Latest news with #CBSSacramento
San Francisco Chronicle
04-07-2025
- San Francisco Chronicle
GoFundMe launched for missing father after California fireworks warehouse explosion
As the charred ruins of a fireworks warehouse in Yolo County continue to smolder, families are clinging to hope for the safe return of seven people still missing after a massive explosion Tuesday night. Among the unaccounted is Joel 'Jr' Melendez, a young father and the sole provider for his pregnant wife and their 11-month-old son. A verified GoFundMe page launched by family members describes the anguish of Melendez's wife, Maria, as she awaits news. 'This tragic accident has taken so much from so many, and for Maria, it's shattered her entire world,' the fundraiser states. 'What should be a joyful and hopeful time has instead become filled with fear, uncertainty, and heartbreak.' The explosion, which sent flames and a plume of smoke tens of thousands of feet into the air above the town of Esparto, also left two people injured and forced evacuations within a one-mile radius. The warehouse, operated by Devastating Pyrotechnics, stored commercial-grade fireworks and was being used to supply regional Fourth of July displays, authorities said. According to CBS Sacramento, three brothers from the Bay Area were working at the site when the blast occurred. One of them, Jesus Maneces Ramos, 18, was on his first day. His girlfriend, Syanna Ruiz, said she hasn't heard from him since. She identified his brothers, also missing, as Johnny Ramos, 22, and Junior Melendez, 28. 'They were, all three, incredible men who had so much coming for them, that had so much coming their way,' Ruiz told The Sacramento Bee. 'I'm just praying to God that some way, somehow, they're okay.' Local officials have not confirmed the identities of the missing but say the investigation remains dangerous. Explosions continued Wednesday as firefighters worked to cool the site. Investigators must wait for the area to stabilize before entering. Cal Fire's Jason Clay said in a media briefing Thursday that the facility's owner held valid state and federal licenses for storing explosives. 'Part of our investigation will be to go through and determine the materials that were in there,' he said. Devastating Pyrotechnics released a brief statement on Wednesday night. 'Our hearts and thoughts are with those we lost, their families, and everyone impacted in our community,' it said. 'We are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and emergency personnel. Our focus will remain on those directly impacted by this tragedy, and we will cooperate fully with the proper authorities in their investigation.'
USA Today
25-05-2025
- USA Today
Video shows dramatic rescue of hikers from Tahoe National Forest
Video shows dramatic rescue of hikers from Tahoe National Forest Show Caption Hide Caption Lost hikers were airlifted to safety from a forest The Placer County Sheriff's Office rescued lost hikers from a forest in Northern California after they ran out of food. Dramatic footage shows two hikers being rescued from a Northern California forest, according to the Placer County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office said in a May 20 Facebook post that they received a GPS distress text from the hikers near the Mumford Bar Trail in the Tahoe National Forest on May 16. The pair were out of food and had lost the trail, according to the Sheriff's Office. The hikers were advised to shelter in place overnight. A rescue effort began at first light on May 17. "Though cold and tired, both were in good condition," the Sheriff's Office said. Elise Soviar, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office, told CBS Sacramento that the rescue was a reminder of the need to be prepared before setting off on the trails. "There are places all across Placer County and the Sierra where you're not prepared for what you're about to encounter. So educating yourself on that, really reading up on the trails, and knowing what you're getting into before you do something is paramount," Soviar told the station.
CBS News
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
Crash on Yolo Causeway causing westbound I-80 backup to Sacramento
YOLO COUNTY – Several vehicles were involved in a crash along westbound Interstate 80 on the Yolo Causeway early Thursday morning, causing a significant slowdown in the region. The crash happened around 4:30 a.m. near the Chiles Road exit. Multi car crash on the WB direction of the Causeway! Appears just minor injuries. Lots of debris in roadway. One lane blocked prior to Chiles Rd @GoodDaySac @CBSSacramento — DG (@CameraGuyDave1) May 22, 2025 It appears a vehicle stalled on the Causeway and was then struck by another vehicle. A big rig was also involved in the crash. Only minor injuries were reported, but debris was strewn all about the roadway. While just one lane of traffic is blocked prior to Chiles Road, westbound I-80 traffic is slow and go all the way to the Sacramento County line. No estimated time of clearing has been given.
CBS News
14-05-2025
- CBS News
Video released of San Joaquin County deputies shooting, killing man on roof
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY – The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office has released body camera footage of a deadly deputy-involved shooting in the east Stockton area in April. Around 9 a.m. on April 7, a deputy made contact with two people at East Side Community Park after community complaints of illegal dumping and homelessness, San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Heather Brent said. The deputy noted that their vehicle had expired registration and saw what Brent described as what appeared to be a rifle in the vehicle. In the video, the deputy attempts to obtain identification of a man, later identified as Gregory Fitzgerald. But Brent said the situation escalated, leading to an altercation and Fitzgearld running off despite deputies trying to use a taser to apprehend him. In the video, Fitzgerald could be heard saying that he had a gun and that he would shoot deputies. Fitzgerald was then located on the roof of a home on the 5000 block of E. Ardelle Avenue. Over the next two hours, deputies said they tried to de-escalate the situation. This allowed deputies to gather more information about Fitzgerald, saying that he had pleaded guilty to second-degree assault in connection with setting a man on fire. He was then sentenced to 15 years in prison, but served eight years and was on active parole with a felony warrant out for his arrest, Brent said. Brent said that Fitzgerald continually made threats, claiming that he was armed and pointed what appeared to be a firearm at deputies. Around 11 a.m., Fitzgerald took a position as if he was going to shoot deputies, Brent said. This is what made deputies believe their lives were in danger, Brent said. A SWAT and deputy fired their weapons at the same time, Brent said. It's unknown how many shots were fired. Fitzgerald was taken to the hospital, where he died, deputies said. Despite saying that he had a gun, deputies said Fitzgerald was not in possession of a gun but pointed an object at deputies with what appeared to be a gun. The sheriff's office did not say what the object was. In an interview with CBS Sacramento, Fitzgerald's step-mother said he had a pocket knife, a vape and a cellphone. The California Department of Justice has taken the lead in the investigation, per Assembly Bill 1506, which takes the lead in officer-involved shootings of an unarmed person. The sheriff's office said it is cooperating with the investigation. The entire body camera footage can be watched on Facebook. Viewer discretion advised.
CBS News
02-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Carmela Karcher
Carmela Karcher is an Emmy award-winning journalist who joined the CBS Sacramento news team in February 2025. As a Bay Area native, she is thrilled to be close to her hometown and reporting in Northern California. Before Sacramento, she spent three years as the weekend anchor and reporter for NBC Palm Springs. There, she covered everything from the once-in-a-lifetime Tropical Storm Hilary that swept through the desert to the environmental impacts of the dwindling, nearby Colorado River. She also spent time as a multi-media journalist at KHSL/KNVN in Chico. From a young age, Carmela has been captivated by the power of storytelling. Starting in high school and continuing throughout her college career at the University of Oregon, she knows the vital role journalism plays in connecting communities. In her free time, Carmela loves spending time with friends, family, and her cat. She enjoys hiking and exploring new places and can't wait to discover more in the San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys. Carmela is excited to continue working in her home state! If you'd like to connect, reach her on Facebook, Instagram or through email.
