Calaveras County Authorities Arrest Man Accused of Crime Spree
BURSON, CA — ” On February 24, 2025, at approximately 10:00 AM, Calaveras County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of harassment via electronic communication. The victims reported that Eric Lee Hickerson Jr., 34, of Copperopolis, had sent over 200 text messages containing vulgar language and multiple threats. Fearing for their safety and their family, a temporary restraining order against Hickerson Jr. was obtained. Deputies attempted to contact him but were unsuccessful. Despite the court order, Hickerson Jr. continued sending messages.
Later that evening, at approximately 6:40 PM, the Sheriff’s Office received multiple emergency calls reporting serious crimes in the Burson area. Deputies responded to reports of a firearm being discharged from a vehicle in the 7000 block of Southworth Road. The shots were fired in the direction of a residence, though no one was injured, and the victims were not known to the suspect.
Shortly after, a second call reported an assault at a gas station in the 3000 block of Highway 12. A victim, seated inside their vehicle, was confronted by Hickerson Jr. The suspect physically assaulted the victim through the vehicle’s window, continuing the attack as the victim attempted to drive away. After the assault, Hickerson Jr. followed the victim in his truck for a brief period before leaving the area. The victim did not know the suspect.
Following the assault, Hickerson Jr. traveled to a residence in the 5000 block of Chile Camp Road, where he attempted to contact the occupants. When they refused entry, he began vandalizing the property by throwing objects at the house. A resident reported hearing a single gunshot outside. Deputies arrived and discovered Hickerson Jr.’s truck had been involved in a collision, partially blocking Chile Camp Road. They located Hickerson Jr. nearby and detained him. While in custody, he resisted deputies before ultimately being arrested.
A search of the scene and the suspect’s vehicle resulted in the discovery and seizure of three firearms. Hickerson Jr. was transported and booked into the Calaveras County Jail on multiple felony charges, including criminal threats, vandalism, elder abuse, threatening an officer, possession of an assault weapon, carrying a loaded firearm, negligent discharge of a firearm, assault with a deadly weapon, and false imprisonment.
This case remains under investigation.”
