to call for help. Despite their efforts, it was too late to save him. The family is now asking for help to find Jason's missing wedding ring.
A mudslide caused by recent heavy rains and snowfall damaged at least one home in Placer County, prompting evacuation warnings and orders that have since been lifted. Emergency crews responded to the scene and helped neighbors shelter in place on the other side of the slide. No injuries were reported. The mudslide comes as another atmospheric river hits Northern California, causing road closures, downed trees, power outages, and other damages.
