Photo: Michael Scott Valenzuela
LAKE SHASTINA – On the afternoon of March 8, deputies responded to a trespassing call on Quarry Road.
The owner did not know the male who was on his property, and thought the suspect may have burglarized his home before leaving in a pickup truck.
The suspect wore an orange hoodie and camouflage pants. Another officer spotted a truck and its driver matching the description, driving on Big Springs Road.
The driver was stopped and detained. The property owner discovered that indeed some items were missing – a portable refrigerator and camping gear.
Items in the suspect’s pickup truck were positively identified as the stolen property.
37-year-old Michael Scott Valenzuela was arrested for burglary, theft, possession of burglary tools and other charges.
Sheriff Jon Lopey said, “This was a good case of team-work displayed by Lake Shastina Police Department and the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, which resulted in the detection, detention, and subsequent arrest of a burglary and theft suspect before he could escape from the crime scene area. All peace officers involved in this case were alert and responded quickly to the crime report. The property owner assisted us greatly with this case as well by providing prompt and accurate reports of the crimes involved and he gave a good description of the suspect and his vehicle. This case is still under investigation and anyone with information about this case is urged to contact SCSO’s 24-hour Dispatch Center at (530) 841-2900.”
