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Shafter United News Network, Shafter, CA (2026)

09/08/2026

🚔 SHAFTER POLICE ACTIVITY🚔

The following arrests and citations were reported for the week of August 31 through September 6. Exact street numbers have been removed, and only general locations are included.

📅 AUGUST 31

Emily Bautista, 18
📍 W. Los Angeles Ave.
• On-view arrest
• Incident #2608310038
• PC 311.2(a) — Send/possess/etc. obscene matter with prior (F)

Lisbet Isamar Catalan, 34
📍 Karla St.
• Summoned/cited
• Incident #2608310036
• Outside agency warrant

📅 SEPTEMBER 1

Julio Cesar Patazca Fernandez, 34
📍 Red Pine Dr.
• On-view arrest
• Incident #2609010010
• PC 243(e)(1) — Battery: spouse/ex-spouse/date/etc. (M)
• PC 273.6(a) — Violation of domestic violence court order (M)
• PC 166(a)(4) — Contempt of court/disobey court order (M)

Jose Tajincastro, 33
📍 Central Valley Highway
• On-view arrest
• Incident #2609010024
• PC 243.4(a) — Sexual battery by restraint (F)
• PC 273.5(a) — Corporal injury on spouse/cohabitant/dating relationship, aggravated (F)
• PC 236 — False imprisonment with violence/etc. (F)

📅 SEPTEMBER 2

Daniel Anthony Gonzales, 45
📍 Central Valley Highway
• Summoned/cited
• Incident #2609020013
• PC 978.5 — Bench warrant/failure to appear on misdemeanor charge (M)

Vanessa Espinosa Oros, 40
📍 Pacific Ave./Central Valley Highway
• On-view arrest
• Incident #2609020032
• PC 647(f) — Disorderly conduct: under influence of drug (M)

📅 SEPTEMBER 3

Esteban Moreno, 19
📍 Zachary Ave.
• On-view arrest
• Incident #2609020071
• PC 487(a) — Grand theft: money/labor/property from building (F)

Vanessa Espinosa Oros, 40
📍 California Ave.
• On-view arrest
• Incident #2609030050
• PC 647(f) — Disorderly conduct: under influence of drug (M)

📅 SEPTEMBER 4

Patricia Gonzalez, 28
📍 W. Orange Ave.
• On-view arrest
• Incident #2609040085
• PC 602(m) — Trespass: occupy property without consent (M)

Marc Anthony Ayala, 32
📍 W. Orange Ave.
• On-view arrest
• Incident #2609040085
• PC 602(m) — Trespass: occupy property without consent (M)

Sarah Nicole McFadden, 45
📍 Amberdale Way
• On-view arrest
• Incident #2609040092
• PC 647(f) — Disorderly conduct: alcohol (M)

Omar Chavez, 36
📍 W. Orange Ave.
• On-view arrest
• Incident #2609040094
• PC 978.5 — Bench warrant/failure to appear on misdemeanor charge (M)

Alonzo Lee Montiel, 37
📍 Hick Lane/Venable Ave.
• On-view arrest
• Incident #2609040102
• HS 11378 — Possession of controlled substance for sale (F)
• PC 496d(a) — Possession of stolen vehicle/vessel/etc. (F)
• HS 11379(a) — Transport/etc. controlled substance (F)
• HS 11350(a) — Possession of narcotic controlled substance (F)
• VC 23152(a) — DUI alcohol (M)

📅 SEPTEMBER 5

Cesar Navarro Hernandez, 36
📍 N. Central Valley Highway/Bender Ave.
• On-view arrest
• Incident #2609050055
• VC 23152(a) — DUI alcohol (M)
• PC 25400(a)(1) — Carry concealed weapon in vehicle (M)
• VC 21658(a) — Laned roadway
• VC 23222(a) — Possession of open container

Mark Robert Mathison, 55
📍 Mountain Aspen Ln.
• On-view arrest
• Incident #2609050012
• PC 602(o)(1) — Trespass/refuse to leave property (M)

📅 SEPTEMBER 6

Jose Juan Gutierrez, 59
📍 S. Shafter Ave.
• Summoned/cited
• Incident #2609060034
• VC 14601.2(a) — Driving while suspended, DUI

Michael Max Solomonian, 36
📍 S. Shafter Ave.
• On-view arrest
• Incident #2609060036
• PC 978.5 — Bench warrant/failure to appear on felony charge (F)
• PC 978.5 — Bench warrant/failure to appear on misdemeanor charge (M)

Francisco Uriel Trujillo, 25
📍 Walker St.
• Summoned/cited
• Incident #2609060037
• PC 978.5 — Bench warrant/failure to appear on misdemeanor charge (M)
• VC 23109(c) — Aid/abet exhibition of speed

⚖️ All charges listed are allegations from the provided police records. An arrest or citation does not constitute a conviction. All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

📩 Have information, photos, or video related to police activity in Shafter? Message SUNN.

09/03/2026

⚠️ SHAFTER SCHOOL SAFETY ADVISORY🚨

The Shafter Police Department says it is aware of threats circulating on social media involving local schools.

According to the department, authorities have not identified any credible threats against Shafter schools at this time. Officers will continue monitoring the situation and reviewing any information brought to their attention.

Community members are urged not to share unverified claims or rumors, as doing so could create unnecessary fear. Anyone with specific information or who notices concerning activity should report it directly to law enforcement.

The safety of Shafter’s students, school employees and the community remains the highest priority.

Source: Shafter Police Department

08/31/2026

🚔 SHAFTER POLICE ACTIVITY REPORT

The following police activity was reported by the Shafter Police Department for the week of August 24 through August 30, 2026.

📅 AUGUST 24

Juan Alberto Campos Galindo, 35
📍 Tulare Ave. & N. Wall
• On-view arrest
• Contempt of court/disobeying court order (M)
• Possession of a controlled substance (M)

Diene Fuentes, 44
📍 Atkinson Ave.
• On-view arrest
• Vandalism — $400 or more (F)

📅 AUGUST 25

Alexis Isaac Fajardo, 27
📍 Louise St. & W. Ash Ave.
• On-view arrest
• DUI alcohol (M)

📅 AUGUST 27

Carla Mercado Vargas, 46
📍 S. Shafter Ave.
• Summoned/cited
• Bench warrant/failure to appear on misdemeanor charge (M)

📅 AUGUST 28

Higinio Barraza, 43
📍 Poplar Ave.
• On-view arrest
• Corporal injury on a child — aggravated (M)
• Disorderly conduct/alcohol (M)

Ervin Camarena, 34
📍 Brittany St.
• On-view arrest
• Inflicting corporal injury on spouse/cohabitant/dating relationship — aggravated (F)
• Assault with a deadly weapon, not a fi***rm — aggravated (F)

📅 AUGUST 29

Conrado Ortega Salinas, 72
📍 E. Marengo Ave. & S. Shafter Ave.
• On-view arrest
• Disorderly conduct/alcohol (M)

Jose Antonio Rivera, 50
📍 James St.
• Summoned/cited
• Bench warrant/failure to appear on misdemeanor charge (M)

Zurina Marie Tapia, 32
📍 Curtis Ave.
• On-view arrest
• Outside agency warrant
• Bench warrant/failure to appear on misdemeanor charge (M)
• Trespassing/occupying property without consent (M)

📅 AUGUST 30

Emanuel Garcia, 31
📍 N. Shafter Ave.
• Summoned/cited
• Bench warrant/failure to appear on misdemeanor charge (M)

Everardo Gomez, 40
📍 Central Valley Hwy. & Central Ave.
• Summoned/cited
• Bench warrant/failure to appear on misdemeanor charge (M)

⚖️ All individuals listed are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges listed reflect the information reported at the time of the incident and do not represent a conviction.

📲 Have information, photos, or video related to police activity in Shafter? Send SUNN a message through Messenger or Instagram.

Shafter United News Network (SUNN)
Independent. Community-Focused. Committed to Truth.

08/30/2026

🕊️Questions Remain After Missing Shafter Man Is Found Dead Near Santa Barbara Jail🕊️

David Mireles, 53, of Shafter, was found dead August 27 on a brush-covered hillside beside the Santa Barbara County Main Jail administration building, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

A custody staff member discovered him around 2:50 p.m. Responding emergency personnel confirmed his death, and fingerprints established his identity.

Authorities said CHP arrested Mireles August 19 on suspicion of misdemeanor DUI. He was cited and released August 20 at approximately 10:23 a.m.

More than five hours later, CHP notified sheriff’s officials that Mireles had been reported missing from Shafter. Deputies searched the jail grounds and surrounding area but did not locate him.

The Sheriff’s Office said vegetation concealed the location from the nearby walkway and road. Investigators believe Mireles may have been there since shortly after his release.

Officials reported no indication of foul play. Although authorities noted existing medical conditions, his cause and manner of death remain undetermined, pending the Coroner’s Bureau investigation.

SUNN extends its condolences to Mireles’ family and loved ones.

08/28/2026

🚨 MISSING 15-YEAR-OLD — PUBLIC’S HELP NEEDED 🚨

The Shafter Police Department is urgently asking for the public’s help locating 15-year-old Surabie Sosanvongsa.

Surabie was last seen at approximately 4:28 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, being picked up by a brown, older-model van in the 3300 block of Rustic Woods Lane in Shafter.

Description:

• Height: 5 feet 2 inches
• Weight: Approximately 150 pounds
• Brown hair and brown eyes
• Last seen wearing a gray shirt, black shorts and sandals

Anyone who has seen Surabie, recognizes the vehicle described, or has surveillance footage or information that could help locate her is urged to contact the Shafter Police Department immediately at (661) 746-8500.

Please share this post to help bring Surabie home safely.

Information and photograph provided by the Shafter Police Department.

08/24/2026

🚨 SHAFTER POLICE ACTIVITY REPORT
August 17–23, 2026

The following information was obtained through police public records. Exact street numbers have been omitted.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17

• 7:49 a.m. — Michael Max Solomonian, 36, was arrested on the block of East Marengo Avenue on an outside warrant. Incident #2608170023.

• 8:06 a.m. — Jesus Yanez Martinez, 45, was cited on the block of South Shafter Avenue for an alleged misdemeanor bench warrant/failure to appear. Incident #2608170025.

• 2:44 p.m. — Jonathan Alexander Cruz, 30, was arrested on the block of East Lerdo Highway for allegedly possessing unlawful drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct while under the influence of drugs. Incident #2608170055.

• 4:55 p.m. — Angel Molina Garcia, 37, was cited on the block of Karla Street for an alleged misdemeanor bench warrant/failure to appear. Incident #2608170062.

MONDAY, AUGUST 18

• 11:52 a.m. — Leonel Gonzalez Jr., 43, was arrested on East Lerdo Highway for an alleged misdemeanor bench warrant/failure to appear. Incident #2608180032.

• 3:35 p.m. — Everardo Gomez, 40, was cited on North Central Valley Highway for an alleged misdemeanor bench warrant/failure to appear. Incident #2608180049.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19

• 5:12 p.m. — Dominique Earl Baker, 33, was arrested on Mark Avenue for allegedly taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent/vehicle theft. Incident #2608190045.

• 6:25 p.m. — Ronnie Jaye Antonio, 36, was arrested on East Tulare Avenue for allegedly threatening a school or public officer with prejudice, obstructing or resisting a public/peace officer or emergency medical technician, and disorderly conduct involving alcohol. Incident #2608190049.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20

• 1:33 a.m. — Jonathan Emanuel Valenzueladeza, 23, was arrested on South Shafter Avenue for alleged disorderly conduct involving alcohol. Incident #2608200009.

• 10:33 a.m. — Jessica Plaza, 48, was cited on Central Valley Highway for an alleged misdemeanor bench warrant/failure to appear. Incident #2608200045.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22

• 3:27 a.m. — Adrian Olivo, 22, was arrested on East Euclid Avenue for allegedly carrying a concealed weapon. Incident #2608220007.

• 10:54 a.m. — Corissa Montoya, 34, was cited near East Tulare Avenue and Cross Street for an alleged misdemeanor bench warrant/failure to appear. Incident #2608220023.

• 1:15 p.m. — Jose Ramon Limones Salinas, 29, was cited on Central Valley Highway for an alleged misdemeanor bench warrant/failure to appear. Incident #2608220029.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

• 12:10 a.m. — Luis Dominguez Hernandez, 48, was arrested on East Lerdo Highway for alleged disorderly conduct involving alcohol. Incident #2608230001.

• 1:59 a.m. — Eduardo Rodelas Jr., 26, was arrested near East Ash Avenue and Thompson Street for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving and driving without a license. Incident #2608230005.

All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Anyone involved may contact Shafter United News Network through Messenger to provide a statement, video or additional information.

08/22/2026

🚨 SHAFTER OFFICIALS STAND BEHIND FLOCK CAMERAS AMID NATIONAL PRIVACY DEBATE🚨

Automated license plate-reading cameras operated by Flock Safety are facing increased scrutiny across the country. While many law enforcement agencies continue using the technology, other cities have paused their systems or terminated contracts over concerns involving privacy, data storage, information sharing, potential misuse and government surveillance.

I recently spoke directly with Shafter Police Chief Randy Milligan during a city council meeting and with our City Manager Lance Lippincott over the phone about the future of the cameras in Shafter.

According to Chief Milligan and City Manager Lippincott, Flock cameras have assisted Shafter police with numerous investigations, including vehicle thefts and the kidnapping of a child.

Chief Milligan also said that earlier that same day of the meeting talk, Shafter’s Flock system helped authorities locate an individual who had fled from the California Highway Patrol. Once the vehicle entered Shafter, the system reportedly helped Shafter police locate it, and the individual was arrested within a matter of minutes.

In the kidnapping case, investigators were reportedly able to use Flock’s artificial-intelligence technology to identify and track the suspect’s vehicle partly because of a distinctive sticker on it. The vehicle was tracked to San Diego, where the suspect was apprehended.

Flock cameras capture license plates and visible vehicle characteristics, including the make, model, color, body type and distinguishing features such as stickers, vehicle damage or roof racks. This information can provide investigators with important leads even when a complete license plate number is unavailable.

I also asked who can access Shafter’s Flock system and what safeguards are in place. I was told that access is restricted to authorized higher-ranking personnel and that every search is logged. An auditing process is also in place to determine whether the system has been improperly accessed or misused.

Officials said an employee found to have misused the system could face disciplinary action, termination and, depending on the circumstances, possible criminal charges.

I was also assured that neither the Shafter Police Department nor the City of Shafter shares its Flock information with federal agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly known as ICE.

Law enforcement agencies choosing to keep Flock commonly point to its ability to locate stolen vehicles, find missing or kidnapped people, identify suspect vehicles and quickly provide investigative leads.

Agencies ending or reconsidering their contracts have raised concerns about who controls the information, how long it is stored, whether it can be shared with outside agencies and whether existing safeguards are strong enough to prevent abuse.

Those same arguments are also reflected in the ongoing community discussion on a Shafter Chismosos post. Where Public reactions and comments in Shafter has been mixed. Some residents support the cameras because of their potential to recover stolen vehicles and help solve serious crimes. Others have raised questions about privacy, access to the system, information sharing and the possibility of misuse.

These differing views highlight why the debate ultimately centers on balancing public safety with privacy and accountability. Shafter officials maintain that the technology has produced significant results locally and that restricted access, search logs and audits provide safeguards against misuse.

I will continue asking questions and monitoring how this technology is used in Shafter.

Prepared by Abad Gonzalez
Founder & Chief Executive Producer
At Shafter United News Network (SUNN)

08/20/2026

♻️ FREE HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS-WASTE COLLECTION IN SHAFTER

Shafter residents will have an opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted household hazardous waste free of charge tomorrow at the Shafter-Wasco Landfill.

📅 Friday, August 21, 2026
⏰ 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
📍 Shafter-Wasco Landfill
17621 Scofield Avenue
💲 Free for residents

This special collection is for residential household hazardous waste only. Commercial and business waste will not be accepted.

Proper disposal helps prevent hazardous materials from entering regular trash, streets, drains and the environment. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this local one-day collection opportunity.

Information obtained from an official Kern County Public Works announcement.

08/19/2026

🚨 SHAFTER CONSIDERING NEW ORDINANCE PROHIBITING SLEEPING AND CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY

The City of Shafter is considering adding Chapter 9.48 — Sleeping in Public Places to Title 9 of the Shafter Municipal Code, which covers public peace, morals and welfare.

Under the proposed ordinance, it would be unlawful for a person to sleep, camp, or store personal belongings on public property within the city. This could include:

• Public parks
• Streets and sidewalks
• City-owned parking lots
• Alleys and public rights-of-way
• Other property owned or controlled by the city

The proposal states that its purpose is to keep public areas “accessible, sanitary, and available for their intended public use.”

The ordinance could give Shafter police and other city officials additional authority to address people sleeping or establishing camps on public property. However, questions remain about how it would be enforced, what penalties would apply, how personal belongings would be handled, and whether individuals would first be offered shelter or other assistance.

In 2024, the United States Supreme Court ruled in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson that the Eighth Amendment does not automatically prevent cities from enforcing generally applicable laws regulating camping on public property—even when shelter space is unavailable. That ruling gave cities more authority to adopt ordinances like the one now being considered in Shafter.

Supporters may argue that the ordinance is needed to keep parks, sidewalks, and other public areas clean, safe, and accessible. Others may believe the city should provide shelter, mental-health services, substance-abuse treatment, and housing assistance before citing or removing individuals.

A public hearing is scheduled for September 1, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. inside the Shafter City Hall Council Chambers. The City Council may receive public comments before taking action.

What do you think? Should Shafter prohibit sleeping and camping on public property, or should additional services and shelter options be established first?

Information obtained from an official City of Shafter public notice and the proposed municipal-code amendment.

08/17/2026

🚨 SHAFTER POLICE ACTIVITY REPORT
Week of August 10–16, 2026

The following information was obtained from police public records. All incidents are listed in date order. Exact street numbers have been removed.

📅 August 10

• Carla Mercado Vargas — Cited at 10:17 a.m. near South Wall Street and Stone Avenue. Alleged charge: misdemeanor bench warrant/failure to appear. Incident #2608100023.

• Juan Martin Barraza — Cited at 10:52 a.m. near Mannel Avenue and Burbank Street. Alleged charge: possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Incident #2608100027.

• Sergio Acosta Prieto — Arrested at 12:34 p.m. near South Shafter Avenue and Los Angeles Avenue. Alleged charge: misdemeanor bench warrant/failure to appear. Incident #2608100038.

📅 August 11

• Efrain Valdovinos — Arrested at 5:38 p.m. on the block of Posos Avenue. Alleged charges: false imprisonment involving violence, aggravated corporal injury to a spouse/cohabitant/dating partner, and misdemeanor child abuse. Incident #2608110086.

📅 August 12

• Efrain Valdovinos — Arrested at 7:54 a.m. on the block of Poso Avenue. Alleged charges: violating a domestic-violence court order and contempt of court for disobeying a court order. Incident #2608120021.

• Adolfo Lopez Jr. — Cited at 3:42 p.m. near Gossamer Grove Boulevard and Forest Village Drive. Alleged charge: an outside-agency misdemeanor warrant. Incident #2608120074.

• Gabriel Alcala — Cited at 3:44 p.m. near Gossamer Grove Boulevard and Forest Village Drive. Alleged charges: driving without a license, possession of a controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Incident #2608120074.

📅 August 13

• Ronnie Jaye Antonio — Arrested at 2:20 p.m. on the block of Faber Street. Alleged charge: disorderly conduct involving alcohol. Incident #2608130048.

• Mark Robert Mathison — Arrested at 2:42 p.m. near Olive Drive and Knudsen Drive. Alleged charges: assault with a deadly weapon other than a fi***rm, possession of a controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia. Incident #2608110093.

📅 August 14

• Theresa Arambula — Arrested at 3:47 a.m. near South Beech Avenue and Los Angeles Avenue. Alleged charges: impersonation to make another person liable, DUI involving alcohol, and outside-agency warrants. Incident #2608140008.

📅 August 15

• Osoar Manuel Mercado Jr. — Cited at 11:09 a.m. near Driver Road and Burbank Street. Alleged charges: misdemeanor bench warrant/failure to appear, driving with a license suspended for DUI, and failure to stop as required. Incident #2608150036.

All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Arrests and citations do not constitute convictions.

Anyone directly involved may contact SUNN through Messenger to provide additional information, photographs, video or a statement.

Shafter United News Network

09/08/2026

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