Father’s Day weekend in the SCV turned out to be a busier one for Santa Clarita Sheriff Station deputies, as the weekend crime rate rose over 30% from last weekend. If you’re worried about serious crimes spiking in the SCV – don’t be – the bulk of the additional arrests and charges surrounded possession of a controlled substance. Last weekend five people were arrested on possession charges, this weekend, that number jumped to 12.
The number of people arrested for driving under the influence last weekend matched the prior weekend’s arrests at 5. There were also a few weapons-related charges over the weekend, with one noteworthy case of a Palmdale man found in possession of tear gas. An SCV man was arrested for being a felon or drug addict in possession of a firearm.
The rest of the arrests included a variety of charges, with one of the most serious being two arrests for engaging in an illegal “speed contest.” A “speed contest” is the legal term used when people are caught racing their vehicles. The vehicles, in this case, involved a truck and a sedan. The drivers were apparently so engrossed in their race that they failed to notice the deputy they passed on Soledad Canyon Road. The deputy caught up to the vehicles at an upcoming traffic light and witnessed them both speed away as the light turned green. The deputy pulled both vehicles over and arrested both drivers. Their vehicles are also being impounded for 30 days.
The increase in crime is likely due to more people leaving their houses as the economy opens up. The fact that most of the crimes that exceeded last weekend’s numbers were possession crimes and not violent or property crimes. Still, it’s important to take precautions to keep yourself safe this summer. Remember to follow the 9 pm routine every evening to deter would-be criminals.
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