SLOStringer Videos

Felony DUI Red Light Running Collision 2AM SLO Downtown 3/11/17
While the City slept at 2AM, all SLO City Fire, SLOPD and San Luis Ambulance personnel were wide awake working a major injury felony DUI collision Downtown San Luis Obispo. According to multiple witnesses a Honda Civic traveling Eastbound on Monterey St blew the red light at Santa Rosa, colliding with a BMW in the intersection at an unknown speed. Both vehicles suffered major damage leaving the Honda Civc in the entry way of the medical building on the corner and a large debris field in the streets. 3 San Luis Obispo Police Dept units were on scene in less than 60 seconds, shutting down traffic in the area and advising of the major damage and an unconscious party. The Fire Dept response was upgraded, going from 2 fire engines to eventually all 4 City engines along with Battalion Chief and 3 San Luis Ambulance medic units. A CALFIRE engine covered the City in case of any further calls for service. SLOFD extricated 2 patients from the Honda, and treated at least 5 on scene. 3 were transported to the hospital with injuries varying from minor to major. The driver of the Honda (not yet identified) was arrested at the scene for felony DUI. College Towing was called to remove both vehicles. This morning additional SLOPD Officers have been brought on duty to combat any additional alcohol/DUI incidents as a large crowd is expected to turn out Downtown SLO for St Patrick's Day festivities. Think twice before drinking and driving - you could end up like the people in this video... or worse.

SLOPD Probable Burglary Suspects Mar 6, 2017
In the early morning hours on March 6th, 2017 residents in the 1500 block of Cucaracha in the City of San Luis Obispo reported several thefts from their unlocked vehicles. One of the homeowners on Cucaracha found video surveillance on their personal home video camera of two subjects in their driveway. One of the suspects in the video is seen looking into both vehicles in the driveway with the use of a flashlight. The subject seen looking into the vehicles is described as a male, possibly white, in his 20’s with medium length hair. He is wearing a long sleeve possibly lighter colored zip-up jacket, baggy jeans, white high top Nike basketball style shoes, and a baseball cap on backwards. A second subject can be seen walking through the driveway and across the street away from the first subject. He can only be described as a male wearing dark colored clothing and carrying a flashlight. Thefts from unlocked vehicles is a crime that has been increasing significantly in the City of San Luis Obispo, as well as in the State of California during the last couple of years. These criminals take advantage of the victims who leave their car doors unlocked and leave valuables in plain sight. The San Luis Obispo Police Department is asking for anyone with information regarding these crimes or the identity of these individuals to notify our department or Crime Stoppers at 549-STOP. Video from the San Luis Obispo Police Department.

***UPDATE: The CHP unit in charge of this investigation has just made an arrest. 9:06AM. Cambria Fire Dept being assisted by Cambria Ambulance, CAL FIRE SLO and San Luis Ambulance are on scene of a multi-injury vehicle vs. building collision in the 2200 block of Main St. in Cambria. A Chevrolet truck reportedly smashed through the front wall/windows of the French Corner Bakery with patrons inside at 7:56AM Saturday morning. Crews arrived on scene to find 1 "red tag" or major injury patient and 3 "yellow tags" - moderate injury, along with major damage to the building. Patients are in the process of being transported to area hospitals. Cambria Towing has been requested to remove 2 vehicles from inside the business. CHP is on scene investigating - no other information is available at this time.

Solo Vehicle Collision Fully Engulfed NB Hwy 101 Cuesta Grade ...
Here's video from Monday night's single vehicle collision with fire on the Cuesta Grade along Northbound Highway 101. 2 patients were transported with minor injuries from the scene. According to witnesses the vehicle may have suffered some sort of equipment malfunction while going downhill to cause the collision. CAL FIRE, Santa Margarita Fire Department, San Luis Ambulance and CHP responded to the scene to extinguish the fire, provide patient care and investigate the collision. Post with pictures here: https://www.facebook.com/SLOStringer/posts/1126128870832882

Pismo Beach Suicidal Jumper Into Ocean Save Feb 17, 2017
At 11PM Friday night, the Pismo Beach Police Department was made aware of a man threatening to jump off the pedestrian bridge near Highway 1 & Addie St by the 7-11 convenience store. The man was high on methamphetamine and very volatile - PBPD requested CA State Parks assistance as well as the CAL FIRE SLO USAR Urban Search & Rescue team for a possible swiftwater rescue. The creek below the man was moving very quickly and if he did jump, he would have been very quickly swept out to the Ocean. Coast Guard, Harbor Patrol, a hoist helicopter and other resources were also requested. Rescue swimmers entered the water and had a short conversation with the man before he climbed back over the railing - it seemed he realized it would be way too cold in the water. Pismo Beach Police Officers talked with the man for another 15 or 20 minutes, providing him with a warming blanket and speaking with someone he wanted them to on his cell phone. He then stood up, yelling something unintelligible while waving to all of the first responders and walked to a waiting ambulance with police. He was checked out and warmed up and then assisted with further mental help. Even at midnight on a Friday night, our local responders are out freezing in the stormy ocean showing some compassion to those in their time of need. This surely would have ended much worse had the man been swept out to sea. (Sorry for the dark video... didn't want to turn lights on and disturb the man.)

CHP Helicopter 70 Montana De Oro Rescue Hoist Ops Feb 5, 2017
Wow! Check out this video of our local CHP - Coastal Division Air Operations Helicopter 70 in action! Be sure to follow their page for some neat pictures and videos from their service around the State. This is video from Sunday, February 5th's rescue operation at Montana De Oro State Park, retreiving a lost hiker and his 4 person Search and Rescue team who stayed with him overnight. Full story here: https://www.facebook.com/SLOStringer/photos/a.211189195660192.40681.211040029008442/1112188145560288/

Edna Road Commercial Structure Fire Feb 8, 2017
Even in the pouring rain fire burns, and thanks to an alert passerby an overnight structure fire was spotted and stopped before the building became a complete loss. At 11:15PM Monday night a driver on Highway 227 at Los Ranchos Road (South of San Luis Obispo) called 911 reporting a large amount of smoke in the area and thought he saw flames from a building. I was already on the road and just 4 miles away, coming upon the scene first to find heavy smoke blanketing the area and found flames from the roof of a 4,000 square foot metal building with smoke pouring from the eaves. CAL FIRE Battalion 3412 arrived shortly thereafter and confirmed access to the property and warned all incoming engines to use caution due to heavy mud. CAL FIRE Engine 21 arrived seconds later and immediately began pulling hose. The incident commander met with the property owner who confirmed no one was living in the structure and that it was used for storage - full of contents like rolls of carpet. Crews entered the building and attacked the fire quickly, achieving a knockdown within about 20 minutes of arriving on scene. CAL FIRE Engine 64, Rescue 21, Breathing Support 62 and Water Tender 21 were also on scene along with SLO City Fire Engine 3 and SLO City Battalion 1 for mutual aid assistance. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported and investigators were called to the scene to determine a cause, which has not yet been released, although it's believed to be accidental in nature. It appeared the fire may have been burning inside for some time before flames became visible outside and authorities alerted.

Feb 6 2017 San Luis Obispo Water Rescue & Storm Damage
Once again, emergency responders are asking you to heed warnings about flood waters and "TURN AROUND, DONT DROWN"... or at least screw up your vehicle's engine and tie up rescue resources. CAL FIRE SLO Engine 62 responded shortly before 7AM Monday morning to rural South San Luis Obispo - Venado Trail off of South Higuera St. The driver of a Toyota pickup truck had called CHP advising he was stuck in rising river waters and unable to move. CAL FIRE was dispatched for a "public assist" and while the subject was uninjured, it was a bit more involved than that. Firefighters donned their swift water rescue gear and after assessing the situation one rescue swimmer entered the water and made contact with the driver. He was provided a personal flotation device and escorted to safe ground. The vehicle was left in the roadway until flood waters subsided and it was able to be removed. Also shown in the video is a large tree that came down about 4AM that caused quite a traffic mess in Avila Beach, along Avila Beach Dr. One driver called into CHP and reported that the tree and landslide "came down on him" disabling his vehicle and shattering the windshield. Thankfully damage was minimal and he was uninjured. San Luis Bay Dr creek crossing at Monte Rd., and a tree down on Country Club Dr. are also shown.

Major Injury Vehicle Vs. Motorcycle Higuera St SLO Feb 6, 2017
Shortly after 9AM this Monday morning as the rain was starting to calm down, San Luis Obispo City Emergency Communications Center received multiple reports of a serious collision involving a motorcycle at South Higuera Street and Elks Lane. SLOPD, SLOFD and San Luis Ambulance responded to find a motorcycle upside down in the road wedged against a Chevrolet SUV and a rider in the roadway. The SUV was making a left turn off of Elks Lane to Northbound Higuera and the motorcycle was riding Southbound Higuera when they collided. South Higuera Street was shut down in both directions and traffic diverted on Prado and Elks while the male motorcycle rider was tended to. He was conscious but suffering from what officials described as major injuries. The rider was wearing full protective gear including leather pants, jacket, helmet and boots. He was quickly transported to Sierra Vista Hospital on a "trauma alert" while a 2nd ambulance was called to the scene to transport the SUV driver suffering from minor injuries. The collision is still under investigation but Police don't believe drugs or alcohol were involved. If you witnessed the crash and have information you believe would be helpful to SLOPD, please contact them at (805) 781-7317.

Loose Horse Causes Collision SB Highway 101 Avila Beach 2/5/17
Some tense moments Saturday evening shortly after 11PM on Highway 101, as CHP received reports of a loose horse and collision. Its not the first, 2nd, 3rd etc time a horse has gotten loose in the Highway101 Avila Beach area in recent history - this one was reported as running around loose on the San Luis Bay Drive overpass. CHP units headed to the scene and as the first arrived he advised the horse was now in the Southbound lanes of the Highway. Seconds later he advised a collision had occurred - a Volvo station-wagon spun out up the embankment trying to avoid the animal. Thankfully that driver was uninjured, just shaken up. Traffic was completely stopped, and the CHP Officer nor myself had much of an idea how to contain a horse. Thankfully a good Samaritan "horse whisperer" showed up and worked her magic. She had a horse lead rope in her car and was able to gain the animal's trust and walk it off the Avila Beach Drive offramp. Attempts in finding the owner were unsuccessful and it was temporarily tied to a pole while Officers figured out what to do. In the end, a Sheriffs Dept Sgt was sent to pick up a horse trailer from the Posse and retrieve the animal for safekeeping until the owner was located. Hopefully horse owners in the area can fortify their fencing before an animal is killed or serious collision occurs!

Broad St. San Luis Obispo DUI Headon Collision Jan 29, 2017
Despite very serious damage to 2 vehicles in a head-on collision, 5 patients including several children escaped serious injury just before 5PM this Sunday evening on Highway 227 South of Tank Farm Road. Unfortunately it appears this collision was caused by a DUI driver. At 4:45PM SLO City Fire got several reports of a serious collision on Broad Street at El Capitan Way. A Subaru Outback and Honda Minivan collided, sending the van off the roadway and almost into a tree. Several young children were in the minivan and SLOFD, CALFIRE and San Luis Ambulance responded to the scene. All patients were evaluated and thankfully none had injuries serious enough requiring transport to the hospital. San Luis Obispo Police Department shut down Northbound Highway 227 (Broad St.) for approximately 45 minutes as the collision was investigated, vehicles cleared from the road and DUI tests performed. In the end, Bryson Burns, DOB 4/21/64 was arrested for Felony DUI driving with a BAC of .08 or higher and booked into County Jail. His bail is set at $100,000.

NB Hwy101 Cuesta Grade PT Cruiser Car Fire Jan 23, 2017
Lots of traffic in the Nipomo area with a pre-dawn FedEx semi truck fire this morning! The tractor got a flat tire apparently, starting a fire and disabling the vehicle in the center median of Highway 101 near the Santa Maria Speedway. Emergency crews were on both sides of the highway dealing with the truck - the driver only had a minor injury and refused transport to the hospital and it was not considered a HAZMAT situation. Traffic is now clear from that incident. Back on Monday night, many of you posted and messaged about a vehicle fire and a traffic collision on the Northbound 101 side of the Cuesta Grade. At 8:37PM a two vehicle traffic collision was reported just North of the Summit with vehicles blocking the roadway. Just 2 minutes later unrelated to the first incident, a vehicle fire was dispatched halfway up the SLO side of the Cuesta Grade. Here's video of that incident where for unknown reasons a PT Cruiser caught on fire. The driver was able to pull over and exit the vehicle safely. SLO City Fire Engine 2 arrived first on scene, quickly knocking down the fire with no spread to any vegetation - thanks rain! This may have played out very differently if it was a couple months ago. Emergency crews also responded to the traffic collision and treated at least one patient for minor injuries. Viewers reported that one of the vehicles was driving recklessly prior to the collision - it's currently unknown if either of the drivers were issued any citations or arrested for DUI. This post will be updated if more information is released.

1/24/17 SLO Sheriffs Dept Fatal Shots Fired Traffic Stop Hwy101
Just after Midnight this morning, January 24, a two-Deputy unit with the San Luis Obispo Sheriffs Dept made a traffic stop on a vehicle Southbound Highway 101 approximately 3 miles South of the Santa Barbara Road exit - about half way between Atascadero and Santa Margarita. Deputies apparently recognized the driver and advised dispatch that he had warrants. Within seconds of exiting their patrol vehicle, one Deputy yelled out over his radio "GUN! HES GOT A GUN IN HIS RIGHT HAND!" and a few seconds later they advised shots had been fired at the suspect, requesting more units and to send medics to the scene. Backup responded from the Sheriffs Dept, CHP and Atascadero PD including a K9 while the original Deputies tried unsuccessfully in making verbal contact with the driver. A team was formed and the units cautiously approached the vehicle behind cover. The drivers door was opened and a handgun was immediately removed from the suspect, scene deemed safe and medics brought in who declared the subject deceased. He was the only occupant of the vehicle. Northbound 101 was closed for a short time but has now reopened. Southbound Highway 101 continues to be closed as a result of this incident while City, County and State investigators are on scene. CALTRANS has a detour in place for Southbound traffic across Santa Barbara Road and down El Camino Real through Santa Margarita back to 101. It's currently unknown when the Highway will be reopened. The suspect's name has not yet been released. More information will be posted as available.

Los Osos 4' Tree Narrowly Misses Driving Car!
It was a close call for a driver and her passenger Sunday night in Los Osos as a couple of huge trees fell, narrowly missing their vehicle while driving down Pecho Valley Road! At about 7PM CHP received a report of a 4 foot diameter tree down completely blocking Pecho Valley Road (the end of Los Osos Valley Road towards Montana De Oro) near Rodman Drive. CHP sent an Officer along with dispatching the County Public Works maintenance crew. A Sheriff's Deputy and State Parks Ranger were also nearby and responded to the scene to assist. Sure enough, not one but two large trees were down completely covering both lanes. Neighbors came out right away to help and one with a chainsaw started cutting branches. Walking around the far side of the downed tree I found a small car with two occupants pulled off onto the shoulder. Apparently they were driving along and the first tree fell so they swerved off the road to avoid it, and then the second tree fell on the other side of them! They were shaken up but physically fine. County Public Works arrived quickly and it was a team effort to clear the roadway safely and quickly. The Eastbound lane was opened first and alternating traffic control provided to clear the cars who had been waiting. I went over to tell the "victim" that they were clear to leave... only to find their car battery was dead! After a quick jumpstart they were back on the road, albeit with an up close and personal storm story! A big thanks to the County of SLO Public Works crews as well as CALTRANS, City Crews, PG&E and all other utility company workers out in the storms keeping things hazard free.

Avila Beach Drive Flooding/2 Vehicles Stuck in Floodwater/ CAL...
Avila Beach has been dealing with serious water issues once again this Friday... but a few of the people with problems have no one to blame but themselves. This video starts out showing the flooding through the Squire Canyon area near 101 near Avila Beach (Monte Rd.). San Luis Obispo Creek has definitely spilled over it's boundaries! The end of San Luis Bay Drive, accessing Monte Road, is currently closed. We then head over to Avila Beach Drive near the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort. Starting overnight, CHP received reports of flooding and rockslides, and SLO County Roads was dispatched to shut down the roadway for public safety. It was blocked at Ontario Road and San Luis Bay Drive.. but unfortunately for about 60 people at the Resort - they were stuck. CHP escorted a few vehicles out but realized this wasnt the best idea due to waters continually rising, and CAL FIRE SLO was dispatched to the incident to formulate a plan for evacuations. A bus was brought in so guests and workers could be ferried across a pedestrian bridge via golf cart and to safety. Other lodging was arranged for guests. Some drivers had other plans though, and decided to disobey numerous road closed signs figuring they could come through no problem. Despite my vehicle in the lane blocking the road and me waving them down to stop and telling them the road was closed due to flooding... nothin phased em. The driver of the Camaro (a rental) even raised his arm up at me as he punched the accelerator into the water in some sort of rude hand gesture. Well.... you can see how that ended up. CAL FIRE Engine 62 was started for a "water rescue" of 4 individuals. As E62 pulled up somehow the SUV got the vehicle in reverse and took off, narrowly missing the fire engine. The car however wasnt going anywhere and the 2 occupants were assisted to safety. CHP left the vehicle there until waters subsided and then had it towed. The signage, warnings, advisories etc usually are there FOR

Fatal House Fire Stephanie Dr. San Luis Obispo Jan 20, 2017
At 10:12PM Thursday evening, San Luis Obispo Fire Dept received a 911 call of smoke coming from a home with smoke alarms sounding in the Laguna Lake Mobile Estates off of Prefumo Canyon Road. When myself and Engine 4 arrived on scene 5 minutes after initial dispatch moderate smoke was showing from the home's eaves and a neighbor stated there was no response from anyone inside with the doors locked. Firefighters immediately pulled a hoseline, breached the front door and made an aggressive interior attack into the residence extinguishing the fire. The next engine laddered the roof and provided vertical ventilation assistance to the interior crews. Simultaneously, a primary search of the home was immediately completed and an unresponsive female victim was located in the residence. She was removed from the home but unfortunately declared deceased on scene. The name and age of the deceased is being withheld at this time. Police and Fire investigators were called to the scene and that investigation is ongoing. More information will be released as available.

January 20, 2017 SLO County Heavy Rain/Flooding
WOW! Another serious storm overnight and into this Friday morning in SLO County! The ground is saturated and many areas are experiencing flooding, mud/rock slides or other rain related issues. Thankfully there has not been many serious injury collisions or other major damage that I know of so far. Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and SLO County Pubic Works crews are out clearing highways, closing roads, cutting up trees and clearing drains. Highway 101 in the Nipomo and Highway 58 area are once again experiencing multi vehicle collisions, but most non or minor injury. Several areas in SLO City flooded stalling out cars, such as underneath the train crossing on Johnson Ave and in some hotel parking lots along Los Osos Valley Road. Many of the "usual suspect" roads in North County have flooding and rockslides such as Vineyard Road, Chimney Rock Road, Santa Rosa Creek Rd etc. Aliva Beach Dr once again is closed due to slides and flooding as you can see here near the KOA Campground on Ontario Road. CHP is advising of Buckley & Vachell Road completely flooded out and heavy standing water on 227 South of SLO and Highway 1 in Oceano. Your local fire departments are out in your community on patrol while not responding to calls for service... even a reported structure fire on South Higuera this morning at a mobile home clubhouse - thankfully it was just flames seen in a fireplace. Some areas have experienced local power or utility outages - like the UPS Hub in San Luis Obispo - they had water flowing OUT of their electrical sockets in the building and had to evacuate! PG&E is now on scene dealing with the issues there. Other structures, especially in the South County are experiencing some flooding, such as the Sea Crest Resort. Drive safely out there and if you have any weather reports or pictures, feel free to share them!

Marsh St Wrong Way DUI Felony Collisions/Arrest Jan 18, 2017
One man is in custody this Wednesday evening charged with Felony DUI and hit & run after driving the wrong way in his Prius down Marsh St in San Luis Obispo, hitting 2 cars, damaging 2 more and injuring an innocent victim. Shortly after 6PM SLOPD got many 911 calls of a vehicle collision involving a Toyota Prius going the wrong way on Marsh at Nipomo Street. A newer Toyota Tacoma had been hit in the front and was unmovable with suspension damage. At least one occupant of the Tacoma suffered minor injuries. Officers were on scene in under a minute but the Prius had fled, continuing the wrong way towards Highway 101. Officers saturated the area and located a secondary traffic collision on Carmel St at Marsh, this time disabling the vehicle. The force of the Prius collision sent the parked truck it hit into the 2 parked cars in front of it as well. Collision and DUI investigations were both conducted and in the end the driver was arrested for CA Vehicle Code 23153(A) and 20001, Felony DUI causing injury and Felony hit and run causing injury. He was transported to the hospital for a blood draw before being taken to County Jail.

SLO Sheriffs Dept South County High Speed Pursuit Jan 17, 2017
The SLO Sheriffs Dept could use your help in spotting 1 of 2 suspects who fled from them in a high speed pursuit Tuesday afternoon in South SLO County. Deputies attempted a traffic stop of a Cadillac SRX SUV on the Nipomo Mesa after they recognized the occupants as gang members having felony warrants. A traffic stop was attempted and pursuit ensued, leading through Arroyo Grande and towards Pismo Beach before the Sheriffs Watch Commander called off the pursuit due to increasingly dangerous conditions as it entered populated areas. Fortunately, CHP Airplane 71 was overhead tracking the incident when they witnessed the suspects crash into a car at Dolliver and Stimson and hit a piece of construction equipment before fleeing on foot. The area was saturated with law enforcement and 41 year old Tobin Dietz was apprehended a short time later. Deputies are still searching for 31 year old Derek Smith. He's 6' tall, 200 lbs with distinctive face tattoos. They ask you call 911 if you think you see him.

Major Injury Vehicle Vs Ped Madonna Rd. SLO Jan 16 2017
Just after 6:00PM tonight the 16th, San Luis Obispo Police Department, SLO Fire Dept and San Luis Ambulance responded to a serious injury vehicle vs pedestrian collision on Madonna Road in front of the Laguna Village Shopping Center. Engine 4 arrived within seconds with the incident being just outside their station, and advised major trauma - start more resources. The next closest fire engine and battalion chief were dispatched to the scene. The decision was also made to respond Squad 1, SLOFD's ambulance style transport vehicle, due to the San Luis Ambulance unit coming from outside of the City. In the need of an immediate transport, the Squad can be used if San Luis Ambulance was not on scene in time. An approximately 20 year old male was struck by a Toyota RAV4 traveling Eastbound on Madonna Road. The driver's information was gathered and she was released from the scene pending further investigation. The male was transported by San Luis Ambulance to Sierra Vista Hospital after receiving initial treatment on scene. Eastbound Madonna Rd traffic was diverted through the nearby neighborhood for approximately 1.5 hours while the area was blocked off, but as of 7:30PM traffic was back open again. More information will be posted as available from SLOPD.

CHP Coastal Air Ops H70 Climber Hoist Bishops Peak 9/10/16
It's always a treat when CHP - Coastal Division Air Operations releases an onboard video! Due to policies regarding evidence and ongoing investigations we don't get to see them all, but here's the "birds eye view" from a rescue CHP H70 performed September 10, 2016. You can see my original ground based video here: https://www.facebook.com/SLOStringer/videos/970812423031195/ About 2PM on September 10th, a medical rescue call was dispatched on Bishops Peak. The report was a climber had fallen 20-30 feet and was now unconscious with broken bones at the base of the "P Wall" about 1/2 way up the Mountain. H70 beat everyone to the scene and confirmed there was an injured party down, most likely needing to be hoisted out. The helicopter sat down in a nearby field to reconfigure their bird for hoisting operations while ground crews made access to the patient. They confirmed some serious injuries and that a hoist operation and transferring directly to Sierra Vista would be the best plan of action. The patient was loaded into a Bauman Bag, hoisted into the helicopter and flown the minute or so flight over to Sierra Vista Hospital. SLO City Fire along with CAL FIRE Firefighters and the Urban Search and Rescue team assisted on the ground. According to family members the climber is doing better now and on the road to recovery. Especially with the recent wet weather, some trails are closed and others have hazardous conditions... use caution when out in our local open spaces!

Rainy Collisions Around Central Coast & DUI Roadblock Runner J...
Here's some video from Sunday night showing just how hard it was raining along the Central Coast Roadways! Quick clips of non/minor injury collisions on Highway 101 in Atascadero and Santa Margarita are first, then we head down to Avila Beach Drive, where water was 3 feet deep in spots. A Chevy Volt driving along the road was watching for rockslides but didn't notice the standing water until it was too late, and the driver said it "sucked him in" and disabled the vehicle. College Towing was called and arrived quickly on scene with CHP shutting down the roadway for the recovery. County Roads was on the way to barricade the streets, but they were very busy in other areas delaying response. With the roadway shut down I stood in the flooded area of the lane recording while the tow truck driver stretched his cable across the roadway and began to hook up the Volt. A sedan approached the CHP unit with his emergency lights activated and Officer outside signalling to stop. The sedan then proceeded to swerve around the Officer and patrol car, continuing on towards the flooded road, tow operator, Volt driver and myself. The driver had a glazed over "deer in the headlights" type look when he finally stopped, staring straight ahead. You can see what happens from there... arrested for DUI and taken to jail. The Volt was recovered and roadway fully closed. Thankfully no one was injured in the ordeal. In fact, in SLO County there were no major injury or fatality collisions related to the storm. Some areas of the Central Coast could see around an inch Tuesday through Wednesday though, so get ready for the wet once again!

Highway 1 Ragged Point Recovery Day 2 Operations
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office search and rescue team and dive team, in conjunction with the Monterey County Sheriff's Office search and rescue team worked from early morning to sunset continuing recovery efforts on Highway 1 near Ragged Point this rainy and windy January 4th after a vehicle was located 300+ feet over the side the day before (video: https://www.facebook.com/SLOStringer/videos/1079051648873938/). At the end of the day a deceased dog was located and recovered, but no sign of the missing male subject. Crews will be back at work tomorrow in the heavy rain and poor visibility once again by rope on land and wetsuits in water as they continue to search for the remaining victim. A large area of both shoreline and water was searched to no avail, but in the coming day(s) a tow truck will be used to move the vehicle as well as searching another spot of interest divers located late this afternoon. Earlier in the day the SLO Sheriff Coroner confirmed the female located late January 3rd was that of missing 20 year old Olivia Hannah Gonzalez from North Hollywood. More information will be posted tomorrow as available.

Highway 1 Ragged Point Vehicle Over the Side, Possible Missing...
At 3:33PM January 3, CAL FIRE SLO received a report from CA State Parks Rangers of a vehicle over the side on Highway 1 just South of Ragged Point. Rangers were conducting an area check in a pullout when they noticed some marks leading over the edge. Carefully looking down the sheer cliff, they spotted a mangled pile of wreckage below. The only thing discernible was that the vehicle was believed to be a tan sedan with no life visible. A full cliff rescue response was started including CAL FIRE SLO, Cambria Fire, Urban Search & Rescue Teammates, CHP, Cambria Ambulance and the Sheriffs Dept. Rescuers used an elaborate rope rescue setup to lower 3 rescue team members down to the vehicle to search for the occupants. Unfortunately, 1 deceased human was located as well as 1 deceased dog. Sheriff Coroner Deputies on scene nor CHP would release if the victim was a male or a female, or if the vehicle's VIN matched a missing tan Honda Civic with a couple and 2 dogs originally from Los Angeles. They were last heard from over a week ago heading North from Cambria, where their credit card was used. Rescue crews cleared the scene shortly after 8PM. More coverage and information will be posted as available. Video not for broadcast use, contact for licensing.

Broad St. San Luis Obispo Critical Injury Vehicle Vs. Moto
San Luis Obispo Police Department is currently on scene of a very serious injury vehicle vs motorcyclist on Broad St. at Lawrence Dr. South of Downtown SLO. Just after 3:30PM multiple 911 calls flooded the SLO dispatch center to report a collision and the motorcycle rider down in the roadway, unresponsive. SLOFD, PD and San Luis Ambulance responded to the scene and quickly transported the patient to Sierra Vista Hospital in critical condition. The specifics of the collision are currently under investigation as well as possible involvement of alcohol or drugs. SLOPD's collision investigation team is on scene performing detailed analysis and measurements - during this time Broad St remains closed from Orcutt Road to South St. in both directions. Police hope to have the road reopened by 6PM. More information will be posted as available.

1 Year Later - "The Sub" San Luis Obispo Commercial Structure ...
Today marks the 1 year anniversary of what will go down as one of the historic fires of San Luis Obispo - "The Sub". Crews worked for more than 24 hours to contain and fully extinguish this large commercial structure with what some called dangerous interior conditions and an extremely flammable and toxic fireload. San Luis Obispo Fire Department responded at 10:49AM December 26, 2015 to multiple reports of flames showing through the front window of the retail store located in the 200 block of Higuera St. Crews arrived within minutes to find the front of the business well involved and confirmation that there was no one left inside the structure. Some will remember the hostility by the property owner towards the Fire Department on scene and in the weeks following the fire, wanting firefighters to risk life to attempt and save property. Following the fire, SLO City investigators were not allowed to enter the property to conduct their interior investigation at the request of the property owner, and the incident report deems the fire cause as "undetermined". City officials believe the building may need to be demolished, however the property owners have submitted plans to remodel and repair the business. They have also taken to social media stating their want to "get the arsonists convicted" and have filed several claims wanting millions of dollars from the City of SLO, accusing the Fire Department of not extinguishing the fire correctly. The City has since rejected those claims and Ferris would need to file a lawsuit to proceed further. In the weeks and months after the fire, traffic on Higuera St. was rerouted, a lane of traffic closed on Pismo St. and numerous subjects were caught vandalizing and burglarizing the charred remains. 1 year later SLO residents are still looking at a burned out shell of a building with sidewalks closed around it on one of the main streets leading to Downtown. I get several messages and posts a month concerning the status of

Avila Beach Residential Dryer Fire 12/18/16
Some Avila Beach homeowners are very lucky this morning after they arrived home to find the place filled with smoke! A full CALFIRE structure fire response was started to Goldeneye Lane and Stations 62, 63, 64, 21 and Battalion Chief 11 responded. After speaking with the homeowners the firefighters split into search teams and searched all floors as well as the attic. Eventually the source of smoke was found to be a fire inside of the clothes dryer. Firefighters immediately removed it from the structure and ventilated the home. Officials on scene believed this was either the result of a power surge or lint buildup - make sure to keep your lint trap and duct clean to prevent any issues. More information can be found at: http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/safety-in-the-home/dryers-and-washing-machines

Subject Wanting "Suicide By Cop" Safely Taken Into Custody by ...
Some tense moments Downtown San Luis Obispo Saturday morning at the culmination of a search by the San Luis Obispo Police Department. A man called authorities and made statements to the effect of him wanting to be murdered by the police. Information was gathered about this man and a description of him and the vehicle he was driving was obtained. All available units saturated the area attempting to locate him. A weapons check of the subject showed at least 1 pistol and 1 rifle registered to him, but it was unknown if he had them in his possession. Police officers were able to make cell phone contact with the subject but eventually were hung up on and contact lost after he said he was heading to the Downtown core area. An alert bicycle officer located the vehicle as it was parking on Garden St at Higuera St. and requested all units to the scene. Within seconds a contact team was formed and the man was taken into custody without incident. Who knows exactly what his intentions were or what may have happened if he was not apprehended so quickly. Thanks to SLOPD as usual for their quick, thorough and professional job! The suspect was taken to the hospital for a medical clearance and further assesment.

Atascadero Commercial Burglary Footage - Central Coast Trains ...
On December 14, 2016, at approximately 8:00 AM, officers from the Atascadero Police Department responded to an alarm call at Central Coast Trains, located in the 7600 block of El Camino Real. Upon arrival officers discovered a burglary had just occurred. The suspects forced entry into the business via the front door and stole numerous items. The suspects fled in the vehicle southbound on El Camino Real just prior to officer arrival. A grey GMC Z71 pickup was seen leaving the area following the burglary. Below is a video including still pictures of the vehicle and suspects. The Atascadero Police Department is looking for the public’s assistance in locating the suspects. If anyone has any information as to the identity of the suspects please contact the Atascadero Police Department at (805) 461-5051 and share this video!

2016 San Luis Obispo Downtown Christmas Parade 12/2/16
Here's a video I put together of some clips and still photos from the San Luis Obispo Downtown Association Christmas Parade Friday, December 2 in San Luis Obispo. With almost 100 floats, there was a lot to see! If you weren't able to head Downtown Friday evening, check this video out to see what you missed and plan on being there next year!

Foothill Blvd SLOFD Extrication Vehicle Vs. Tree 11/26/16
The rain is back once again this weekend to quench the Central Coast.... we certainly need it! Unfortunately with the rain comes increased danger on our roads. Thankfully a driver from Nipomo escaped serious injury this Saturday morning when her Ford Explorer SportTrac left the roadway along Foothill Blvd near Johe Lane in San Luis Obispo and hit a group of trees. The solo occupant was conscious and alert but unable to get out of the vehicle. San Luis Obispo Fire Dept, CAL FIRE SLO and San Luis Ambulance responded and quickly freed her before transporting to Sierra Vista Hospital for treatment. CHP had one way traffic control going in the area while the vehicle was removed. When you see those flashing lights out on the road, SLOW DOWN AND GIVE THESE GUYS & GALS SPACE! Traffic was still flying by this collision and speed combined with the weather and looky-loos is no good. Stay safe out there everyone!

SB Highway 101 at LOVR 5 Car Collision w/ Extrication by SLOFD
The collisions Southbound Highway 101 through San Luis Obispo have now been cleared as of 8PM. Several, starting mid afternoon with a 2 vehicle collision near the Cuesta Grade summit, and then down towards Madonna Rd & Los Osos Valley Roads during rush hour kept emergency responders busy. Reported at 5:35PM, the collision shown in this video involved 5 vehicles, including 2 disabled in the fast lane with serious damage. A vehicle extrication response was started by SLO City Fire Dept as a passenger in the white Prius was still in the vehicle. SLOFD Engine 4 and Truck 1 quickly went to work removing the doors and "B" pillar to gain access to the patient, while a San Luis Ambulance, Inc. paramedic was inside the vehicle with them. CALFIRE Engine 21 checked over the occupants of the other vehicles. CHP handled the investigation while College Towing removed the vehicles from the roadway. A hectic scene during heavy rush hour traffic, thanks to all for your patience during the evening commute! No word on a cause of this collision yet, but "distracted driving" is a serious problem right now- whether thats a phone call or text message, food, a rowdy conversation inside the car or even the stereo. Make sure you stay focused on the task at hand... I'm sure no one wants to deal with something like this.

Employee Finds Missing Female Submerged in Creek, SLOFD Rescues
An employee at Central Coast Brewing's new location on Higuera St. most likely saved a females life this afternoon when he spotted her motionless in the rising creek behind his business. The rain got heavier Sunday afternoon and San Luis Obispo Creek began to pick up in flow and rise, so workers headed out back to check out the water. To their surprise they looked down below and found a female lying on her back, almost submerged to her neck. San Luis Obispo Police Department was notified and then SLO City Fire and San Luis Ambulance, Inc. responded. SLOFD quickly was able to get a ladder down over the embankment and climb to the female who was conscious but not fully responsive. She was loaded and transported to the hospital for further treatment. SLOPD reported there was an open "missing person" case on this female, but it's not known how long shes been missing or how long she may have been in this location.

SLOFD PulsePoint App Farmers Market Launch
This evening the San Luis Obispo Fire Department officially announced the launch of the PulsePoint smartphone app. Once installed on your phone, you're part of a network of citizens around the community available to be notified if someone closeby is in need if immediate lifesaving assistance due to cardiac arrest. Hundreds of you have already downloaded it - great to hear! This quick event introduced the app to attendees of Farmers Market as well as gave them a chance to learn "Hands Only CPR" from trained professionals. Several city officials and community members including the Mayor and Fire Chief as well as a local ER Doctor spoke at the event voicing their support for the program. In the end it all came down to higher chances of saving a life... which could be you or me! Along with PulsePoint, SLOFD has made some recent changes to the way they dispatch firefighters to calls over the radio -starting the firefighters moving quicker - as well as utilizing GPS location devices in the fire engines to ensure the closest help is always sent. Together, all of these new innovations can at times increase response time and the chance of lifesaving as much as 50%! With almost 100 Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) in the San Luis Community, the PulsePoint app is also a great way to know where the closest one to you is at any time. The application is free for citizens, called "PulsePoint" and available in the Apple iOS & Android App Stores. If PulsePoint isn't currently available in your area, call your local City Council, Fire Dept or other governing body and voice your interest in the program.

SLOFD PulsePoint Smartphone App Launch
Today is the day! The smartphone app PulsePoint launches in San Luis Obispo City in conjunction with the SLO City Fire Department. Are you willing to potentially save a life? Routed from the SLO City Emergency Communications Center, alerts can be sent through this application to your phone when someone closeby is in need of livesaving attention such as CPR. Research has shown that every minute counts when your heart has stopped, and even with SLOFD's very quick response time (averaging just 4 minutes) - those 4 minutes are potentially minutes that you could make a difference in someones life while paramedics are on the way. For every minute that passes after sudden cardiac arrest, survival odds decrease as much as 10%. Watch this video from SLOFD Fire Chief Garret Olson as he gives an overview, and then please head on over to the iOS or Android App Store and download the application! It will automatically detect your local service area, and also works in other locations supported by PulsePoint - hundreds all over the US! Join the SLOFD at Farmers Market this Thursday evening at 6:30PM for the official launch and to go "hand-on" learning hands only CPR!

Highway 101/LOVR Roadside Veg Fire 11/13
It's mid November, and there is still very much of a fire danger on the Central Coast. Please do what you can to prevent a potential disaster! Shortly before noon on Sunday, CHP began getting calls of a roadside vegetation fire along Northbound Highway 101 just before the Los Osos Valley Road offramp coming into San Luis Obispo. CHP arrived first on scene and found a failed vehicle brake pad laying at the origin of a small brush fire, about 10x40 feet in size. SLOFD Engine 4 arrived on scene and quickly made fire attack and knocked the flames down with CALFIRE right behind them to assist. The source was believed to be a nearby truck and camping trailer on the side of the road who cooperated with authorities. Thanks to those who called 911 right away before it had time to spread!

Female Steals Package From Nipomo Home - PLEASE SHARE!
Another case of theft - this time from a home in Nipomo... and the suspect was caught on camera! From the homeowner: "We were wondering why we didn't receive a package from Amazon. So, we went back on our cameras to the date it was delivered and look what we found...I will find this lady! How dare you steal a gift for my son. A police report has already been filed with the SLO Sheriff." You know what to do, SLOStringer viewers! Please share this video and help spread the word. Most of us here work very hard for our money and it sure hurts to have it taken away from us. As we come into the holiday season and more deliveries may be occurring, take steps to prevent package thefts from happening such as having shipments go to your work if possible, a neighbors house or other arrangements with your delivery driver like a sideyard. In this case, cameras worked excellently to capture the act in progress, but stopping it from happening in the first place would be best! If you have any information regarding this incident please contact the SLO Sheriffs Dept at (805) 781-4550.

November 12, 2016 Anti-Trump Protest San Luis Obispo, CA
As expected, hundreds of people gathered at the SLO County Govt Center in San Luis Obispo at 3PM this Saturday afternoon to protest and march expressing their feelings against Donald Trump. Local law enforcement was aware of the event and well prepared in case anyone showed up with ill intentions. Thankfully the vast majority were very respectful of each other, besides the fact that the protests went into the streets and many motorists were not pleased. The event began with SLOPD Chief Cantrell speaking to the crowd letting them know they are here to keep everyone safe and protecting their right to protest, being met with cheers and claps. She delivered an important message of justice for all, respect and enthusiasm, stating that "you control your destiny". At the end of the rally one of the organizers announced over the megaphone a thank you to San Luis Obispo PD. Protestors marched laps in the downtown corridor at first staying on the sidewalk, but soon spilling out into the roadway. Local law enforcement blocked some intersections to keep protestors safe. Smaller groups of Trump supporters on foot or in vehicle caused a few exchanges of words but nothing further. The group dwindled in size as the laps continued until the group decided to sit down in the intersection of Higuera and Osos Streets. After about 15 minutes they marched down Higuera St and started to leave the downtown towards the Highway 101 on/off ramps. CHP quickly moved into position to block the ramps and form a "skirmish line" to make sure protestors did not enter the highway - so they sat down in the intersection of Higuera/Nipomo. . The group eventually stood up and made its way back towards the Govt Center, ending up on the entrance steps. Local law enforcement reported a "success" with no violence or arrests related to the protest. A bit of a warning for the video - there's some "not for kids" signs and audio.

San Luis Obispo Anti-Trump Protest Downtown 11/10/16
Despite protests turning violent in other parts of the Country, opposition to Donald Trump remained mostly peaceful and courteous Thursday evening as they gathered Downtown SLO and marched through Farmers Market and Mission Plaza. Meeting at the County Govt Center about 6:30 they paraded through Downtown before returning to the Courthouse to protest some more. The crowd began to disperse shortly before 9PM. San Luis Obispo Police Department monitored the situation by bicycle and motorcycle, mostly ensuring protestors safety from vehicles and allowing all their rights to free speech. A female trio of singers performing "God Bless America" paying tribute to our Veterans at the Farmers Market celebration made for an interesting clash of scenes as protestors chanted and yelled in the background which resulted in a few minutes of heated conversations between Trump supporters and opposition. No acts of violence were reported or arrests made related to the gathering.