Robbery, kidnapping suspects at large
Police say three suspects remain at large after robbing, carjacking and kidnapping a man Saturday afternoon in downtown Gilroy.
Police blotter: cruelty to a child
The Gilroy Police Department responded to a variety of crimes in the last week including loitering, battery and cruelty to a child with possible injuries. Arrests were recorded in the GPD blotter from Oct. 14 through Oct. 21.
CalFire names new chief for MHFD, Santa Clara Unit
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) announced today that veteran firefighter Derek Witmer, 46, will take over as chief of the Morgan Hill Fire Department as well as the state agency’s Santa Clara Unit. Witmer, of Watsonville, was appointed to the position by CalFire Director Ken Pimlott, according to CalFire staff. Witmer will replace Steve Woodill, who retired earlier this year. Witmer has 28 years of fire service, starting at the Salispuedes Fire District in 1985, where he rose through the ranks to Captain, according to a CalFire press release. In 1997 Witmer joined CalFire when the Salispuedes and Freedom Fire District merged to form the Pajaro Valley Fire District, CalFire staff said. Witmer has since worked for two CalFire units - San Mateo/Santa Cruz and Santa Clara. At CalFire, he has served in a variety of assignments including Helitack, the emergency command center, training and, most recently, as the South Bay Operations Chief. In 2012, Witmer served on Incident Management Team 5 as Deputy Incident Commander, the press release says. “Chief Witmer’s wide ranging experience makes him uniquely qualified to lead the Santa Clara Unit,” Pimlott said. “Derek brings proven leadership, cooperation and innovative ideas to the position, and will serve the community well.” In addition to Witmer’s responsibilities as Unit Chief and MHFD Chief, he will also serve as fire chief for the South Santa Clara County Fire District.
Family charged with running brothels in Santa Clara County
Authorities charged members of a San Jose family with running a satellite of brothels—including locations in South Santa Clara County—that were trafficking dozens of women and bringing in about $1 million a year.
Multiple co-defendants face felonies related to their operation of a network of...
Woman thinks she may have been raped after party
A 19-year-old woman believes she was raped early this morning,
Wish granted, then it’s a rocky ride to jail
Three years ago, a Gilroy High School senior suffering from lupus beamed when the Make-A-Wish Foundation made his automotive fantasy come true, giving his 1995 Honda Civic a complete makeover including a new paint job, stereo, keyless entry system, shiny gold rims and new tires with a lifetime warranty.
Police Shoot, Kill Man
GILROY—A 19-year-old San Jose man who reportedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend was shot to death by a Gilroy police officer Monday evening outside an apartment complex near Gilroy High School.
