–On Aug. 6 at approximately 11:35 p.m., two male subjects entered the 7-Eleven located at 2331 Spring Street and Paso Robles, and walked out with a case of beer they did not pay for, according to the Paso Robles Police.

The clerk advised this is not the first time these subjects have committed this crime, they say.

The Paso Robles Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance identifying these suspects. Anyone with information should call the police department at (805) 237-6464 and ask for Sgt. McGuire.

–The Paso Robles Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a male suspected of vandalizing an RTA bus.

The male was seen traveling with a female and her dog. If you have information on either of these people, please contact the police department at (805) 237-6464. Reference CSO Reina – case #17-2562.

24-year-old David-Zosimo Pacheco Carrasco.

Update posted Aug. 14

–On Monday, members of the Sheriff’s Gang Task Force transported 24-year-old David-Zosimo Pacheco Carrasco from the Monterey County Jail to the San Luis Obispo County Jail. Carrasco had been in custody in Monterey County for a parole violation. He was brought to San Luis Obispo County to answer to charges of attempted murder, assault with a firearm, and shooting at an inhabited dwelling along with special allegations for personal and intentional use of a firearm, having a prior serious or violent strike felony, and having a prior prison commitment within 5 years. This incident began on 6-5-17, when Deputies and the Sheriff’s Gang Task Force responded to reports of a gunshot fired into a home in the 1700 block of Mission Street in San Miguel. At least two adults and three children were inside the home at the time. No one was hurt. The victims were not affiliated with a gang.

Original story posted Aug. 11

–On June 5, deputies responded to reports of a gunshot fired into a home in the 1700 block of Mission Street in San Miguel. Two adults and three children were inside the home at the time. No one was hurt. The Sheriff’s Gang Task Force also responded to investigate the incident. A potential suspect was identified by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. That suspect, David-Zosimo Pacheco Carrasco, had an active no bail felony arrest warrant for a parole violation. Members of the Sheriff’s Gang Task Force (GTF) worked with the US Marshals/California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Fugitive Apprehension Team and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office to locate and arrest Carrasco for his outstanding arrest warrant and he was booked into Monterey County Jail on June 14.

During the subsequent investigation conducted by the Sheriff’s GTF, Carrasco was positively identified as the shooter in the San Miguel shooting. A felony arrest warrant for Carrasco was issued in San Luis Obispo on Thursday for attempted murder, assault with a firearm, and shooting at an inhabited dwelling along with special allegations for personal and intentional use of a firearm, having a prior serious or violent strike felony, and having a prior prison commitment within 5 years. Carrasco is currently in custody in the Monterey County Jail on unrelated charges. Once he is released from Monterey County he will be transported to the San Luis Obispo County Jail for further court proceedings on the warrant issued in this county.

David Rodriguez Lopez.

–The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office asks: Have you seen this man?

David Rodriguez Lopez, 36, is wanted for ID theft and one count of forgery/counterfeiting.

Lopez is Hispanic, 5′ 08″ tall, 260 pounds and his last known address was in Atascadero.

If you have information on his whereabouts please contact the sheriff’s office at (805) 781-4550.

Edward Dean Scheuerman.

From the Santa Maria Times

–A Paso Robles man arrested in a Santa Maria prostitution sting on Aug. 10 pleaded not guilty to felony child sex charges at Santa Maria Superior Court on Monday, according to the Santa Maria Times.

61-year-old Edward Dean Scheuerman was one of eight men arrested at an undisclosed Santa Maria hotel during the undercover operation and is charged with felony offenses of contacting/arranging to meet a minor for sexual purposes, and sending harmful matter to a minor. He is also charged with a misdemeanor offense of agreeing to engage in an act of prostitution, according to the report.

Renee Rechell Rietdyk

-The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office asks: Have you seen this woman?

Renee Rechell Rietdyk, 41, is wanted for failing to appear on posted bond/bail, possession/purchase for sale of a controlled substance, possession for sale of a controlled substance with enhancements for committing a felony with a prior felony.

Rietdyk is Hispanic, 5′ 03″ tall, 180 pounds and her last known address was in Santa Maria.

If you have information on her whereabouts please contact the sheriff’s office at (805) 781-4550.

–On Thursday at approximately 9 a.m., San Luis Obispo Police Detectives conducted a parole search along with a search warrant at the home of 37-year-old Angel Resendez and 34-year-old Amanda Bunker in the Silver City Mobile Home Park located at 3860 South Higuera. Both Resendez and Bunker were home at the time, along with Bunker’s 2-year-old son. During the search of the residence, detectives found approximately one pound of methamphetamine, a quarter pound of cocaine, an ounce of heroin, over nine-thousand dollars in US Currency, and a loaded handgun. Resendez and Bunker were arrested for Possession of narcotics for sales and child endangerment. Bunker’s son was turned over to Child Welfare Services into protective custody.

Resendez was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail for the following charges:

Possession of controlled substance while armed with a firearm.
Possession for sales of cocaine and heroin.
Possession for sales of methamphetamine.
Felon in Possession of a firearm.
Possession of ammunition by a person prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Child Endangerment.

Resendez was also booked for a parole violation and a hold was placed on him.

Bunker was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail for the following charges:
Possession for sales of cocaine and heroin.
Possession for sales of methamphetamine.
Child Endangerment.

–San Luis Obispo Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on Aug. 18, in the 500 block of Higuera between the hours of 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.

In recent years, California has seen a disturbing increase in drug-impaired driving crashes. San Luis Obispo supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

Studies of California drivers have shown that 30-percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14-percent) than did for alcohol (7.3-percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4-percent, slightly more than alcohol.

• 785 Vehicles Screened
• 2 DUI-Alcohol suspects arrested
• 0 DUI-Drug impaired suspects arrested
• 0 Suspects arrested for illegal drugs (possession/transportation/sales)
• 0 Arrested on other Criminal Charges  3 Drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked
• 2 Citations issued

Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

San Luis Obispo PD will be conducting another DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint or DUI Saturation Patrol during the Labor Day weekend, in our ongoing commitment to lowering deaths and injuries upon our streets and highways.

The checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1’.

Melquiedes Anastacio Rodriguez, 24-year-old resident of Santa Maria

On Sunday, at about 1:25 p.m. San Luis Obispo Police officers responded to the report of possible trespassers along the railroad tracks between Industrial and Tank Farm Road.

The first officers on the scene observed two men actively spray painting or “tagging” cars of a train that was stopped along the tracks.

Other officers arrived on scene and as they went to contact them, the suspects ran in different directions.

After searching several neighborhoods, an officer located one of the suspects several blocks away. The suspect was caught and arrested after a foot pursuit.

The suspect was identified as Melquiedes Anastacio Rodriguez, 24, of Santa Maria. He was booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail for violations of 594(b)(1) PC and 148 (a)(1) PC with a bail of $20,000.

Union Pacific Railroad was contacted and advised of the vandalism to their equipment. They estimated the replace/repair cost to be over $10,000.00.

One of the subjects is still outstanding. If anyone has any additional information, please contact the San Luis Obispo Police Department at (805) 781-7313.

On August 6, the Paso Robles Police Department responded to the 7-Eleven convenience store in Paso Robles for a reported theft. Officers learned that a male suspect entered the convenience store at approximately 11:45 p.m.

The suspect selected a case of alcohol from a display shelf and immediately walked out of the business with the stolen alcohol and fled westbound on foot.

The images above are of the suspect involved in this theft.

The Paso Robles Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying this theft suspect. Anyone with information about these, or other crimes, is encouraged to call the Paso Robles Police Department at 805-237-6464. Or persons wishing to remain anonymous are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers’ 24-hour hotline at 549-STOP or by texting “SLOTIPS” plus your message to CRIMES (274637). Or submit a Web Tip from the Crime Stoppers website at http://www.slotips.org/.

On Aug. 10, the Paso Robles Police Department responded to Appy’s Liquor Store for a reported commercial burglary. Officers learned that a suspect forced entry into the business through the front glass doors. The suspect was wearing a hooded sweater with hood pulled over the suspects head and a mask or bandanna over the face. The suspect entered the store stealing California lottery tickets and a cash box. The suspect left the store undetected.

On Aug. 15, police again responded to Appy’s Liquor Store for a reported commercial burglary. Officers learned that a suspect forced entry into the business through the front glass doors. The suspect was wearing a hooded sweater with hood pulled over the suspects head. The suspect possessed a backpack and entered the store stealing California lottery tickets. The suspect left the store undetected.

On Aug. 19, police responded to JNJ’s Liquor and Food Mart for a reported commercial burglary. Officers learned that a suspect forced entry into the business by breaking the front glass doors with a pipe. The suspect was wearing a black hooded sweater with grey trim around the hood and hood pulled over the suspects head. The suspect was wearing brown pants and all black Converse tennis shoes with white Converse logo on the inside heel. The suspect entered the store stealing both cash registers and California lottery tickets. The suspect left the store undetected.

The Paso Robles Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects. Anyone with information about these, or other crimes, is encouraged to call the Paso Robles Police Department at 805-237-6464. Or persons wishing to remain anonymous are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers’ 24-hour hotline at 549-STOP or by texting “SLOTIPS” plus your message to CRIMES (274637). Or submit a Web Tip from the Crime Stoppers website at http://www.slotips.org.

Louie Edward Chester

-The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office asks: Have you seen this man?

Louie Edward Chester, 53, is wanted for a lewd act with a child under 14-years-old.

Chester is White, 5’07” tall, 140 pounds and his last known address is in Santa Maria.

If you have information on his whereabouts please contact the sheriff’s office at (805) 781-4550.

Thomas Paul Garges.

–Thomas Paul Garges has been captured by deputies from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office.

Garges was the very first Most Wanted subject from the sheriff’s office back on March 12, 2014, wanted for failing to register as a sex offender.

After more than two years, Garges was arrested this week by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office.

Update posted Aug. 29

Luis Alberto Banuelos, the County’s Most Wanted Wednesday subject from Aug. 3, has been arrested and brought to San Diego County Jail. He was then transported to San Luis Obispo County Jail and booked into custody.

Banuelos was wanted for stalking in violation of a temporary restraining order, stalking with a prior conviction, contempt of court, and with an enhancement for having a serious or violent prior conviction and an enhancement for committing a felony with a prior prison term for a felony within five years.

Original story posted Aug. 3

Luis Alberto Banuelos.

–The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office asks: Have you seen this man?

Luis Alberto Banuelos, 26, is wanted for stalking in violation of a temporary restraining order, stalking with a prior conviction, contempt of court, and with an enhancement for having a serious or violent prior conviction and an enhancement for committing a felony with a prior prison term for a felony within five years.

Banuelos is Hispanic, 5′ 08″ tall, 190 pounds and his last known address was in Atascadero.

If you have information on his whereabouts please contact the sheriff’s office at (805) 781-4550.

Marcus Anthony Frazier, a 31-year-old transient from Oceano.

31-year-old transient may also be connected to thefts in Atascadero

–On Sunday at about 08:04 a.m., San Luis Obispo Police officers were dispatched to the area of the 1800 block of McCollum to investigate a possible subject who used a stun gun on a resident when he was caught burglarizing the residence.

When officers arrived in the area, they located 3 witnesses chasing the suspect in the 600 block of Grand. Officers detained the suspect and he was positively identified as Marcus Anthony Frazier, a 31-year-old transient from Oceano.

It was reported that Frazier was burglarizing a residence in the 1900 block of McCollum when he was caught. Frazier brandished a knife towards the resident and fled out the door, according to police. After several moments, the residents got together and went outside to look for the suspect.

Meanwhile, Frazier had entered another residence in the 1800 block of McCollum and was caught stealing again. This time Frazier used a stun gun on the 69-year-old male resident and ran out the door. The victim received non-life threatening injuries. When Frazier came outside, the residents from the earlier incident saw him and gave chase.

Frazier had some car keys in his possession during the arrest. One of those keys was to a vehicle parked nearby that had just been reported stolen from Atascadero. After further investigation, it was discovered that Frazier may be responsible for additional thefts in the Atascadero area. For additional details contact the Atascadero PD watch commander at (805) 461-5051.

Marcus Frazier was transported to San Luis Obispo County Jail and booked for violations of burglary (2 counts), robbery (2 counts), assault with a deadly weapon, use of a stun gun, possessing stolen property, and elder abuse. He will remain in custody on a no-bail hold.

Nicholas Allen Mueller (27) of Atascadero.

– On August 24, at 10:10 a.m. the Paso Robles Police Department responded to Kentucky Fried Chicken located at 2405 Riverside for a reported burglary. Officers learned from surveillance video that a single male suspect was able to force entry into the business through a window. The suspect removed a cash register from the business and left on foot. On Monday at 5:30 p.m. the Paso Robles Police Department responded back to Kentucky Fried Chicken after employees reported seeing the suspect at the business. Officers arrived on scene and recognized Nicholas Allen Mueller (27) of Atascadero, as the suspect in the surveillance video. Mueller was placed under arrest for a single charge of burglary and transported to San Luis Obispo County Jail.

Anyone with information about this, or other crimes, is encouraged to call the Paso Robles Police Department at (805) 237-6464. Or persons wishing to remain anonymous are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers’ 24-hour hotline at 549-STOP or by texting “SLOTIPS” plus your message to CRIMES (274637). Or submit a Web Tip from the Crime Stoppers website at www.slotips.org.

Christopher Derek Cook

Most Wanted Wednesday: Have you seen this man?

Christopher Derek Cook, 28, is wanted for 2nd degree commercial burglary with two enhancements for committing a felony with a prior prison term for a felony within five years.

Cook is White, 6′ 03″ tall, 200 pounds and his last known address was in Arroyo Grande.

If you have information on his whereabouts please contact the sheriff’s office at (805) 781-4550.

Daniel Guerrero, a 33-year-old resident of Lompoc.

Suspect allegedly told victim he was giving her a ride to her friend’s house

–Daniel Guerrero, a 33-year-old resident of Lompoc, has been place under arrest on charges of kidnapping and attempted sexual assault for an incident that occurred in Downtown San Luis Obispo.

On Monday at approximately 2:30 a.m. the San Luis Obispo Police Department received a call from the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office regarding a kidnapping that originated in the City of San Luis Obispo. Sheriff’s deputies say two witnesses stated they saw a victim jump out of the suspect’s moving vehicle and then began yelling for help, stating she had been kidnapped. The witnesses assisted the victim and called 911 to report the incident.

During the deputies’ investigation, they discovered the original crime had occurred in the City of San Luis Obispo. They contacted the on duty SLOPD supervisor and requested an officer respond to Oceano to assist in the investigation.

A SLOPD officer responded to Oceano to interview the two witnesses. Upon arrival, the witnesses were speaking with deputies when they observed the suspect vehicle driving near their location. Both witnesses pointed out the vehicle to deputies, who got into their patrol vehicle and attempted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle. Upon activating their emergency lights, the vehicle left the area at a high rate of speed. After a short pursuit, the suspect vehicle crashed and the suspect (Daniel Guerrero) exited the vehicle and attempted to flee the area. Deputies were able to catch Guerrero and placed him under arrest. Suspect Guerrero was transported to Sierra Vista Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries he received when he crashed his vehicle.

During the preliminary investigation officers determined the victim had been in downtown San Luis Obispo, where she had attended a couple of bars with some friends. At approximately 1:30 a.m., the victim was approached by Guerrero near the 700 block of Higuera. Guerrero named two of her friends and stated they had asked him to take her to a friend’s house. The victim stated she believed what she had been told by Guerrero. After a while the victim realized Guerrero was not going in the direction of her friend’s house and asked that he return her to downtown San Luis Obispo.

Guerrero refused and allegedly told the victim she was going to have sex with him. The victim told Guerrero that she would not have sex with him and requested that let her out of the car. Guerrero than began to assault the victim by punching her in the face and chest. After several attempts, the victim was able to unlock the vehicle and jumped from the moving car. The victim received minor injuries from the assault and jumping from the vehicle. She was transported to Arroyo Grande Hospital where she was treated for the injuries she received.

SLOPD detectives were called in to take over the investigation. Currently this is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information related to this crime is encouraged to contact the San Luis Obispo Police Department. Suspect Daniel Guerrero was booked into the San Luis County Jail for charges of PC 207(a) Kidnapping, PC 220 Assault with intent to commit Rape, and PC 236 False Imprisonment. The San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office will be filing additional charges related to the pursuit and their contact with Guerrero. Bail was set at $500,000.

Anthony Allen Wong, 30, of Pismo Beach.

–After a three-month investigation that began in June, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit has shut down an illegal narcotics operation in San Luis Obispo County. On Sept. 1, sheriff’s detectives with the Narcotics Unit and Gang Task Force, along with members of the San Luis Obispo Police Department and County Probation Officers served a search warrant at a home in the 2500 block of Solano Road in Pismo Beach. Members of the Pismo Beach Police Department also assisted with the investigation.

Investigators discovered at the residence approximately 2.4 ounces of MDMA (also known as Ecstasy), 5.7 ounces of Xanax, and 12.7 ounces of Psilocybin mushrooms. Estimated street value is approximately $6,000, according to police.

Detectives took 30-year-old Anthony Allen Wong into custody. He was booked into County Jail on several charges of possessing a controlled substance for sale.

Update posted Sept 7, 8 a.m.

–A federal court granted an appeal by Kelly Gearhart, a former Atascadero “Citizen of the Year” who was sentenced to 14 years in prison for defrauding investors of millions of dollars they had put into failed development projects, reports say.

Gearhart will have another hearing to determine the amount of restitution that he will need to pay his victims, and the appeal will also look at what Gearhart’s attorney called a “procedural error,” in that the maximum sentence for one single charge of money laundering is 10 years. Gearhart was sentenced to three counts, which he was to serve concurrently.

A re-sentencing hearing date has not yet been set, though a status conference is scheduled for Nov. 20.

Last update posted July 2, 2015

Former Atascadero ‘Citizen of the Year’ given 14 years for fraud

Kelly Gearhart plead guilty last year to wire fraud and money laundering

– A former California real estate developer who was once honored as Atascadero’s Citizen of the Year was sentenced by a Los Angeles federal judge today to 14 years in prison for defrauding investors of millions of dollars they had put into failed development projects, reports say.

Kelly Gearhart, 53, who now lives in Ohio, plead guilty last year to wire fraud and money laundering as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors. Gearhart cheated more than 250 investors out of at least $15 million, reports say.

Gearhart was given the title of Atascadero Citizen of the Year in 2006, according to reports. A restitution hearing is set for Oct. 20.