MENDOCINO Co., 8/20/19 — The following article includes the most recent press releases issued by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office (MSCO).
(If you want to skip to the press releases click here)
But first a little explanation: the MCSO puts out a number of press releases, with varying frequency. We are not aware of how they choose which incidents to send a press release about. We recognize that the staff of the MCSO is strapped for time and cannot send out a press release for every single incident.
We strive to be transparent with our readers about our reporting process, which is why we are explaining these facts. Many newspapers take law enforcement press releases and print them under the heading “staff” or quickly rewrite them, giving the impression of reporting. We want to be clear that we are merely passing along these press releases, that we have not done independent reporting on them, vetted them, or verified them, and also note that in the American justice system all people are considered innocent until proven guilty. We are a small organization that is also strapped for time.
However, we do believe that the people should know what their government, including their law enforcement agencies, is saying, and that these releases have news value, so we are here reproducing them.
Press Releases
DATE: “August 18, 2019”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Incident Number:
2019-24308
Crime/Incident:
2800.2(A) VC (Felony Reckless Evading)
Location:
22000 block of Eastside Road in Willits, CA
Date of Incident:
08-15-2019
Time:
1:58 PM
Victim(s):
N/A
Suspect(s):
Jennifer Risch (39 year-old female from Willits, CA)
Written By:
Sergeant Joseph DeMarcoSynopsis:
MCSO
On 08-15-2019 at about 11:04 AM, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a suspicious female who parked her vehicle (a silver Nissan X-Terra) and was trespassing on a piece of property near Valley Road and Eastside Road in Willits, California.
Deputies responded to the area, but were unable to locate the female.
At about 1:58 PM, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Deputies were again dispatched to the same location. The reporting party advised MCSO dispatch that the female was back at the location and was lying face down in a field.
Deputies arrived and observed a white female adult sitting in the driver’s seat of the silver Nissan X-Terra. The Deputies attempted to contact the female driver who was later identified as Jennifer Risch.
As they attempted to contact Risch, she started the vehicle and drove south on Eastside Road.
The Deputies turned their patrol vehicle around and followed Risch. While following the vehicle the Deputies observed Risch driving over the double solid yellow lines.
The Deputies attempted a traffic enforcement stop by activating the overhead emergency lights and siren. Risch continued on Eastside Road and failed to yield to the emergency lights and siren, at which time a vehicle pursuit was initiated.
Risch was driving with disregard for safety of pedestrians walking near the roadway, traveling over the solid double yellow lines and into the oncoming northbound traffic lane. Risch continued for approximately 2 miles at which point her vehicle veered off the roadway striking a utility pole splitting it in half.
Risch’s vehicle continued through a fence and came to a stop in a field approximately 100 yards east of the roadway near the intersection of Eastside road and East Hill road.
Risch opened the driver side door and exited. She then stood near her vehicle and began engage in what appeared to be “yoga” type poses. Deputies called for medical and PG&E to respond and waited for additional Sheriff’s Office personnel to arrive before approaching Risch.
Once additional personnel arrived, Risch was taken into custody without incident. Risch was transported to a local hospital for examination.
Once Risch was medically cleared, she was transported and booked into the Mendocino County Jail for Felony Reckless Evading 2800.2(A) VC and was to be held in lieu of $35,000.00 bail.
Approved by:
Captain Gregory L. Van Patten #1184
DATE: “August 18, 2019”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Incident Number:
2019-24419
Crime/Incident:
273.5 PC (Felony Domestic Violence Battery)
Location:
8800 block of Uva Drive in Redwood Valley, CA
Date of Incident:
08-16-2019
Time:
9:48 A.M.
Victim(s):
Adult Male (58 year-old from Redwood Valley, CA)
Suspect(s):
Terressa Depree (49 year-old female from Redwood Valley, CA)
Written By:
Sergeant James Elmore #2604Synopsis:
MCSO
On 08-16-2019 at approximately 9:48 A.M., Deputies from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to investigate a domestic violence dispute in the 8800 block of Uva Drive in Redwood Valley, California .
Upon arrival, Deputies contacted a 58 year-old male. During the investigation, Deputies learned that the male and Terressa Depree had been in a dating relationship off and on for approximately four years.
On today’s date, the two were involved in an altercation over the ownership of a can of coffee. During the altercation, Depree began pushing the male, and attempted to push him down the stairs. Depree then bit the male on his back, near his left shoulder, which caused a visible injury.
Depree was placed under arrest for 273.5 PC [Felony Domestic Violence Battery].
Depree was subsequently booked into the Mendocino County Jail where she was to be held in lieu of $25,000.00 bail.
Approved by:
Captain Gregory L. Van Patten #1184
