On 07/8/15 at about 11:50 AM, deputies received a call of an injured subject in Rubicon Springs on the Rubicon Trail in a very remote part of El Dorado County. The injury was significant and the adult male patient needed immediate medevac.

Due to low clouds, thunderstorms, lightning, wind, and heavy downpours in the area, no helicopter could respond. The patient was stabilized as best as possible and the decision was made to drive him out. A Sheriff’s Office OHV Unit was on-duty and responded to Buck Island Lake to pick up the patient. The deputies loaded the patient into the EDSO Rubicon Jeep and started the long journey towards a main road where they could meet a waiting ambulance.

While transporting the patient, there was only room for one deputy and the injured male. The second deputy had to walk. The trail was extra dangerous due to the heavy rain and limited visibility. The Rubicon Trail is very rough, full of rocks large and small, with many challenging obstacles, narrow passageways, and near vertical terrain. It is accessible mostly by specialized and 4 wheel-drive vehicles that are heavily modified. It is not uncommon for vehicles to break down, to sustain damage (sometimes major), or become completely disabled. Driving the Rubicon Trail successfully takes training, practice, and expertise.

In just under 5 hours, the patient was extricated to a waiting medic unit at Wentworth Springs. Both deputies and the patient were exhausted after the trip but very happy they made it. As of today, the patient is reportedly in good condition.

Lt. Tom Murdoch

On 06/29/15 at about 12:55 PM, Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a theft in progress at the Target store in El Dorado Hills. In the parking lot, deputies contacted 38 year-old Heston Schmucker of Placerville, 23 year-old Mariah Schmucker of Placerville, and 35 year-old Matthew Leatherby of Citrus Heights. Heston and Mariah were found to be in possession of methamphetamine, hypodermic needles and a glass pipe commonly used to smoke the narcotic. Both were taken into custody. In their grey Jeep, Heston and Mariah had what looked like stolen mail, stolen credit cards, stolen identification cards, and fraudulent checks. Matthew Leatherby was arrested for theft after allegedly shoplifting from Target. When Matthew’s belongings were searched, deputies located more stolen mail and credit cards.

All three suspects were booked into the El Dorado County Jail. Heston Schmucker was released on $42,500. 00 bail and Mariah Schmucker was released on $4,500 bail. Matthew Leatherby was released on $17,000 bail. The Sheriff’s Office is currently contacting multiple victims and investigating the fraudulent charges made on the credit cards.

This is not the Schmucker’s first arrest for drugs and stolen mail. Both were arrested on 04/21/15 at a residence in the 1600 block of Beals Road in Placerville during the service of a search warrant (see EDSO press release dated 04/23/15).

Anyone with information concerning the recent mail thefts are encouraged to contact Deputy Carpenter or Deputy Miller at 530-642-4716.

Lt. Tom Murdoch

 Booking photo of Heston Schmucker

Booking photo of Mariah Schmucker

Booking photo of Matthew Leatherby

On 07/04/15 at about 11:00 PM, a deputy heard what sounded like fireworks near the El Dorado Hills branch of the El Dorado County Library. Checking the area of Tilden Drive and Avellano Drive the fireworks sounded like they were coming from a residential backyard. With the assistance of witnesses and Serrano Security, the deputy located several persons lighting and shooting off illegal fireworks from the back of a house in the 3800 block of Tilden Drive.

At the bottom of the driveway near the house, the deputy and security officer were confronted by 29 year-old Evan Lyons of Orangevale. Lyons was instantly confrontational, appeared angry, and was quite intoxicated. Attempting to investigate the use and possession of the illegal fireworks and the immediate fire hazard, the deputy asked Lyons a few questions. Lyons was uncooperative, became increasingly agitated and was verbally assaultive. Persons from inside the house started to emerge and two dogs were released.

When an additional deputy arrived, Lyons was taken into custody for public intoxication. During the arrest and placement into the patrol car, Lyons was resistive. Once in the car, Lyons spit through the cage into the driver’s compartment possibly damaging the computer and other electrical equipment. On the way to the jail, Lyons continuously yelled using profanity and making racial slurs. He also threatened the deputy individually, wanting all cops to die. Lyons spit on the deputy. He even threatened to find the deputy’s family and described how he’d do them harm.

Lyons was booked at the El Dorado County Jail on charges of public intoxication, resisting arrest, and battery on a peace officer. A complaint regarding criminal threats was submitted to the DA’s Office for review. Lyons was later released on $79,000 bail.

Lt. Tom Murdoch

Booking photo of Evan Lyons