January 2024 Ranger Blotter
Enforcement
Violations: 195
Reports (16 total)
4x Burglary
4x Vandalism
3x Vehicle Prohibited
1x Possession of / Discharging Weapon
Medical
Reports (3 total)
1x Psychiatric Suicide
1x Illness
1x Non-Injury Accident
Fire
No Reports
Misc.
Reports (1 total)
1x Animal Incident
Report Summaries
On January 4, a ranger discovered the theft of the fire danger sign, also known as the Smokey the Bear sign, at the corner of Hicks Road and Pheasant Road inside of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Steps to replace the sign are being taken.
On January 8, a ranger responded to a report of a vandalized vehicle at Lot 2 in Rancho San Antonio County Park. The keyhole on the victim’ s driver' s door was damaged which is consistent with recent vehicle burglaries in the area. No items were missing.
On January 10, a ranger discovered a visitor in a parked car in the Cloverdale Ranch Open Space Preserve Wilber's Watch Parking Area. The visitor was deceased from an apparent self- inflicted gunshot wound. The visitor was pronounced deceased by the San Mateo County Fire Department and was transported from the scene by the San Mateo County Coroner' s Office.
On January 11, a ranger responded to a hiker complaining of nausea and fatigue in Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. The ranger provided aid until San Mateo County Fire Department arrived on the scene. The patient was transported by ground ambulance to the hospital.
On January 13, a ranger investigated a vehicle accident that occurred in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve off Highway 35. The ranger found the driver, who denied needing medical care. There was no damage to Midpen property, and the vehicle was left on Midpen land until it could be towed at a later date.
On January 13, a ranger responded to a verbal disturbance violation that occurred in Rancho San Antonio County Park Lot 6. Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office responded and transported one subject off-site. Another subject was detained briefly and released without incident.
On January 13, a motor vehicle prohibition violation occurred in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve when an Amazon delivery driver became lost after entering gate WH06 to deliver a package and drove towards Spring Ridge Trail. The driver slid off the trail due to wet conditions. The driver was verbally warned about the violation and a tow truck removed the vehicle the next day.
On January 14, a ranger responded to a report of a dog bite incident on the Cordilleras Trail in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve. The ranger spoke with the victim, contacted the dog’s owner, facilitated information exchange between the parties, provided basic medical care to the victim, and documented the incident.
On January 19, a tow truck became stuck and caused minor damage to an off-road area adjacent to a driveway in Thornewood Open Space Preserve. The tow truck attempted to turn around in a meadow that was very muddy. The driver damaged two Midpen barricades attempting to rescue the vehicle and the meadow suffered extensive rutting. Rangers responded and took a report. Restitution may be sought from the tow company.
On January 19, an auto burglary occurred in the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve parking lot in Portola Valley. The vehicle had minor damage and multiple debit/credit cards were stolen. The victim filed a report with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.
On January 20, a ranger took a report of a vehicle that was vandalized at Rancho San Antonio County Park. The keyhole on the driver's door was damaged, which is consistent with recent vehicle burglaries in the area. The victim reported no items missing.
On January 25, a ranger observed a vehicle that was prohibited inside gate SA12 and two violations of unlawful defacement of a split-rail fence, in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Two suspects were cited and released.
On January 26, a ranger took a report of an auto burglary that occurred in Rancho San Antonio County Park Lot 6. Information was gathered from the victim and a report was filed with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.
On January 26, a ranger responded to a report of a school group displaying unsafe trail use on the Lower Meadow Trail in Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. The group of runners were in a pack and almost hit the other visitor as they did not leave room for him. The ranger contacted the running group and spoke with the coach about permit rules. Information was gathered and the incident was documented.
