For Immediate Release

Sergeant Anthony Prencipe

On January 15, 2019, Emergency personnel (EDSO Patrol, CHP, and various fire personnel) were dispatched to a report of a structure fire at a residence in the area of Meyers CA.  Upon arrival emergency personnel found a substantial amount of the home engulfed in flames.  While attempting to render the scene safe emergency personnel located what was recognized to be specialized equipment associated to making BHO (Butane Honey Oil)/concentrated cannabis.

One subject was contacted at the scene and witness statements described other individuals fleeing the rental property prior to law enforcement’s arrival.  Evidence indicates this illegal drug lab was being operated by a group of individuals working together to produce BHO.  The subject contacted on scene was identified as Benjamin Rahrle, age 25.  He was booked into the El Dorado County Jail for manufacturing a controlled substance. 

The rental home, which is located in a residential neighborhood, was heavily damaged.  Based on the volatility of butane and the process of producing BHO, there is a substantial risk to public safety in regards to causing a fire and/or explosion as butane is a highly flammable substance when introduced to a flame or spark, even as minor as static electricity. 

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office focuses on keeping the county safe from individuals placing the public’s safety at risk and continues to request the community’s help in providing information anytime these activities are suspected.

For Immediate Release

Sergeant Anthony Prencipe

On January 15, 2019, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal traffic accident on Highway 50 near Camino Heights Dr, in Camino. The three people that died in the accident have been identified as 51 year old Javier Urenda of Fremont, 24 year old Nancy Jimenez of Stockton, and 1 year old Cielo Urenda of Fremont.

Next of kin notification have been completed. The traffic accident investigation is being conducted by the California Highway Patrol.

With winter fully upon us, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services would like to take this opportunity to advise our residents of NEW sandbag distribution locations. There will now only be two locations, and they will be located at:

#1. The Department of Transportation Yard at 4451 Missouri Flat Road in Diamond Springs. The Big Red Barn at the intersection of Missouri Flat Road and Old Depot Road.

#2. The Tahoe Search and Rescue Building at 1834 Santa Fe Ave, Meyers, South Lake Tahoe.

These will be the only locations where EMERGENCY sandbags will be available. All previous locations will no longer have sand or sandbags.

Affected El Dorado County residents may initially receive 10 free sandbags to protect their property from disastrous storm flooding. These will be self-serve stations with assistance provided by the El Dorado Sheriff’s Volunteer Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members.

This service is available when disastrous storms are predicted by the National Weather Service that may warrant the need for EMERGENCY sandbagging on personal property. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services will determine when the service is needed and will notify county residents by social media and our website when the stations will be open, including hours of operation.

Residents that experience annual flooding issues during periods of normal winter storms, such as the one we are currently experiencing, are advised to take proactive measures and purchase sand bags and sand from many of our local hardware stores for use during non-emergency conditions. Don’t wait for it to become a county-wide emergency situation.