KEENE, Calif. (AP) ― Flames forced the evacuation of nearby homes in Keene, Calif.
Several California homes remained evacuated Sunday after the car of a freight train that derailed near a small town burned and choked the area with thick, black smoke.
Kern County Fire Department spokesman Sean Collins said earlier that the homes in the area were evacuated as a precaution after a toxic cloud surged from the flames. A temporary shelter was set up at Tehachapi High School for evacuees.
This is a news release of the Kern County Sheriff’s Department. Please do not contact the Sheriff’s Communications Center.
Date: Monday, May 19, 2008
Time: 12:46:11 PM
Details:
On May 14, 2008, Kern County resident JESUS HERMINO RAMOS-GOMEZ (D.O.B. 12/21/89), was arrested by Los Angeles Police Department Hollywood Division for possession of a concealed handgun.
RAMOS-GOMEZ was in possession of a Glock 9mm pistol. The Los Angeles Police Department investigation found that the handgun was entered into the Automated Firearms System as evidence and
seized by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the handgun was supposed to be in the Kern County Sheriff’s Office property room.
This incident resulted in an immediate audit of firearms kept at the Kern County Sheriffs Office property room. A preliminary audit discovered that twenty handguns were unaccounted for. The unaccounted handguns are limited to ones in which the cases had been adjudicated and were no longer being held for evidence. These firearms were in the process of being disposed.
Detectives assigned to the Kern County Sheriffs Office General Investigations Robbery/Homicide Unit, assisted by the Special Operations Group and Gang Unit started an immediate investigation.
EDGARD LUIS NAVA, a Hispanic male adult, date of birth 9/13/89, was identified as a suspect in the theft of the firearms. NAVA was an “extra help” part-time employee of the Kern County Sheriffs Office assigned to the property room. NAVA had been employed by the Sheriff’s Office since December 2007.
A search warrant was served at NAVA’s residence. Evidence indicating that NAVA was involved in the theft of the firearms was located. None of the firearms were located at NAVA’s residence. NAVA was also found to be in possession of a small amount of suspected methamphetamine. On May 18, 2008, NAVA was booked into the Kern County Jail for possession of suspected methamphetamine and nineteen counts of firearm theft. His bail was set at $200,000. His arraignment is set for May 20, 2008 at 1500 hours.
The investigation identified several locations where the stolen firearms had been disposed at. Detectives subsequently served five search warrants resulting in the recovery of three handguns, all of which
had been removed from the Kern County Sheriffs Office property room. These were weapons identified in the audit.
As a result of the service of the search warrants, an additional suspect, AARON WALKER, a black male adult, date of birth 11/4/89, was arrested for possession of one of the firearms and possession of
marijuana. His bail was set at $20,000. WALKER was subsequently released from custody after posting bail.
The investigation is continuing.
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