–Today, Judge John A. Trice sentenced 51-year-old Robert John Bergner of Nipomo to serve 20 years-to-life in state prison for sex crimes committed against a female victim who was his adopted daughter. The abusive sexual crimes occurred between 2008 and 2014, according to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney.

Bergner was given a five year sentence for his conviction of “Forcible Lewd Act Upon a Child” and a consecutive sentence of 15 years-to-life for his conviction of an “Aggravated Sex Act Upon a Child.” The investigation and prosecution revealed that Bergner molested the victim from the time she was 12 years old, until she fled at age 18.

During the sentencing hearing, the victim of this case took the opportunity to speak directly to the defendant and the court about how the abuse affected her. “The victim in this case is a hero who displayed great courage by reporting the horrible abuse committed against her by someone she trusted and who should have been protecting her,” said District Attorney Dan Dow.  “Abuse like this, whether physical, sexual, or psychological will not be tolerated in our community.”

The case was investigated by the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Department. Deputy District Attorney Julie Antos, a member of our Sexual Assault Prosecution Team, was the assigned prosecutor on this case.

Marco Emanuel Flores.

Marco Emanuel Flores arrested in Paso Robles after 15-mile pursuit

–A 31-year-old man from Elk Grove has been arrested after leading police on a car chase on Highway 101 Sunday, according to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office.

On Sunday at 4:06 p.m., officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Marco Emanuel Flores for observed traffic violations.

Flores failed to yield to the deputy’s emergency lighting, and led officers on a pursuit for approximately 15 miles, mostly along HWY 101 southbound and northbound, traveling at speeds between 35-95 mph with an average speed between 65 to 70 mph, according to police. At times, Flores used evasive driving maneuvers to avoid arrest.

Flores eventually stopped his vehicle at Highway 101 Northbound / Spring Street, in Paso Robles. When he stopped his vehicle, he attempted to flee on foot but fell and was taken into custody without the need for use of physical force, police say.

A records check revealed that Flores had an active misdemeanor arrest warrant out of Solano County and a suspended driver’s license. Flores was arrested for the outstanding arrest warrant, driving on a suspended license, reckless driving, and felony evading of a police officer in a motor vehicle. Flores was transported to the San Luis Obispo County Jail where he will be booked for the above listed charges.

Neither Flores, involved law enforcement officers, nor any non-involved persons were injured in this incident, police say.

Police found weapons, bullet proof vest, wig, chemicals associated with drug production in suspect’s car

–The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help for information regarding an incident which occurred on March 12 in San Luis Obispo. On that date at approximately 12:30 a.m., sheriff’s deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop in the area of Highway 101 southbound and Madonna Road. Deputies attempted to pull over a black 1996 Dodge Dakota pickup truck because of a vehicle code violation. The truck failed to yield which resulted in a short pursuit. The pursuit ended when the truck drove over a curb in the 3600 block of South Higuera and down the embankment of San Luis Obispo Creek. The driver of the vehicle fled into the creek area and was not apprehended.

Inside the cab of the truck, deputies located a loaded 45. caliber handgun, a wig, two 2-way radios and a bullet proof vest. In the bed of the truck, deputies located chemistry paraphernalia and chemicals associated with a hallucinogenic drug production lab. In the truck’s tool box was a 1903 Springfield rifle with scope.

DNA and fingerprints were collected from the truck’s interior, the weapons and the laboratory components. The DNA and fingerprints are currently being processed by the Department of Justice.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (805) 781-4550, or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 805-549 STOP (549-7867). You can also text your tip to Crime Stoppers by texting “SLOTIPS plus your message” to CRIMES (274637).

Suspect reportedly stole, brandished loaded shotgun

–On Wednesday morning, at approximately 1:41 a.m., Paso Robles Police Department officers arrested 30-year-old Nathan Adkins of Paso Robles, related to a residential burglary where he had reportedly stolen a loaded shotgun from an occupied residence.

The incident began on Tuesday night, at approximately 10:19 p.m., when officers began responding to a series of phone calls where callers reported seeing a man with a gun in their neighborhoods near Trigo Lane and Creston Road, Paso Robles. The first call came from an anonymous party, at approximately 10:19 p.m., where the caller said a man was carrying a gun along the 500 block of Creston Road, Paso Robles. The second phone call, at approximately 11:25 p.m., came from an identified resident who reported a man carrying and brandishing a shotgun while trespassing in their Trigo Lane backyard.

Lastly, an identified victim who lived along the 600 block of Trigo Lane reported they were the victim of a residential burglary where the suspect had stolen their shotgun. Each time the officers arrived to the area the suspect managed to elude them by running through backyards and hiding.

As part of this investigation, officers tried to determine the source of the original anonymous call and eventually determined the phone belonged to Nathan Adkins of Paso Robles. Adkins had previous arrest history  for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Officers subsequently prepared a photo lineups of Adkins and showed his picture to victims. The victims all positively identified Adkins as the person stealing and brandishing the shotgun.

It is unknown why Adkins initially reported himself to police, via the original phone call, although drug use is suspected as a contributing factor, police say.

Officers enlisted the aid of cellular phone service providers to track Adkins via his GPS enabled mobile phone. Officers eventually located him hiding under a pickup truck along the 300 block of Veronica Drive. The suspect directed Officers to the stolen shotgun, which he had hidden in bushes along the 400 block of Veronica Drive.

21-year-old Paso Robles resident Rafael Aguilar Anguiano and 29-year-old Atascadero resident Jamie Michelle Cunningham.

Computers, software reported stolen from school district, multiple burglaries

–A traffic stop made on a vehicle traveling in excess of 100 mph on Highway 46, just east of the Shandon Rest Area on Tuesday morning at approximately 8:40 a.m., resulted in the arrest of 21-year-old Paso Robles resident Rafael Aguilar Anguiano and 29-year-old Atascadero resident Jamie Michelle Cunningham, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Upon contact, the officer reportedly noticed objective signs of drug influence on the driver and passenger. After a brief investigation the driver was arrested for DUI of drugs and the passenger for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

During the vehicle inventory burglary tools and drug paraphernalia were located in the vehicle. Also located were several stolen lap top computers still in their boxes, a home computer, stolen credit cards, computer tablets, a car stereo, and miscellaneous software reported stolen from a school district in southern California. These thefts were linked to two additional stolen vehicles and multiple vehicle burglaries from Riverside County to San Luis
Obispo County.

The two were booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail for DUl, being under the influence of a controlled substance, grand theft, burglary, and other charges.

Car chase reached speeds over 110 MPH

–Deborah Lorraine Marotto, a 40-year-old Santa Rosa woman, is in custody after leading local California Highway Patrol officers on a high-speed chase through North County that ended at train tracks in Paso Robles Monday night.

At approximately 9:46 p.m., a Templeton California Highway Patrol Officer attempted to make an enforcement stop on Highway 46 West near Theater Drive for a vehicle that was driving 95 MPH in a 55 MPH zone. Upon initiating the stop with emergency lights, Morotto, who was the sole occupant, immediately fled eastbound on state route 46 in an erratic manner, according to CHP.

Morotto entered US 101 Northbound and continued to flee at speeds in excess of 110 MPH while driving in a reckless manner, police say.

She exited Highway 101 at North Spring Street in Paso Robles and drove up the dirt embankment while traveling down the off-ramp. She then drove off the ramp and onto the dirt shoulder between the ramp and the railroad tracks to the east. After unsuccessfully attempting to flee using the shoulder, she stopped and surrendered to officers. Personnel from Paso Robles Police and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department arrived on scene and assisted with the arrest.

Marotto was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail on charges of felony evading.

Unknown suspects shattered windows to vehicles that contained items of obvious value, police say

–On Sunday, the Paso Robles Police Department investigated 10 vehicle burglaries that occurred in the parking lots of the following hotels in the city:

• Courtyard Marriott, 120 South Vine Street
• La Bellasera Hotel & Suites, 206 Alexa Court
• Hampton Inn & Suites, 212 Alexa Court
• La Quinta Inn & Suites, 2615 Buena Vista Drive

All of these crimes occurred sometime between the afternoon hours of Friday, April 1 and the morning hours of Sunday, April 3.

It appears the unknown suspects shattered windows to vehicles that contained items of obvious value, including golf clubs and electronics. The value of the stolen property is approximately $9,000.

The police ask the community to please remember to always secure vehicles and remove all items from them prior to leaving them unattended.

The investigation into this crime is ongoing. Persons with information about this crime are encouraged to call the police department at (805) 237-6464. 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).

Witnesses say 4-5 males became involved in a physical street fight on Sunday night

A witness was able to take a photograph of one of the vehicles leaving the area. The vehicle is a silver 2000-2004 Toyota Tacoma truck with a silver camper shell and black matte rims and tinted windows.

–On Sunday at approximately 10:10 p.m., officers from the Paso Robles Police Department were dispatched to the 600 block of Nicklaus Street on a report of gunshots being fired. Arriving officers located four expended shell casings in the roadway, along with numerous Xanax tablets, according to police.

Witnesses reported that four-to-five males became involved in a physical fight in the street. During this fight an unknown subject began firing a handgun and all the subjects fled the area in two different vehicles.

A witness was able to take a photograph of one of the vehicles leaving the area. The vehicle is a silver 2000-2004 Toyota Tacoma truck with a silver camper shell and black matte rims and tinted windows. The second vehicle seen leaving the area was described as a white sedan.

Based on the evidence located at the scene, it appears this incident was the result of a narcotics transaction, police say. All area hospitals were contacted and there were no reported gunshot victims treated after this incident.

The investigation into this crime is ongoing. Persons with information about this crime are encouraged to call the Paso Robles Police Department at (805) 237-6464. 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).

–On Wednesday at about 8 a.m., a 13-year-old male reported that an unknown male suspect tried to rob him while he was walking to Daniel Lewis Middle School.

The juvenile victim said as he was walking in the area of Melody and Sylvia Circle, the male suspect jumped out at him and was holding what was described as a small kitchen knife, Paso Robles police report.

The suspect demanded the victim’s backpack and sweatshirt, but the victim was scared and ran away. When the victim arrived at school, he reported the incident to school authorities who in turn contacted the Paso Robles Police Department.

The victim described the suspect as: a white male adult, approximately 30-35 years old, with a graying dark colored beard, wearing a black hoodie type sweatshirt and camouflage pants.

Officers patrolled the area and were unable to locate anyone matching the given description.

The investigation into this crime is ongoing. Persons with information about this crime are encouraged to contact the PRPD with information. Those wishing to remain anonymous who have information about this crime, or other crimes, are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers 24- hour hotline at 549-STOP or by texting “SLOTIPS plus your message” to CRIMES (274637).

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

Daniel Lewis Machado.

Daniel Lewis Machado, 57, is wanted for perjury, filing a false document, and receiving stolen property.

Machado is White, 5′ 11″ tall, 185 pounds and was last seen in Hanford, Calif.

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

Suspects Alejandro Mora and Fernando Maduena.

On Wednesday, detectives from the Paso Robles Police Department arrested two adult males for their involvement in a shooting incident that occurred Sunday on the 600 block of Nicklaus Street. The men listed below were booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail on the following charges:

Alejandro Mora, 19, resident of rural Paso Robles:
• PC 211 Robbery-Felony
• PC182(2)(1) PC Conspiracy-Felony
• PC135 Destruction of evidence- Misdemeanor

Fernando Maduena, 21, resident of Paso Robles:
• PC 245(a)(2) Assault with Deadly Weapon (firearm)-Felony – 3 counts
• PC246.3 Discharging a Firearm in Grossly Negligent Manner-Felony
• HS11351 Possession of Controlled Substance for Sales-Felony

Based on information received from the public, detectives were able to locate the silver Toyota Tacoma truck seen leaving the scene of the shooting and identify the persons involved in the incident. Detectives have determined this incident occurred as a result of a narcotics transaction that went bad and was not gang related.

The investigation into this crime is ongoing. Anyone with information about this crime are encouraged to contact the police with information. Those wishing to remain anonymous who have information about this crime, or other crimes, are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers 24- hour hotline at 549-STOP or by texting “SLOTIPS plus your message” to CRIMES (274637).

Jury found Jose Antonio Rojasbarriga guilty of abusing two boys under the age of fourteen

Jose Antonio Rojasbarriga.

– A San Luis Obispo jury announced Thursday that they found 60-year-old San Miguel resident Jose Antonio Rojasbarriga guilty of thirty counts of sexual abuse where he victimized two male victims who were under the age of fourteen. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on one remaining count of sodomy, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney reports.

Deputy District Attorney Julie Antos, assigned to the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse prosecution team, presented evidence over the course of a two-week trial that began on March 22. The evidence revealed that Rojasbarriga committed the repeated acts of child molestation over the course of nearly five years against the minors who lived in the same neighborhood.

“The young victims in this case, who are truly brave survivors, can now begin the long healing process because justice was served by these verdicts today,” said District Attorney Dan Dow.

The law allows for a consecutive sentence of 25 years-to-life for each count he was convicted of because the crimes were committed against separate victims on separate occasions.

The defendant faces up to 750 years-to-life in state prison. Sentencing is scheduled for May 6, 2016 in Department 6 of the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court where Hon. Judge John Trice presides.

This case was investigated by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office.

Update posted April 8

–A former Paso Robles bookkeeper has been sentenced to five years in state prison Thursday for embezzling over $700,000 from local company Make it Manufacturing and about $55,000 from the Paso Robles Youth Sports Council, a non-profit where she was formerly the treasurer, according to reports. Evidence showed that Serda forged over 450 financial documents to facilitate the embezzlement.

Denna Carol Serda, 56, could potentially be eligible for parole in about a year and a half.

Serda pleaded no contest at a A restitution hearing is scheduled for May 5.

Update posted March 24, 2015:

Denna Serda.

–New details emerged today in the case of a local woman accused of embezzling over $700,000. The Paso Robles Police Department responded to a public records request from the Paso Robles Daily News and provided additional information, including the victims’ identities. According to Paso Robles Police Department Detective Sergeant Tod Rehner, the case is a two victim case, and the police have filed charges for one of those victims. The two victims are Make it Manufacturing and the Paso Robles Youth Sports Council. The current charges and monetary amounts stem from Make It Manufacturing in Paso Robles. Suspect Denna Serda worked for them from 2008 up until this was discovered. The embezzled amount of over $700,000 was from that business alone, according to police.

The second embezzlement is still under investigation as the police go through financial records. The second victim is the nonprofit agency Paso Robles Youth Sports Council, where she also was a bookkeeper. Once the police have a monetary loss for PRYSC, they will amend the filing and add a second set of charges to the case.

Greg Powell, the owner of Make it Manufacturing, confirmed that his company was the first victim. “I am at a loss for words,” he said. He said he knew the Serdas, both Denna and her husband Steve, for years, and considered them friends. “That’s probably what hurts the most.” Powell said that it was the IRS who noted the discrepancy, sending a summons to his house for unaccounted for funds. “It was over a long period of time, and our business is still doing well despite,” he said.

Field Gibson, a board member of PRYSC and one of the original founders of the organization, heard about the charges pressed against Serda regarding her embezzling funds from Make it Manufacturing, and immediately notified the board that she was unfit to be their bookkeeper. An emergency board meeting was called, where the Serdas, who were both on the board, resigned, admitting that the charges that Gibson brought to the board’s attention regarding funds taken from Make it Manufacturing were justified. At that time, there was no admission of embezzlement from PRYSC, but once the board launched a forensic investigation of all of their financial records, Serda admitted that they would find discrepancies amounting to or surpassing $30,000, according Gibson.

“Steve (Serda) and I were kind of the original founders or PRYSC,” Gibson said. “I have known the Serdas for almost 20 years and worked with them coaching youth sports. It was really shocking.” Gibson said that PRYSC don’t know how Serda was able to access the funds, as neither she or her husband were signatories on the nonprofit’s bank account. “I met with Mark (Dart), Jeff (Paul) and we sat down and had a meeting with Police Chief Robert Burton, and we essentially asked him, ‘How could this have happened?’ We thought we had procedures in place to prevent things like this. Robert told us that if someone is going to steal from you, they will find a way.”

Gibson said that PRYSC is going through all of their financial records from the last eight years, and that they hope to have information complied and ready to present to the police by some time next week. Currently, PRYSC is trying to also look to the future and continue what they do, which is creating and supporting youth sports organizations and providing a forum through which independent sports groups can advise and petition the City of Paso Robles and area schools on matters relating to youth athletic activities in Paso Robles.

“I’m not saying that it’s good to steal from an adult, but to steal from children? It’s just… unbelievable,” Gibson said.

Mark Dart, the current board president of the PRYSC, said that he too was shocked. “Steve (Serda) was the president of the board at the time, and Denna was treasurer,” he said, explaining that they both stepped down when Gibson brought the Make it Manufacturing claims to their attention. “Steve was one of the original founders,” he said. “We were in shock, you know, you put so much trust in a person…”

Dart said that PRYSC is now, “trying to look forward.” He confirmed that Steve Serda was the president of the board “on and off,” since it’s inception in 2005, and Denna had been treasurer since about 2007.

Original story posted March 23:

On January 26, 2015, two businesses located in Paso Robles — one a non-profit agency and the other a manufacturing business — filed complaints with the Paso Robles Police Department in regard to possible embezzlement. It was alleged that a mutual bookkeeper, Denna Serda, 56 of Paso Robles, may have been embezzling funds from the businesses between 2008 and 2014.

As a result of an extensive investigation, the Paso Robles Police Department Detective Bureau served warrants on Serda’s residence and bank accounts. With the assistance of investigators from the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney, detectives searched several hundred financial documents and were able to corroborate a significant loss via embezzlement.

The police are not identifying the victims of the crimes. “Because they are victims, we are not releasing their names unless given the nod to do so,” says Sergeant Tod Rehner. The Paso Robles Daily News is filing a public records request for more information under the California Public Records Act.

The analysis of financial documents revealed probable cause that Serda embezzled over $700,000 from the manufacturing company alone. Included in the financial documents was additional evidence that Serda may have forged over 450 financial documents to facilitate the embezzlement. On March 20, detectives secured a felony arrest warrant for Serda.

Serda subsequently turned herself in and was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail with bail set at $1,200,000. Serda was booked for the following charges and criminal enhancements:

• Grand theft exceeding $950: a felony
• Forgery: a felony
• Denial of probation for thefts exceeding $100,000 (criminal enhancement)
• Taking property over $50,000 (criminal enhancement)
• Aggravated white collar crime over $100,000 (criminal enhancement)

The investigation is ongoing as there are additional financial documents from the non-profit agency that need to be compiled.

Third female suspect not located by police

Jeremy Matthew Sundahl, 27, of Paso Robles, and Jordan Nogo, 25, of Paso Robles.

–On Sunday at approximately 8:40 p.m., Paso Robles Police Department officers arrested Jeremy Matthew Sundahl, 27, of Paso Robles, and Jordan Nogo, 25, of Paso Robles. Sundahl and Nogo are suspected of burglarizing a residence along the 200 block of Palomino Circle.

The residents of the home reported to police they walked into their home at approximately 7 p.m. to find at least two people inside their house. Upon being confronted the suspects fled the home, however the residents were able to observe a license plate of the getaway vehicle. The victims reported that several thousand dollars’ worth of jewelry were stolen from the home.

Responding officers obtained Department of Motor Vehicle registration information based upon the resident’s observation of the license plate. The car, a white 2001 Chevrolet Malibu, revealed the registered owner was associated with a residence on Pino way, Paso Robles. Officers began surveillance of the home and eventually observed the suspect’s car pull into the driveway. Officers made a traffic stop on the car, however two passengers (one male and one female) ran from the car upon stopping. The driver, Sundahl, was arrested without incident. A search of the area was successful and officers arrested Nogo hiding in nearby bushes. A third female suspect was not located.

A search of the car resulted in all of the victim’s property being recovered and returned to the owners.

Officers were able to positively identify the female suspect as Michele Marie Chavez, 20, of Paso Robles. Officers determined Chavez is currently wanted by SLO County Probation for a no bail probation violation warrant.

The victims of the burglary positively identified Nogo as the person they had encountered in their home and later determined the other suspect was Sundahl – their grandson. Sundahl and Nogo were booked into county jail on the following charges:

– Residential burglary
– Conspiracy
– Receiving stolen property
– Elder abuse
– Resisting arrest
– Possession of drug paraphernalia
The Paso Robles Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance and encourages anyone with information about these or other crimes, 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).

Police are requesting information to identify the forgery suspect, the image was taken at the Paso Robles Target.

Update posted April 12, 10:30 a.m.

–The suspect wanted in connection with multiple forgeries at Paso Robles stores has turned herself in to Paso Robles Police this morning, at approximately 10:15 a.m., according to Police Lieutenant Ty Lewis. The identity of the suspect has been confirmed as 56-year-old Paso Robles woman Kathleen Bartley.

According to Lewis, the police are still in the early stages of the investigation, as there appears to be several other cases around the county that may be connected.

No further information is available at this time.

Original story posted April 12, 7:46 a.m.

Police received several complaints that Alley was allegedly selling drugs from his hotel room at Wine County Inn.

Paul Vernon Alley arrested for possessing heroin, meth for sale

48-year-old Grover Beach resident Paul Vernon Alley.

–48-year-old Grover Beach resident Paul Vernon Alley was arrested after Paso Robles Police say he was caught selling drugs out of room #5 of the Wine County Inn in Paso Robles.

After receiving several complaints of drug sales occurring at the room, detectives began an investigation which culminated Wednesday. Paso Robles detectives worked together with detectives from the Atascadero Police Department, and after this month long investigation arrested Paul Vernon Alley of Grover Beach. Detectives recovered 16 grams of black tar heroin, 6 grams of methamphetamine, $4,200 in cash, scales and drug packaging material.

Alley was booked at the San Luis Obispo County for possession of Heroin and Meth for sale, and for possession of narcotic paraphernalia.

The investigation into this crime is ongoing. Persons with information about this crime are encouraged to contact the PRPD at 805-237-6464 with information. Those wishing to remain anonymous who have information about this crime, or other crimes, are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers 24-hour hotline at 549-STOP or by texting “SLOTIPS plus your message” to CRIMES (274637)

Pursuit through rural Templeton reached speeds exceeding 90 miles an hour

42-year-old San Luis Obispo resident Jason Robert McMaster.

–On Thursday, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 42-year-old San Luis Obispo resident Jason Robert McMaster, and 33-year-old San Luis Obispo resident Chelsea Ann Deperna after a high speed pursuit through rural Templeton.

At 11:25 a.m., a deputy observed a white BMW traveling east on Highway 41 in rural Templeton with false registration tags while traveling at an unsafe speed. The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle at which point it fled.

Deputies pursued the vehicle for approximately 17 minutes at speeds at times exceeding 90 miles an hour on rural county roads. The vehicle went off the road to avoid a spike strip at the intersection of Creston Road and El Pomar. The male driver and the female passenger were both taken into custody without further incident.

The driver was identified as Jason Robert McMaster who is currently wanted for an outstanding $100,000 warrant for the transportation of a controlled substance and possession for sale of a controlled substance. McMaster was arrested in December for drug and other charges after a high risk felony traffic stop. McMaster has a violent criminal history which includes fighting with law enforcement and making criminal threats. McMaster is also known to be an associate/member of a local criminal street gang, police say.

33-year-old San Luis Obispo resident Chelsea Ann Deperna.

The passenger was identified as Chelsea Ann Deperna. After a search of the vehicle, a loaded handgun was found. McMaster was arrested for his outstanding warrant, felony evading police and misdemeanor vehicle code violations. Deperna was arrested for a felon in possession of a firearm.

None of the involved parties have been located

–On Saturday, April 16, at approximately 7:23 p.m., the Atascadero Police Department received a report of an altercation on the northbound US 101 off-ramp at Curbaril Ave. in Atascadero. A reporting party said there was a male at the location that was bleeding from the head. The subject stated he had been shot, which was consistent with a gunshot heard in the area.

Officers from the Atascadero Police Department and the California Highway Patrol responded to the area; however, all of the involved parties had left the scene. Officers did locate evidence on the off-ramp, consistent with the information reported to The California Highway Patrol and Cal Trans closed the off-ramp and Curbaril Ave was closed to traffic between El Camino Real and the freeway while the crime scene was investigated.

This incident is still under investigation by the Atascadero Police Department. As of the publishing of this article none of the involved parties have come forward.

The involved vehicles were described as a dark, possibly blue sedan and a red or maroon Mitsubishi Gallant.

Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact the Atascadero Police Department.

Suspect barricaded himself in ex’s home, according to police

Joseph Paramo-Panos.

–Joseph Paramo-Panos is in police custody after an altercation with police that occurred Friday night.

On April 15, at approximately 8:38 p.m., Paso Robles Police officers were dispatched to a domestic violence restraining order violation in the 500 blk. of 4th St. in Paso Robles.

The victim reported her ex-boyfriend, 29-year-old Joseph Paramo-Panos of Paso Robles, entered her open garage then kicked in the locked interior garage door to force entry into her duplex apartment. Once inside Panos demanded the victim give him a ride in her car to another location, police say. The victim has a valid / active Criminal Protective Order against Panos. After attempting to reason with Panos, the victim said she fled from her home and called the police.

Officers arrived and contacted Panos, who at the time, was standing inside the front doorway. Officers asked him to step out and speak with them. Panos refused, slammed and locked the front door, then barricaded himself inside by piling furniture against the doors and windows. Officers attempted to speak with Panos through a front open window, and soon after, he shut / locked that window. He repeatedly refused to surrender peacefully and shortly thereafter, armed himself with a large torque wrench, a knife and a syringe filled with an unknown substance. Panos repeatedly said he would stab or attack any officers who attempted to enter, police say.

Additional police personnel were called to the scene along with a K-9 unit. Panos was observed moving throughout the apartment and intermittently yelling and threating officers. At times, he held the knife against his own neck and said he would cut himself if anyone tried to enter. Based on his previous arrest history and his highly volatile behavior, officers said they believed Panos was likely under the influence of illegal narcotics.

At one point during negotiations officers smelled the strong odor of natural gas flowing from the apartment. Panos then yelled to officers he had turned on all the gas appliances in the kitchen. Officers then observed Panos attempting to activate a lighter in an apparent attempt to ignite the natural gas. The Paso Robles Fire Dept. and EMS paramedics were requested, and all gas and electricity was shut off to the apartment. Nearby neighbors were also evacuated at the time.

During negotiations with Panos, officers observed him injecting narcotics into his arm from the syringe he had been carrying. After several hours and attempts to communicate and/or reason with Panos, officers broke two windows and deployed oleoresin capsicum (OC) gas into the house. Panos continued to hide inside the apartment, but at one point showed himself, and was shot one time on his upper left leg with a less-lethal bean-bag shotgun. Panos surrendered shortly afterward.

Panos was transported to Twin Cities Hospital for medical assistance and clearance and then directly to the San Luis Obispo County Jail.

Joseph Paramo-Panos was charged with:

– Violating a Criminal protective order

– Burglary

– Threatening / resisting police officers by threats or violence

– Attempted arson

Any person with additional information regarding this incident are encouraged to call the Paso Robles Police Department at (805) 237-6464.

Update posted April 20:

Bret Landen, with his attorney Jeffrey Stein, pleads “no contest” to two charges, the rest are dropped in plea deal. Photo by Heather Young

Atascadero teenager will also be forced to pay restitution to the school, attend counseling

–Atascadero teenager Bret Landen pled “no contest” to two felony charges: threatening to use a weapon of mass destruction and criminal threats in court this morning. Both crimes were committed at San Gabriel Road Elementary School in Atascadero on Sept. 11, 2015. They were part of an elaborate preplanned incident committed by Landen, according to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s office.

On March 8, Landen pleaded “not guilty” to 30 felony counts filed against him in December 2015. The charges include 27 counts of making threats to commit a crime of violence, two counts of second-degree commercial burglary and one count of threatening to use a weapon of mass destruction. In court, the DA’s office dropped all but two counts. Judge Jacquelyn Duffy reminded Landen, as she did other defendants that morning, that he still would be responsible for any restitution for counts that were dropped.

“Mr. Landen and The People agree that he’s going to enter a plea that will resolve the case,” Stein said.

Landen will be sentenced to one year in county jail, and then will be on felony probation on his release. He will be required to undergo counseling to address what caused him to commit the crimes. He will be required to make financial restitution to the Atascadero Unified School District, and other victims of his crimes.

Duffy advised Landen that if he enters the plea of “no contest,” it will be the same as pleading guilty and he gives up his right to a preliminary hearing or a trial with a jury of his peers. He said that he understood and agrees to those terms.

If Landen violates the terms of his probation, he could be sentenced to a state prison for up to six years and eight months.

The judge also amended a previous order that prohibits from entering any school campus to add the exception of Saddleback College, which offers online classes as well as classes at its Mission Viejo campus in Southern California.

“The District Attorney’s Office would like to express its appreciation for the excellent work by all of the law enforcement agencies involved in this case, particularly the Atascadero Police Department, and would like to publicly recognize the heroism of the faculty and staff at San Gabriel Elementary School, who maintained calm and order in the face of the sudden need to evacuate the young students from their campus on the day Mr. Landen committed these crimes,” District Attorney Dan Dowsaid following the plea. “Our community should find comfort in the fact that our children’s physical and emotional safety is ensured by such fine teachers and staff members.”

Landen will be sentenced on Wednesday, June 1 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 1 in the SLO County Superior Court. This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Matthew Kraut.

Update from March 17:

Bret Landon, far right, in court on March 16 with his attorney, Jeffrey Stein, for another pre-pretrial hearing. Photo by Heather Young

Next pre-pretrial meeting is set for April 20

–Earlier this week concern erupted when it was reported that Cuesta College had issued a release concerning Bret Landen, 18, the man charged with making threats to commit a crime at San Gabriel Road Elementary School in Atascadero in September 2015. Judge Jacky Duffy addressed the issue at the pre-pretrial hearing today.

“Understandably, there is concern about the safety of our students, faculty and staff. Student safety is of the utmost priority at Cuesta College and there has been coordinated efforts made to respond to this issue by the Office of the College Superintendent/President, the Office of the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services/Campus Centers and Campus Police and College Safety Services,” the press release from the community college read. The statement was released last Thursday.

Though Landen was ordered by Duffy to stay away from any school, it specifically excluded any county-run school from the court order. During the pre-pretrial hearing, Landen’s attorney, Jeffrey Stein, said that Landen will voluntarily not enroll in any school while the case is open. Landen had enrolled in Cuesta College in January and has since dropped out.

“We made the determination that it is in the best interest of everyone … that he will not attend any college at this time,” Stein said. Landen agreed to not enroll in any school and the judge approved the district attorney’s request to expand the order to include “any school while the case pending.”

He pled not guilty last week to charges that include 27 counts of making threats to commit a crime of violence, two counts of second-degree commercial burglary and one count of threatening to use a weapon on mass destruction.

He remains released on bail, which is family posted at $500,000. The next pre-pretrial meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 20 at 8:30 a.m. in San Luis Obispo Superior Court, Department 4 in downtown San Luis Obispo.

Update from March 8, 2016:

Bret Landen before Judge Jackie Duffy on Jan. 25, 2016.

Next pretrial meeting is set for March 16

–Bret Landen, 18, returned to court Monday morning for his third arraignment date before Judge Jackie Duffy. He pleaded not guilty to 30 felony counts filed against him in December 2015. The charges include 27 counts of making threats to commit a crime of violence, two counts of second-degree commercial burglary and one count of threatening to use a weapon on mass destruction.

Though Landon was ordered to surrender his passport and was prohibited from leaving the state, Duffy approved Landen to travel to Florida for two weeks in early April with his mother, according to a report in The Tribune. Duffy stipulated that Landen must remain in his mother’s company at all times.

Additionally, there is a temporary restraining order in place that orders Landen to stay at least 100 yards from any school, except for Chalk Mountain Community School. He also is not allowed to make contact with 27 named teachers and administrators at San Gabriel Road Elementary School. According to the report, Duffy is prohibited from possessing any weapons.

He remains released on bail, which is family posted at $500,000. The next pretrial meeting will be held on March 16 in San Luis Obispo Superior Court in downtown San Luis Obispo.

Update from Jan. 26, 2016:

Bret Stephen Landen posted bail and remains out of custody

–Bret Landen, an 18-year-old who will stand trial for charges of making threats against San Gabriel Elementary School on Sept. 11 of 2015, went before San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Judge Jackie Duffy Monday morning for further arraignment.

Landen addressed the judge along with his attorney, Jeffrey Stein. Stein requested that the arraignment be continued until March to give the attorney, who’s newly representing Landen, time to look at a way to address the case.

“In recognition of how much distress this incident has caused the community, [we want] to move forward sensitively,” Stein said. “We’re looking at ways to contribute positively in regards to the case.”

Opposing counsel agreed to the continuance and Duffy continued the arraignment until Tuesday, March 8.

Landen posted a $500,000 bail at the end of 2015, and will remain out of custody for the time being.

Update from Dec. 16, 2015:

Suspect in threats against school identified as Bret Stephen Landen

Judge rules suspect charged with San Gabriel school incident be tried as an adult

–San Luis Obispo County Deputy District Attorney Lee Cunningham released the name of a teen being charged with making threats against San Gabriel Elementary School on Sept. 11 that forced the school to close for two weeks.

On Tuesday, Cunningham reports that Judge Jackie Duffy ruled that the suspect, 18-year-old Bret Stephen Landen, be tried as an adult. Landen was 17-years-old at the time of the alleged crimes.

Landen, appeared to have been conducting a sort of, “game” with the teachers, much like the movie “Saw.” Police said the  suspect’s actions appear to have been designed to evoke fear and panic. There were initially two charges being pressed against the suspect, both related to threatening to use a weapon of mass destruction. He is now facing as many as 25 counts.

The suspect appeared to have been conducting a sort of, “game” with the teachers, much like the movie Saw, and the suspects actions appear to have been designed to evoke fear and panic, according to Atascadero Police Chief Jerel Haley.

The case against Landen went before juvenile court Tuesday for a “fitness hearing” to determine if he is fit to be tried in juvenile court or adult court. “The case started out in juvenile court, because the person charged with it was just shy of his 18th birthday,” Cunningham said.

In order to determine which court the defendant should be tried in, the judge considered the following five criteria:

1. The degree of criminal sophistication exhibited
2. Whether the minor can be rehabilitated before juvenile court jurisdiction expires
3. The minor’s previous delinquency history
4. The success of previous attempts by the juvenile court to rehabilitate the minor
5. The circumstances and gravity of the offenses alleged to have been committed by the minor

Cunningham said that it is anticipated that felony charges against Landen are expected to be filed on Wednesday and include 25 counts of criminal threats, two counts of threat to use a weapon of mass destruction, two counts of attempted criminal threats, and two counts of second-degree burglary.

Brooks is set for arraignment in SLO Superior Court in Department 4 with Duffy on Friday, Dec. 18. His bail has been set at $500,000 and he is currently in juvenile hall custody.

Atascadero Unified School District Superintendent Tom Butler, Chief investigator for the District attorney’s office Bill Hanley, Atascadero Chief of Police Jerel Haley, District Attorney Dan Dow and FBI Agent Brian Sullivan.

At approximately 7:45 a.m. on Sept. 11, police received a report of a crime committed at San Gabriel Elementary. Between the evening of Sept. 10 and the morning of Sept. 11, chains and padlocks were placed on the exterior gates of the campus, threatening letters were placed outside of each classroom and a suspicious object full of liquid was found on the playground. The object was a candle jar with the wax removed and a different liquid put in, and was zip-tied to a fence. The accompanying note identified the liquid as “cyanide.” After testing, the liquid was found to be sodium ferrocyanide, a common chemical used in photo processing, mixed with a mildly acidic liquid that was not strong enough to emit cyanide gas; it would only be harmful if ingested, police said.

The school was closed immediately and classes relocated to other campuses in Atascadero for two weeks.

According to Police Chief Jerel Haley at a press conference in October, Landen was believed to have acted alone.

Update from Oct. 15, 2015:

More details released in San Gabriel School incident including content of threatening letter, objects found on playground

– A press conference was held today in Atascadero regarding the arrest of a 17-year-old local high school student who is a suspect in the investigation surrounding the San Gabriel School incident that happened on Sept. 11. Threats and objects found on the playground forced the school to close for over a week.

According to Police Chief Jerel Haley, the suspect was believed to have acted alone. He is currently in custody and is being detained at the County’s Juvenile Detention Facility.

More details were released regarding the incident, such as the contents of the letters that were placed at the doorways of each teacher’s classrooms, pictured below. The suspect appeared to have been conducting a sort of, “game” with the teachers, much like the movie Saw, and the suspects actions appear to have been designed to evoke fear and panic, according to Haley.

The contents of the suspicious object found on the playground were also described in more detail. The object was a candle jar, with the wax removed and a different liquid put in, and it was zip-tied to a fence. There was a note found nearby by the suspect identifying the liquid as “cyanide.” The liquid put it was found to be sodium ferrocyanide, a common chemical used in photo processing, mixed with a mildly acidic liquid that was not strong enough to emit cyanide gas, and would only be harmful if ingested.

It is unclear now as to whether the suspect will be tried as an adult of as a juvenile. The search warrants issued proved to be successful, and the investigation is still ongoing. Officers found items that connected the suspect to the crime in the search. The investigation was able to nail down a suspect by tracking purchase histories of items used to commit the crime.

The suspicious object found on the playground.

There are currently two charges being pressed against the suspect. Both charges are related to use of a “facsimile” or replica, weapon of mass destruction. Haley reiterated the fact that no additional hazardous materials were found on the campus, and at no time was there believed to be a bomb on the school campus.

Haley said that even with 25 plus years on the force, “this is the most complex case I’ve seen.” He said that he was very proud of all of the officers who worked on the case in a timely and efficient manner, and praised the school and all involved for their swift and effective response to the evacuation of the school.

Original story posted Oct. 14, 12:30 p.m.

Search warrants served at juvenile suspect’s home

– Earlier today, the Atascadero Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigations, San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office and San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Department participated jointly in the service of search warrants related to the Sept. 11 incident at San Gabriel School in Atascadero, according to a report from the school.

This has been an active ongoing investigation since the incident was first discovered. The investigation has been a joint effort between the Atascadero Police Department, FBI and SLO County District Attorney’s Investigators. During the course of the investigation a juvenile suspect was identified. Evidence uncovered as part of this investigation corroborated the involvement of the juvenile suspect in the commission of the crime. The juvenile suspect was contacted and interviewed on this date prior to the service of the search warrants.

On the morning of Sept. 11 at approximately 7:45 a.m., police received a report of a crime committed at San Gabriel Elementary. It appears that on the night of Sept. 10 or the early morning of Sept. 11 there were chains and padlocks placed on the exterior gates of the campus by an unknown suspect, as well as threatening letters placed outside of each classroom. A suspicious object full of liquid was also found on the playground.

The Atascadero Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigations and San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office will hold a press briefing today at 3 p.m. at the Atascadero Police Department, located at 5505 El Camino Real, to answer questions related to the investigation and provide further details about this case. Updates will be posted.