CHP stays quiet about Capitol lockdown, evacuation

The California Highway Patrol has stayed relatively quiet after ordering the evacuation and lockdown of the state Capitol Thursday morning due to what CHP described as a “credible threat.”CHP has yet to respond to KCRA 3’s follow-up questions regarding the safety plan, procedures during a lockdown and why some people were allowed into the building during the evacuation. Observers report there wasn’t a sense of urgency during the lockdown.It was another law enforcement agency, Roseville police, that confirmed the threats were linked to a shooting suspect in its jurisdiction, Jackson Pinney. Roseville police said the CHP told them it learned of the threats earlier in the week, and connected the suspect in the shooting spree Wednesday night in Roseville and Citrus Heights to the person who made the threats. Roseville police said Pinney, 30, opened fire at several businesses and a hospital, causing damage.After a day-long manhunt, officers found Pinney after someone spotted his truck in Granite Bay. Pinney surrendered peacefully. They also found a weapon they believe is linked to the shooting spree. Pinney is expected to go before a Placer County judge Monday to hear the charges. He has yet to be charged with anything related to the threats.Pinney has a criminal history in Stanislaus County. Ceres police officers have had a few run-ins with Pinney dating back to 2015 for trespassing and drug charges.In March 2021, he is said to have caused a disturbance at a sandwich shop and was arrested for shoplifting from a sporting goods store.When officers booked him in jail, they said they found heroin in his possession.According to the CHP website, the Capitol Protection Section is the largest of the six commands assigned to the Protective Services Division and the largest field command in the CHP.It said the section’s primary mission is to provide law enforcement and safety services and security for the state capitol building, grounds and swing space.The secretary of the Senate, Erika Contreras, and the chief administrative officer of the Assembly, Lia Lopez, released this joint statement. “The threat situation yesterday was unnerving, and we are very appreciative of law enforcement’s protection of the Capitol and apprehension of the subject involved. While we cannot publicly disclose details regarding the numerous safety protocols we currently have in place – as that would compromise their effectiveness – those systems did aid us in keeping people safe yesterday. In the weeks to come, we also will be re-examining additional ways to bolster our security efforts, as keeping our staff, legislators, and the public safe remains a top priority.”

The California Highway Patrol has stayed relatively quiet after ordering the evacuation and lockdown of the state Capitol Thursday morning due to what CHP described as a “credible threat.”

CHP has yet to respond to KCRA 3’s follow-up questions regarding the safety plan, procedures during a lockdown and why some people were allowed into the building during the evacuation.

Observers report there wasn’t a sense of urgency during the lockdown.

It was another law enforcement agency, Roseville police, that confirmed the threats were linked to a shooting suspect in its jurisdiction, Jackson Pinney.

Roseville police said the CHP told them it learned of the threats earlier in the week, and connected the suspect in the shooting spree Wednesday night in Roseville and Citrus Heights to the person who made the threats.

Roseville police said Pinney, 30, opened fire at several businesses and a hospital, causing damage.

After a day-long manhunt, officers found Pinney after someone spotted his truck in Granite Bay. Pinney surrendered peacefully. They also found a weapon they believe is linked to the shooting spree.

Pinney is expected to go before a Placer County judge Monday to hear the charges. He has yet to be charged with anything related to the threats.

Pinney has a criminal history in Stanislaus County.

Ceres police officers have had a few run-ins with Pinney dating back to 2015 for trespassing and drug charges.

In March 2021, he is said to have caused a disturbance at a sandwich shop and was arrested for shoplifting from a sporting goods store.

When officers booked him in jail, they said they found heroin in his possession.

According to the CHP website, the Capitol Protection Section is the largest of the six commands assigned to the Protective Services Division and the largest field command in the CHP.

It said the section’s primary mission is to provide law enforcement and safety services and security for the state capitol building, grounds and swing space.

The secretary of the Senate, Erika Contreras, and the chief administrative officer of the Assembly, Lia Lopez, released this joint statement.

“The threat situation yesterday was unnerving, and we are very appreciative of law enforcement’s protection of the Capitol and apprehension of the subject involved. While we cannot publicly disclose details regarding the numerous safety protocols we currently have in place – as that would compromise their effectiveness – those systems did aid us in keeping people safe yesterday. In the weeks to come, we also will be re-examining additional ways to bolster our security efforts, as keeping our staff, legislators, and the public safe remains a top priority.”