Month: December 2024

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

Undeniably, 2024 was one weird-ass year!

Maybe not so much in Glenn County, but nationally … yeah, it was really strange. Still, let us review some of the most noteworthy Glenn County stories of 2024, as reported by The Observer:

The July 2 story concerning the death of Tracey “Mr. Q.” Quarne was the most read of all the posts published in The Glenn County Observer in 2024, reaching more than 12,761 people.

As for other stories, on Tuesday, January 16, Luke Vongkoth was arrested as the suspect in a triple stabbing at an Orland residence.

On Friday, February 2, Christopher Kavanaugh was arrested as the suspect in another Orland stabbing.

On February 9, The Observer reported that former Orland resident Dana James received a $3 million settlement after Oroville police officers allegedly abandoned her alongside a desolate road in Butte County.

On Wednesday, February 28, four Corning teenagers, three of them minors, were arrested following a shooting at the Paigewood Village Apartments in Orland. On Thursday, March 28, at least one of the teens, an adult, was arrested for a murder in Montana. A second teen, a minor, who was arrested in connection with the murder, was from the Orland area.

On Sunday, March 17, Joseph Corona was arrested as the suspect in a stabbing murder at the Cedar Ridge apartments in Willows.

On Saturday, May 4, The Observer reported that two days earlier, a Chico man was arrested as the suspect in an attack on a California Highway Patrol officer that occurred north of Hamilton City.

On Thursday, May 16, Ramiro Robles Gomez was arrested as the suspect in a stabbing in Willows.

On Tuesday, May 28, family reported that longtime firefighter and community volunteer B.C. Cameron had died.

On Monday, June 24, an Orland woman died following a crash at County Roads M and 24.

On Tuesday, July 2, The Observer reported that former Glenn County teacher, Orland City Councilman, Glenn County Supervisor, and Glenn County Superintendent of Schools Tracey “Mr. Q.” Quarne died following a vehicle accident in North Dakota on Sunday, June 30.

On Wednesday, July 17, The Observer reported that on July 16, two men were killed in a vehicle crash on County Road X near County Road 34.

The Observer published an obituary for Barney Cook, 84, of Stonyford, who died on Tuesday, July 16.

On Monday, July 29, The Observer reported that on July 28, a pedestrian on Interstate 5 near County Road 39, was struck multiple times and killed while crossing the freeway.

On Thursday, August 1, The Observer reported that the bodies of two men found in a submerged vehicle in the Glenn-Colusa Canal the previous day were likely those of two Yuba City men who had been missing for several days.

On Friday, August 2, The Observer reported that a Willows man had been arrested for the 1982 murder of a teenager in Sonoma County.

On Sunday, September 8, The Observer reported on the shooting of a person on East Central Street in Orland.

On Friday, September 20, The Observer reported on the September 19 shooting of a person (the second in less than a month) at a residence on Benson Drive in western Orland.

On Tuesday, September 24, The Observer reported on an alleged kidnapping of a teenager that occurred in Hamilton City the previous day.

On Wednesday, September 25, an obituary for former District Attorney Robert “Bob” Holzapfel was published.

On Thursday, October 24, The Observer reported on a gunfight that occurred late Wednesday night in the 200 block of East Walker Street.

On Sunday, October 27, The Observer reported on an alleged alcohol-related vehicle crash that took the life of a small child. The crash occurred early the previous evening on County Road M near County Road 27.

November and December were relatively (emphasis on relatively) quiet. Let’s hope that continues well into 2025.

Update: Unfortunately, December ended on a tragic note. Just a few hours before the start of the new year, a vehicle accident occurred on the southbound side of Interstate 5, just north of County Road 68. At least two people were killed.

Watch for tomorrow’s Observer for details.

Glenn County Observer

Glenn County unemployment figures for November were released on Monday, December 30.

According to the California Employment Development Department, the November unemployment rate in Glenn County was estimated to be 5.9 percent. Glenn County’s labor force was numbered at 12,710 people, of which 11,950 were actually employed, and 760 were unemployed.

November unemployment rates for surrounding counties were:

Tehama County, 6.0 percent;

Colusa County, 11.9 percent;

Butte County, 5.6 percent;

Lake County, 6.2 percent; and

Mendocino County, 5.1 percent.

The monthly unemployment rate for Glenn County was:

January, 8.1 percent;

February, 8.4 percent;

March, 7.7 percent;

April, 6.9 percent;

May, 5.7 percent;

June, 6.5 percent;

July, 7.1 percent;

August, 6.8 percent;

September, 5.8 percent;

October, 5.7 percent; and

November, 5.9 percent.

Nationally, the November unemployment rate was 4.2 percent, according to the United States Department of Labor.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

Back in September, The Observer reported that a Hamilton City man was arrested for allegedly kidnapping a teenager.

The incident was reported at about 1:30 a.m. on Monday, September 23, 2024, when the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office was told of a missing 14-year-old child from Hamilton City.

Deputies contacted the parents, who said the child had possibly gone fishing with a man they did not know much about.

A search was conducted utilizing deputies and assistance from the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and the Butte County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue.

The child and the man were found on the Sacramento River, south of Big Chico Creek.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, the child was reunited with “their” [sic] parents and the 64-year-old man, Eleazar Gamboa Martinez, of 150 Shasta Avenue, Hamilton City, was taken into custody and booked into the Glenn County Jail.

Martinez was charged with alleged kidnapping (a felony), child stealing (a felony), and possession of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor).

His bail was set at $140,000.

Now that you are all reacquainted with the case, here is what has happened since:

In court, the only charge that Martinez faced was abduction of a child (a misdemeanor).

On November 6, he pled guilty. On that same date, he received a sentence of “time served” in the Glenn County Jail, and one year of unsupervised probation.

A community service review to be heard by Judge Donald Cole Byrd is scheduled for 10 a.m. on February 18, 2025.

Glenn County Observer

Remember the shooting that took place at the Black Bear Diner in Willows on April 7?

According to an April 9 press release from the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office, at 9:37 a.m. on Sunday, April 7, the sheriff’s office received a report of a physical altercation in the Black Bear Diner parking lot in Willows. Deputies arrived and found the involved parties had fled the scene prior to their arrival.

After speaking with witnesses, deputies learned one of the involved parties of the altercation had fired a handgun at the other involved parties as they were fleeing the restaurant’s parking lot.

Shortly after the incident in the parking lot, it was reported that Brian Eldridge, 41, walked into Glenn Medical Center with a possible gunshot or stab wound. Deputies responded to Glenn Medical Center and learned Eldridge was the victim of a stabbing.

Through witness statements and video surveillance, deputies were able to determine Eldridge was involved in the altercation at the Black Bear Diner and was subsequently arrested for allegedly willfully discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner and for receiving or being in possession of stolen property.

According to the media release, while responding to the above incident to assist the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol located a motorcyclist believed to be fleeing from scene at the Black Bear Diner incident. CHP conducted an investigative stop on the motorcycle at Highway 99 and County Road 48 in Willows.

The rider was contacted and identified as Bradley Besana, 35. Deputies were able to determine Besana was involved in the altercation at Black Bear Diner and was subsequently arrested for allegedly riding without a license, carrying a concealed stolen firearm, and being in possession of or receiving stolen property.

At the time, no other involved parties had been identified.

According to Glenn County Superior Court records, as of May 14, no complaint was ever filed against Eldridge, and he was “discharged from O/R”.

As for Besana, there wasn’t even a court record for him regarding the charges associated with his April 7 arrest.

Case closed for Eldridge (to the extent one was ever opened); case apparently never opened at all for Besana.

Here is a list of the bookings into the Glenn County Jail, with information provided by jail personnel, the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, and the Orland police log. Remember: Everyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sunday, December 22:

2:28 a.m., Brittnie Michelle Fonseca, 34, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on one Glenn County warrant, and two Shasta County warrants alleging disobeying a court order (a misdemeanor), attempting to possess stolen property (a felony), and possession of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor). Total bail was set at $150,000. She was taken into custody on Highway 99 near County Road 21 by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 2:13 a.m. on December 22, Deputy Ayres conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a 2000 Chevrolet truck for expired registration (10/31/22) on Highway 99 in the area of County Road 21. The deputy contacted the driver, James Hansen of Orland, and passengers Brittnie Fonseca of Corning and Brian Ross, Jr., of Orland. Fonseca was reportedly found to have a local warrant and two out of county warrants. She was arrested and later booked into the Glenn County Jail. Hansen was allegedly found to be on searchable probation. A probation search was conducted on Hanson and the truck. Hansen and Ross were both released, along with the truck.

4:06 a.m., Liliana Mendoza, 22, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging making annoying calls to 911 (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $0. She was taken into custody at 504 First Street, #1, by an Orland police officer.

According to the Orland Police Department log, at about 10:35 a.m. on December 21, the Orland Police Department received a report from Glenn County Sheriff’s dispatch that Liliana Mendoza, 22, of 504 First Street, was calling 911 repeatedly, asking about an on-going investigation. GCSO dispatch requested officers counsel her on appropriate use of 911. Orland police officers attempted contact but there was no answer.

Later, at about 11:45 p.m. on December 21, Orland police officers were dispatched to conduct a welfare check on Mendoza. Officers spoke with Mendoza, who declined assistance from law enforcement. Mendoza was provided with information and resources, and was warned for misuse of 911.

And at about 3:51 a.m. on December 22, Orland police officers were again dispatched to contact Mendoza. She had been contacted by law enforcement multiple times within the last 24 hours and had called 911 approximately eight times. She had previously been warned about her misuse of 911 and she allegedly told officers she was not going to stop calling 911. Officers contacted Mendoza at her residence and she was arrested for misuse of 911.

5:23 p.m., Andrew Brian Devincenzi, 37, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (a misdemeanor), driving while under the influence of alcohol (a misdemeanor), and possession of a firearm by a felon (a felony). Bail was set at $20,000. He was taken into custody on County Road 24 at County Road M by an Orland police officer.

According to the Orland Police Department log, at about 4:55 p.m. on December 22, Orland police officers were dispatched to a report of a possible DUI driver. Officers located the vehicle on Walker Street and conducted a traffic enforcement stop. Andrew Devincenzi, 37, of Orland, was arrested for allegedly driving while under the influence and being a felon in possession of a loaded firearm.

Monday, December 23:

No one was booked into the Glenn County Jail on this date.

Tuesday, December 24:

No one was booked into the Glenn County Jail on this date.

Wednesday, December 25:

3:36 a.m., Maynor Alfaro-Pintor, 25, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge. Bail was set at $20,000. He was taken into custody at 417 Fourth Street, #10, by an Orland police officer.

According to the Orland Police Department log, at about 3:24 a.m. on December 25, Orland police officers were dispatched to 417 Shasta Steet for a report of a 911 hang-up. Maynor Alfaro-Pintor, 25, was contacted and arrested for an outstanding misdemeanor warrant. Alfaro-Pintor was booked into the Glenn County Jail.

Thursday, December 26:

8:02 a.m., Michael Anthony Rogers, 41, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail without bail on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a felony charge. He was taken into custody on County Road I, north of County Road 39, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 7:30 a.m. on December 26, employees at Artois Feed Supply, located at 6540 County Road 33, Artois, called and reported a suspicious man driving around their facility in a multi-colored pickup. Employees said the vehicle was backed up to a flatbed trailer and appeared to be assessing it for a theft. Sgt. Lemmon responded to the business. Deputy Rasmussen arrived in the area and found the vehicle traveling south on Highway 99. A vehicle enforcement stop was made due to multiple equipment violations. The driver, Michael Anthony Rogers, of 18650 County Road 200, Orland, was contacted. He was found to allegedly have an outstanding felony warrant out for his arrest. Deputies learned the warrant was issued by the Tehama County Superior Court. Rogers was ultimately placed under arrest for the warrant. He was also allegedly driving the vehicle while his license was suspended. The vehicle was ultimately released to A Plus Towing. Nothing was stolen from Artois Feed.

Here are some recent death notices, as taken from the Glenn County Sheriff-Coroner’s logs.

Monday, December 23:

Emil Richard Wagenman, 76, died in Willows.

Tuesday, December 24:

Robert Warren Fullington, 81, of Los Banos, died in Willows.

Wednesday, December 25:

Rachel Amanda Quintana of Willows died at Glenn Medical Center in Willows.

Joseph Kulik, 75, of Hamilton City, died at Glenn Medical Center in Willows.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

It is often said that the Constitution of the United States was founded on Judeo-Christian values.

Since very few of the leading Founding Fathers who drew up the Constitution were Christians in the modern sense, I have always been very skeptical of this claim. Why would non-Christians and heretical Christians (in the eyes of modern theologically conservative Christians) establish a constitution based on Christianity? Some of the framers of the Constitution were adherents of deism (the belief that God created the universe but then completely removed himself from it and does not actively participate in the affairs of the world); others were unitarians (theists who reject the Christian Doctrine of the Trinity); and still others were universalists (believers who reject the doctrines of hell and eternal punishment).

If, for some mysterious reason, the Founding Fathers did intend for the Constitution to be a Judeo-Christian document, then one would expect it to reflect the principles found in the Bible. That is, if the Constitution really is based on Judeo-Christian values, then the various clauses in the Constitution should in general be consistent with biblical tenets, and should seldom, or never, contradict the Bible. For example, the Constitution established a republican form of government. Therefore, if the Constitution is a Judeo-Christian document, then one would expect to find references in the Bible that support republicanism.

This, however, is not the case. The first several books in the Hebrew Bible (what most Christians call the Old Testament) say absolutely nothing about republicanism, but clearly advocate a highly authoritarian theocracy headed by an almost omnipotent priesthood. The later books of the Hebrew Bible also say nothing at all about republicanism but promote the idea that political power should be shared by a priesthood and a monarch. As for the New Testament, its authors looked forward to the establishment of a theocratic monarchy headed by the Messiah. Like the rest of the Bible, the New Testament is completely silent about republican forms of government.

The Constitution also established the concept of trial by a jury of one’s peers. Surely an idea such as this, so fundamental to our supposedly Judeo-Christian Constitution, can be found in the Bible! The Bible refers to disputes being settled by priests and other religious leaders (see, for instance, Numbers 15:32-36); by tribal leaders and judges (Exodus 18:13-26); and by monarchs (1 Kings 3:16-28). Although Numbers 5:11-31 even promotes the morally repugnant concept of trial by ordeal, one cannot find a single verse in the Bible that supports the idea of trial by a jury of one’s peers.

The First Amendment to the Constitution provides for freedom of religion. Does this principle come from the Bible? While the First Amendment guarantees religious freedom, the First Commandment expressly forbids it (see Exodus 20:3 and Deuteronomy 5:7). The worship of any god except Yahweh was punishable by death (Deuteronomy 13:9), as was the crime of blasphemy against Yahweh (Leviticus 24:16).

As a final example, the Eighth Amendment forbids the infliction of “cruel and unusual punishments”. Is this derived from the Bible? Sadly, the Bible indicates that God supposedly instituted many different types of cruel and unusual punishments, including execution by burning (Leviticus 20:14 – “And if a man take a wife and her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you.”); execution by stoning (among many other examples, Deuteronomy 21:21 – “Then all the men of [a father’s] city shall stone [his stubborn and rebellious son] with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.”); and whipping with up to 40 lashes those individuals who were found guilty of non-capital crimes (Deuteronomy 25:2-3 – “And it shall be, if the wicked man be worthy to be beaten, that the judge shall cause him to lie down, and to be beaten before his face, according to his fault, by a certain number. Forty stripes he may give him, and not exceed: lest, if he should exceed, and beat him above these with many stripes, then thy brother should seem vile unto thee.”). The Bible also requires the amputation of a woman’s hand for any wife who tried to defend her husband by grabbing his enemy’s genitals (Deuteronomy 25:11-12 – “When men strive together one with another, and the wife of the one draweth near for to deliver her husband out of the hand of him that smiteth him, and putteth forth her hand, and taketh him by the secrets: Then thou shalt cut off her hand, thine eye shalt not pity her.”).

Clearly, we see that there is absolutely no basis for the claim that the Constitution was founded on Judeo-Christian values. In truth, the Constitution was the product of the thinking of the European Enlightenment, not of ancient Judaism and Christianity. The Enlightenment, of course, represented a major step toward secularism and away from religious dogma.

This would explain why the Constitution does not even mention God or Jesus Christ, and provides for the complete separation of state and church.

Terry Lee Bunch of Orland died at a residence in Willows on Sunday, December 15, 2024. He was born in Floydada, Texas, on May 7, 1955.

Known as a gentle giant, he was often the biggest man in the room, but with a comforting disposition.

Outside of coaching and teaching, he had a passion and talent for woodworking. He was known for his strong work ethic and the passion he had for helping troubled students and players.

If you ever met him, then you knew he cared for you, wanted the best for you and at some point, you probably rolled your eyes at his “Dad Jokes”.

He was a talented football player who got a full ride to Angelo State University and was an all-time letter recipient for the ‘73-‘74 season.

He left football to begin his work as a contractor traveling the country building beautiful displays for a chain of jewelry stores before settling down in the small town of Orland.

During this time, he coached football for the Orland Athletic Department, from the smallest players all the way to the varsity high school team. He knew every player’s name who he ever coached.

A devoted husband, loving father, caring grandfather, coach and teacher, he is survived by his children, Erick Bunch and Leesa Bunch (their mother, Bileta Wheeler); wife Judy Bunch; grandchildren Sterling, Dawson and Remi; siblings Alice Gegenheimer, Vivian Saul, Jo Elliott, Joyce Bailey, Willis Bunch, George Bunch and Retha (Bruce) Laymen; 16 nieces and nephews; and countless students and players.

A service is planned for 3 p.m. on Friday, January 3, at F.D. Sweet and Son Funeral Home, 114 North Shasta Street, Willows.

Here is a list of the bookings into the Glenn County Jail, with information provided by jail personnel, the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, and the Orland police log. Remember: Everyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Monday, December 16:

4:22 p.m., Shawn Dale Van Gieson, 51, of Willows, was committed to the Glenn County Jail without bail for misdemeanor violation of probation. He was taken into custody at 672 North Murdock Street, Willows, by a Glenn County probation officer.

Tuesday, December 17:

3:07 a.m., Jose Anthony Hernandez, 21, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of controlled substance paraphernalia (a misdemeanor), and warrants alleging failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge, and misdemeanor battery. Bail on the fresh charge was set at $0. Total bail for the two warrants was set at $50,000. He was taken into custody at Eighth and Colusa Streets by an Orland police officer.

3:10 a.m., Ariel Pantoja, 26, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of a controlled substance (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $0. He was taken into custody at Eighth and Colusa Streets by an Orland police officer.

According to the Orland Police Department’s log, at about 3:04 a.m. on December 17, on Eighth Street at Colusa Street, Orland police officers contacted Jose Hernandez, 21, and Ariel Pantoja, 26, both of Orland. Following an investigation, Hernandez was arrested and booked for two misdemeanor Glenn County warrants and for alleged possession of drug paraphernalia. (See preceding booking report.) Pantoja was arrested and booked for alleged possession of a controlled substance.

Wednesday, December 18:

9:02 a.m., Karla Pahua Ortega, 23, of Orland, was returned to the custody of the Glenn County Jail without bail for carrying a concealed dirk or dagger, possession of drugs or alcohol in a prison or jail, and carjacking (all felonies). She was taken into custody at the Glenn County Probation Department, Willows, by a probation officer.

1:39 p.m., Paul Everette Choquette, 42, of Willows, was remanded to the Glenn County Jail without bail for infliction of corporal injury on a spouse with a prior spousal battery conviction (a felony), and violation of a court order to prevent domestic violence with physical injury (a misdemeanor). He was also remanded for battery on a spouse, ex-spouse, date, etc. (a misdemeanor). Bail for this was set at $5,000. He was taken into custody at the Glenn County Superior Court, 526 West Sycamore Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

Thursday, December 19:

10:50 a.m., Raymond Eddie Valles, 65, of Hamilton City, was booked into the Glenn County Jail without bail on charges alleging violation of post-release community supervision (a felony). He was taken into custody at the Glenn County Probation Department, Willows, by a probation officer.

Friday, December 20:

11:45 a.m., Samara Leticia Obeso, 21, of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, was remanded to the Glenn County Jail for obstructing or resisting an executive officer (a felony), felony vandalism, battery on a spouse, ex-spouse, date, etc. (a misdemeanor), and misdemeanor vandalism. Bail was set at $0. She was taken into custody at the jail by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

3:52 p.m., Megan Kathleen Dawson, 44, of Orland, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of a stolen vehicle (a felony). Bail was set at $10,000. She was taken into custody at the Economy Inn, 435 North Tehama Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

3:52 p.m., Timothy Jack Parker, 39, of Anderson, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging possession of a stolen vehicle, and carrying a concealed dirk or dagger (both felonies). Bail was set at $20,000. He was taken into custody at the Economy Inn, 435 North Tehama Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 3:13 p.m. on December 20, Tanya Velazquez contacted the sheriff’s office, reporting she found her stolen Jeep Cherokee at the Economy Inn, 435 North Tehama Street, Willows. Deputies contacted two people who were associated and initiated an investigation. Megan Kathleen Dawson of Willows (see previous booking report) and Timothy Jack Parker, Jr., of Cottonwood were ultimately placed under arrest for possession of a stolen vehicle.

Saturday, December 21:

12:44 a.m., Lauren Wrae Johnson, 66, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol (both misdemeanors). Bail was set at $10,000. She was taken into custody in the 800 block of North Tehama Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 12:05 a.m. on December 21, Sergeant Johnsen conducted a traffic enforcement stop in the 800 block of North Tehama Street in Willows, after observing a vehicle traveling on the wrong side of the roadway. Deputy Goodwin responded and took over the investigation. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Lauren Johnson of Willows. Johnson admitted to drinking and felt she should not be driving. Deputy conducted standardized field sobriety tests. A preliminary alcohol screening breath test indicated Johnson’s blood alcohol concentration to be 0.19 percent, almost three times the legal limit, which is 0.8 percent. Johnson was subsequently arrested for DUI. Johnson was transported to the Glenn County Jail, where she was booked.

5:52 p.m., Francisco Pais Medina, 63, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging entering a noncommercial building without permission (a misdemeanor). Bail was set at $0. He was taken into custody at 205 North Shasta Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s log, at about 5:09 p.m. on December 21, Collin Plata called the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office to report a trespass on his property at 205 North Shasta Street in Willows. Deputies arrived on scene and found a man inside the residence. The man was identified as Fransico Medina and was detained. Plata wanted to pursue criminal charges for trespassing. Medina was placed under arrest for alleged trespassing and transported to the Glenn County Jail for booking.

11:41 p.m., Ruben Villegas Cruz, 32, of Willows, was booked into the Glenn County Jail on charges alleging public intoxication (a misdemeanor), and corporal injury on a spouse, ex-spouse, date, etc. (a felony). Bail was set at $25,000. He was taken into custody at 1250 West Wood Street, Willows, by a Glenn County Sheriff’s deputy.

According to the Glenn County Sheriff’s logs, at about 11:29 p.m. on December 21, Cicely Hammock called the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office and requested a welfare check on her boyfriend, Ruben Cruz, at Cedar Hills Manor. Hammock told GCSO Communications that Cruz had been drinking and causing a disturbance. Deputy Mallon found a man stumbling across the intersection at North Humboldt Avenue and West Wood Street. Deputy Mallon contacted the man and he identified himself with his California Driver’s License as Ruben Cruz. Cruz had slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his person. Cruz refused to standardized field sobriety tests and preliminary alcohol screening. Deputy Mallon placed Cruz under arrest for alleged public intoxication. Hammock arrived at Deputy Mallon’s location and reported a cold domestic violence from earlier in the day. Deputy Mallon initiated an investigation.

By Larry Judkins

Glenn County Observer

It was almost a year ago that Luke Vongkoth was arrested for stabbing four people at a residence in Orland.

According to a press release from the Orland Police Department issued from the time, at about 4:39 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, officers were dispatched to [226] Plumas Street for a report of multiple victims of stabbings.

Upon arrival, officers found four stabbing victims. It was determined that Luke Vongkoth, 18 [at the time], walked into a bedroom and used a crossbow to shoot a 44-year-old man, but missed.

Vongkoth then pepper sprayed the man and proceeded to stab him in the neck and head area. The man then attempted flee to another room in the home, but Vongkoth pursued him.

As Vongkoth chased the man, he came in contact with a 65-year-old woman. Vongkoth proceeded to stab the woman in the head and neck.

A 67-year-old man attempted to stop Vongkoth, but in doing so was stabbed in his hand. Vongkoth then fled to another room and stabbed a 15-year-old boy in the head and back area.

The boy was able to escape, and Vongkoth was then locked in a room by witnesses at the scene.

While Vongkoth was trapped in the room, he attempted to commit suicide. Witnesses were able to subdue him until law enforcement officers arrived.

Once police officers were there, they were able to quickly detain Vongkoth without incident. Three of the stab victims were transported to an area hospital for their injuries, while one of the victims was treated on scene by paramedics and released.

Vongkoth was arrested and booked into the Glenn County Jail on multiple attempted murder charges.

Since being charged on January 16 with four counts of attempted murder and four counts of felony assault with a deadly weapon, according to Glenn County Superior Court records, Vongkoth apparently underwent mental health evaluations, although this is difficult to determine with certainty as the records are rather vague.

However, on November 1, Vongkoth pled not guilty to the attempted murder charges. Then, just days ago, on December 18, he pled guilty to the four assault charges.

On the same day, the attempted murder charges were dismissed.

Sentencing for Vongkoth for the assault charges is currently planned for Friday, February 14, 2025.