On 05/17/2015 at approximately 5:00PM, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a dead body in the area of Weber Creek.  The body was located in a rocky area amongst many trees and bushes near Helmrich Lane in Placerville.  The body had initially been located by two juveniles who were walking in the area and was in poor condition.

Coroner Detectives have determined that the decedent was a white female adult who was approximately 60-70 years of age. An autopsy was conducted and no signs of foul play were present. Coroner Detectives have been working to identify the decedent.

On May 19, 2015, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 hangup at a residence in Minden, NV.  During their investigation, Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies located what they believed to be controlled substance paraphernalia.  Suspecting drug activity by the occupants, the Douglas County Deputies continued their investigation and detained the occupants, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Deputy Mark Zlendick and an unidentified female.  As a result of their investigation, Deputy Zlendick was arrested for drug related charges and booked into the Douglas County Jail in Nevada.  Deputy Zlendick posted bail and was released.  Deputy Zlendick, employed since 2004, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.  This is an ongoing criminal investigation being conducted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.  Any questions related to the investigation and arrest should be directed to Douglas County Press Information Officer Pat Brooks at 775-782-9931.

On 05/18/15 at about 9:30 AM, a deputy was dispatched to the Pine Top Montessori School in Pollock Pines regarding a suspicious occupied vehicle. The school reported a White Male Adult came onto school grounds and told employees they were teaching the children how to become terrorists. The male was seen driving a white Volvo sedan.

On the deputy’s arrival, the individual and the vehicle were gone. The male, described as about 55 years-old, 6’ tall, with an average build, and gray hair had contacted staff asking what type of nationalities were present at the school. The male claimed that college students were being taught how to join ISIS and that Chinese people are terrorists. When the male returned to his car, staff called the Sheriff’s Office.

After calling EDSO, the male re-approached the front door of the school and found it locked. He knocked and asked to enter but the staff refused. The subject returned to his vehicle and drive away. No students reportedly came in contact with him.

Anyone who has information regarding this person or vehicle is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office. Please call our office number at (530) 621-5655 or send us an email at edso.org.

Lt. Tom Murdoch