This morning, two people died in a traffic collision on Highway 49 in the area of Ore Court in El Dorado. The El Dorado County Coroner’s Office has identified the victims as 18 year-old Gabriella Briceno of El Dorado and 18 year-old Ernesto Aguilar of Placerville. The California Highway Patrol is still investigating the incident.

Lt. Tom Murdoch

On 10/29/2015 at about 9:35 PM, deputies were dispatched to an apartment complex in the 2600 Block of Knollwood Court in Cameron Park for a reported shooting. On arrival, deputies contacted the 66 year-old male victim, Edward O’Keeffe. Mr. O’Keeffe advised while in a bedroom of his apartment he was shot by an unknown person through his open bedroom window. Mr. O’Keeffe’s injuries consisted of a single gunshot wound in his upper torso. Mr. O’Keeffe was transported for medical treatment and is expected to recover from his injuries. Patrol personnel along with detectives and CSI conducted a thorough search for evidence and the person responsible. At this time, detectives believe this was not a random act. No arrests have been made in this active investigation. If you have any information which could assist in this investigation we urge you to call the Sheriff’s Office Detective Unit at (530) 621-4703.

Lt. Tom Murdoch

On 10/21/15 deputies received complaints about a large marijuana grow in El Dorado Hills. The complaints were mostly due to the unsightliness of tarps used to conceal the operation and a strong offensive smell.

On 10/23/15 sheriff’s detectives served a search warrant on the residence and property. In the 1400 block of Malcom Dixon Road, detectives were met by the resident who was armed with a shotgun. The adult male was guarding the marijuana garden from a tree house. The male, later identified as 52 year-old Jeffrey Johansen Sr., complied with the detectives, put down the shotgun, and was detained.

During the search, detectives located 200 mature, ready to harvest, 3 to 8 foot tall marijuana plants. They found and recovered 3 firearms, about 30 pounds of processed marijuana, and evidence of a butane honey oil lab. The incoming utility power line was configured to bypass the main electrical panel and meter and there was evidence of marijuana being sold to dispensaries.

Detectives arrested Jeffrey Johansen Sr. for cultivation of marijuana, sales of marijuana, manufacturing dangerous drugs, theft of power, and possession of a loaded firearm in the commission of a felony. He was released from jail on $105,000 bond. Also arrested was 20 year-old Jeffrey Johansen II on the same charges to include a felon in possession of firearms. Johansen II was released from custody pending a criminal complaint.

Lt. Tom Murdoch

Booking photo of Jeffrey Johansen Sr.

Booking photo of Jeffrey Johansen II