Pubdate: Sat, 4 Oct 2008
Source: Chico Enterprise-Record (CA)
Copyright: 2008 Chico Enterprise-Record
Contact: http://www.chicoer.com/feedback
Website: http://www.chicoer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/861
Note: Does not print letters from outside circulation area
Author: Greg Welter, Staff Writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Marijuana - California)

THIEVES ATTEMPTING TO STEAL POT POSED AS POLICE OFFICERS

OROVILLE -- The Butte County Sheriff's Office warns that five recent 
attempts to steal pot from medical marijuana growers have included 
two incidents with shots fired and two in which thieves posed as law 
enforcement.

In the latter incidents people possibly wearing some type of uniform 
and identifying themselves as being from either the Sheriff's Office 
or the Drug Enforcement Administration were allegedly involved.

In both instances, marijuana was reportedly taken.

The Sheriff's Office has arrested suspects in two of the five 
incidents. Chico police have arrested one suspect who allegedly fired 
a pistol at a grower in an attempt to steal pot plants from his yard.

Officials said anyone contacting the public about marijuana grows 
will have proper law enforcement identification, such as badges, and 
wear uniforms with patches identifying their agency.

If the property is being searched, a warrant will be presented, and 
people being contacted or detained will be interviewed.

"Law enforcement is very concerned about individuals that are 
carrying out these acts and the potential mistrust that citizens may 
have when confronted by real law enforcement officers serving search 
warrants," the Sheriff's Office stated in a press release.

The Butte County's Felony Investigation Unit has been vigorously 
investigating the two cases.

Anyone with information pertaining to the robberies is strongly 
encouraged to contact Felony Investigation Unit investigator Dan 
Christian Michaels Angel at 538-7671. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake