CHP Conducts All-Day Operation at Fortuna Residence Reported to be Owned by CHP Officer
Multiple law enforcement officers were seen at a Boone Street residence in Fortuna that is reported to be owned by a CHP officer.
A heavy law enforcement presence descended on Boone Street in Fortuna on Friday, with officers active most of the day at a residential property reportedly owned by a CHP officer.
Neighbors first took notice in the late morning, reporting at least seven unmarked vehicles with standard license plates parked along the small residential street. Officers dressed in black, some wearing masks and carrying long guns, were observed moving large suitcases in and out of the residence. Witnesses noted that personnel at one point appeared to change out of tactical gear into plain clothes as the operation continued.
Early inquiries into the matter were unsuccessful, as no local law enforcement agency contacted by this reporter claimed involvement in or knowledge of the operation.
Further reporting revealed that property records and multiple sources familiar with the address indicate the residence is associated with Omar M. Rodriguez, a CHP officer reported to be stationed out of the Garberville office. Humboldt County CHP confirmed that Rodriguez is not affiliated with their office.
When reached for comment, the Garberville CHP confirmed that the agency’s Office of Criminal Investigations is conducting an active investigation at the Boone Street address, describing it as an “evolving investigation” and indicating more information may be forthcoming. No further details had been released as of publication.
The CHP’s Office of Criminal Investigations is a statewide, headquarters-level unit that operates under the direct oversight of the agency’s Assistant Commissioner of Field Operations, separate from local area offices, according to the CHP’s official website.
Transparent California listing for Omar M. Rodriguez, CHP officer.
Public compensation records list an Omar M. Rodriguez as a CHP cadet in 2021 and as a CHP officer in the years following. According to Transparent California, Rodriguez received total pay and benefits exceeding $253,000 in 2024.
It remains unclear what prompted the investigation, whether anything was seized, or whether any arrests were made.
This is a developing story. Redheaded Blackbelt will update as more information becomes available. News tips can be submitted to [email protected].
Join the discussion! For rules visit: https://kymkemp.com/commenting-rules
Comments system how-to: https://wpdiscuz.com/community/postid/10599/
1). The “Garberville (CHP) office”? Is that how it’s referred to since G’ville town is a little larger, more visible and well known? The office is of course in Redway.
2). $253K to be a cop for a year, after only 4-5 years out of Cadet school? Damn! That’s quite a haul!
The main Humboldt county CHP headquartering and dispatching hub is in garberville.
I know they use dispatch out of the Caltrans DO on Union Street, Eureka
The CHP office was originally located on Maple Lane in Garberville. As was The DMV. Thus the name.
Thanks Ernie. I had forgotten that.
Their pension benefits are some of the best anywhere. It must be the “living wage” people are always referring to.
Their job is truly stressful. The average lifespan of a CHP Officer is around 57 years old. (AI Overview).
IMHO:
Most of the taxpayers are unaware.
Up to one TRILLON DOLLARS in ‘un-funded’ future pension liabilities.
—
Dec 19, 2025 — Unfunded pensions are the largest driver of overall state debt, contributing to a total $765 billion in money needed to pay bills when offset…
(Truth in Accounting)
Sep 24, 2019 — The team’s conclusions: the unfunded liability was over $500 billion—seven times the number officially reported. That was in 2008. (Cal Matters)
Dec 5, 2025 — CalPERS has $166 billion in debt, and CalSTRS has $39 billion in unfunded liabilities. Since pension benefits promised to government workers.
(Reason Foundation)
—
25 most dangerous occupations in the USA (Monster.com)
Dangerous jobs:1. Fishers and related fishing workersMedian annual salary: $28,310
Most common accident: Transportation incidents
Total injuries in 2017 (latest year available for BLS data): 41 fatal injuries, 120 nonfatal injuries
2. Logging workersMedian annual salary: $ 38,840
Most common accident: Contact with objects and equipment
Total injuries in 2017: 55 fatal injuries, 350 nonfatal injuries
3. Aircraft pilots and flight engineersMedian annual salary: $ 111,930
Most common accident: Transportation incidents
Total injuries in 2017: 59 fatal injuries, 630 nonfatal injuries
4. RoofersMedian annual salary: $ 38,970
Most common accident: Falls, slips, and trips
Total injuries in 2017: 91 fatal injuries, 2,810 nonfatal injuries
5. Refuse and recyclable material collectorsMedian annual salary: $ 36,160
Most common accident: Transportation incidents
Total injuries in 2017: 30 fatal injuries, 1,340 nonfatal injuries
6. Structural iron and steel workersMedian annual salary: $ 52,610
Most common accident: Falls, slips, trips
Total injuries in 2017: 14 fatal injuries, 1,280 nonfatal injuries
7. Driver/sales workers and truck driversMedian annual salary: $ 37,610
Most common accident: Transportation incidents
Total injuries in 2017: 987 fatal injuries, 77,470 nonfatal injuries
8. Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managersMedian annual salary: $ 69,620
Most common accident: Transportation incidents
Total injuries in 2017: 258 fatal injuries, 180 nonfatal injuries
9. Landscaping supervisorsMedian annual salary: $ 47,030
Most common accident: Contact with objects and equipment
Total injuries in 2017: 53 fatal injuries, 1,040 nonfatal injuries
10. Electrical power-line installers and repairersMedian annual salary: $ 69,380
Most common accident: Exposure to harmful substances or environments
Total injuries in 2017: 26 fatal injuries, 1,710 nonfatal injuries
11. Agricultural workersMedian annual salary: $ 23,710
Most common accident: Transportation incidents
Total injuries in 2017: 154 fatal injuries, 13,500 nonfatal injuries
12. Construction and extraction supervisorsMedian annual salary: $ 64,070
Most common accident: Falls, slips, and trips
Total injuries in 2017: 121 fatal injuries, 5,320 nonfatal injuries
13. Helpers, construction tradesMedian annual salary: $30,120
Most common accidents: Falls, slips, trips
Total injuries in 2017: 11 fatal injuries, 2,660 nonfatal injuries
14. Maintenance and repair workersMedian annual salary: $ 37,670
Most common accident: Falls, slips, trips
Total injuries in 2017: 87 fatal injuries, 23,200 nonfatal injuries
15. Grounds maintenance workersMedian annual salary: $ 28,110
Most common accident: Falls, slips, trips
Total injuries in 2017: 191 fatal injuries, 13,310 nonfatal injuries
16. Construction laborersMedian annual salary: $ 34,530
Most common accident: Falls, slips, trips
Total injuries in 2017: 259 fatal injuries, 21,760 nonfatal injuries
17. Supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairersMedian annual salary: $ 64,780
Most common accident: Transportation incidents
Total injuries in 2017: 35 fatal injuries, 3,540 nonfatal injuries
18. Police and sheriff’s patrol officersMedian annual salary: $ 61,050
Most common accident: Violence and other injuries by persons or animals
Total injuries in 2017: 95 fatal injuries
19. Operating engineers and construction equipment operatorsMedian annual salary: $ 47,040
Most common accident: Transportation incidents
Total injuries in 2017: 45 fatal injuries, 2,230 nonfatal injuries
20. Mining machine operatorsMedian annual salary: $ 53,200
Most common accident: Contact with objects and equipment
Total injuries in 2017: 7 fatal injuries, 370 nonfatal injuries
21. Taxi drivers and chauffeursMedian annual salary: $ 24,880
Most common accident: Transportation incidents
Total injuries in 2017: 62 fatal injuries, 2,640 nonfatal injuries
22. Athletes, coaches, umpires, and related workersMedian annual salary: $32,220
Most common accident: Transportation incidents
Total injuries in 2017: 24 fatal injuries, 3,170 nonfatal injuries
23. Painters, construction, and maintenanceMedian annual salary: $ 37,960
Most common accident: Falls, slips, and trips
Total injuries in 2017: 44 fatal injuries, 4,200 nonfatal injuries
24. FirefightersMedian annual salary: $ 49,080
Most common accident: Transportation incidents
Total injuries in 2017: 34 fatal injuries
25. ElectriciansMedian annual salary: $ 54,110
Most common accident: Falls, slips, and trips
Total injuries in 2017: 74 fatal injuries, 4,890 nonfatal injuries
—
Go figure.
That’s the total for salary and benefits. Medical insurance, retirement, etc. Not take home pay. Step on up and stand a post or don’t begrudge a guy for taking the risk.
The CHP office has always been in Redway since i moved here in 1970.
That’s true..
It was across from the liquor store, in what is now the Community Cornerstone building…
“Rusk Lane”…???
Named for the previous property owner, J.P. and Evelyn Rusk…???
I remember them well.
I don’t remember it being in the DMV building on Maple Lane, n Garberville, but I do remember Jim Knox in the PG&E office there…
But I know better than to doubt Ernie Branscomb…
He’s been around here way longer than I’ve…
As a matter of fact, If I’m not mistaken, an old time Garberville CHP Officer, Bud Miller, and his wife, Evie, may have owned the Building that previously housed the DMV and before that, PG&E, on Maple Lane…
But maybe I’m just getting old and senile…
“But, I know better than to doubt Ernie Branscomb…”
LOL
Better not doubt me. The Justice Court was upstairs, over the PG&E and Redwood Record news office. CHP officer Bud Miller’s father was the judge. They called him Pappy Miller.
P.S. I still have the sign board that they would hang out on court days
I’ve only been here 42 years, so well remember the office on Rusk Ln.. Bud retired from CHP and worked in the yard at S.Humboldt Building Supply, though he wintered in Hawaii and bought a new car every year, so the story goes. He became the first former law enforcement officer to be convicted of cannabis cultivation, back in the days of early indoor grows and outlaws. Evelyn ended up forgiving most of the Corner Stone debt for the old CHP building. She was amazingly generous and a real fire cracker.
And that’s just what’s on the books
Wow! That’s quite some pay for a CHP! I had no idea how rich these guys are!!
$250k a year is hardly “rich”.
It is enough to own a nice house and vehicle in this area.
After absurd CA taxes, the take home pay is nothing to get excited about.
These are the people paying for social services, not the actual “rich” people you seem to hate [edit].
dude i make 17.90 an hour you are out of your mind, that’s nothing to get excited about, you must be a politician. or a CHP officer.
Maybe you should sign up then. You couldn’t pay me enough to be one. Yeah a lot of their time is easy driving around but who wants to deal with death staring at you?
I save “hatred” for people like Hitler and animal torturers. Don’t tell me what I do to who!
The “benefits” are mostly health insurance company windfalls until the(future defendant, in this case) recipient requires medical attention.
After tax take home pay might be $60-80k
…you’d be putting money in the pension fund. It’s probably funding defense contracts and PG&E. And void if you get a FUCKIN WARRANT on ya!
I hope they have the right residence.
Does Officer Rodriguez live there? If so its a bit of a commute to Garberville. Possibly this was a rental house and the tenant was up to no good. Or, at least was suspected of no good.
Ah, speaking in defense of gestapo? Not the best look. MAGA talking?
Labeling all CHP gestapo? Are you a criminal?
Anyone who thinks a hallway attendant I mean chp cop should make over 100k a year? Are you kidding me? Teachers… No… 5 year cop? The country is broke because people on welfare drink soda
The teachers union could learn a lot from the police union.
Where do you think the police learned it from?
The Teamsters.
I think that’s where the teachers learned it from. My mother was HS teacher back in the 60s/70s/80s. She watched the NEA slowly transition from professional organization similar to the AMA to an outright labor union.
They work an averagev12 hrs shift, teachers dont….many work a lot of overtime. And those jobs are hard to come by. The academy is extensive and they have the mental screening, goid credit score, lie detectors. I have no idea why his salary is that. And you must remember its not fun dealing with pissed off people all day. You couldnt pay me a million dollars to do that every day.
Well…the next time anybody calls them “public servants” I’m going to laugh my ass off. WE are the servants ie. serfs…
When I’m the victim they act like I’m a criminal. Atleast fortuna does. Ther used to be a couple od “questionable ” rookies in garberville. They pulled me over infront of a 30 yr old homeless camp,right outside redway had no idea it was a homeless camp. Started freaking out about people in the woods. gave me a dui when I was sober. Then left me in handcuffs in the back of a cop car parked in the station parking lot for 4 or 5 hours. It seemed like they took a nap! I’m glad I opted to have my blood drawn.
Fortuna PD is trash. Highly crooked police department.
Don’t act weird.
Most CHP have treated me and the folks I’ve seen them dealing with respect. Most of them nowadays are pretty young compared to many of us. Our region gets a lot of trainees. I just try and make their job easier by not acting too stupid most of the time, and it’s been working out.
As cops go, CHP is closer to “protect and serve” than county or city cops. Having said that, I used to have a CHP captain as a very good friend. Over beers one evening I asked him why CHP did not honor medical marijuana cards when they stopped someone and found weed. His answer was that it was not his officers job to determine if your medical card was genuine, that was the job of a judge. His responsibility was to see that you ended up in front of said judge.
No doubt. A lowly junior officer pulling in double the average salary of a county sheriff. I should have went into “public service”, don’t I feel like an idiot.
And if all your grift and back door dealings don’t work out. You can always become the mayor of Willits
the Illuminati word for it is “me-hums”, aka mere humans
Yep — it’s most likely due to overtime.
If an officer works swing or graveyard shift, they can earn an insane amount of overtime pay for having to appear in court.
Yeah. TONS of CHP overtime just for sitting at construction and road work sites.
There’s a reason for that: some of you drivers seem to have a problem with NOT hitting road crewpersons. Or driving 70 through them.
Cops actually perform a public service.
“Teaching” children in public indoctrination centers? Not so much.
“In my world, teachers make more than baseball players” … Paul Kantner of Jefferson Airplane
Plenty of folks that work in GBV live in Fortuna, not many of the HCSDeputies or CHP staff live in the SoHumb area.
I think, since my experiences with CHP have been mostly honorable, with few exceptions, that I will reserve judgment until more facts come out…
Here is a little previously notable very positive background information from RHBB on CHP Officer Omar Rodriguez as far as how he has treated others, notably elderly civilians, in the past…
I’d rather not jump to negative conclusions about a CHP Officer too hastily…
I will continue to be respectful and appreciative of any member of The California Highway Patrol, and I will continue to do so, right up to and until such esteem is proven to be no longer warranted…
I hope that there is a non incriminating, reasonable explanation, than exonerates Officer Rodriguez, for the search of the property that belongs to him…
Like maybe he doesn’t even live their, he rents it out, and it’s his tenant who is under suspicion, not him…
Wishful thinking, maybe, but I’d like to give the CHP Officer the benefit of the doubt…
I don’t know him, at all, but especially because that’s the way I would like to be treated, (presumed innocent until proven guilty), I figure that’s the way I should do it, also…
My way of saying thank you, to one and all of them, as a group, for their service in regards to public safety, which I do very greatly appreciate…
Whoops…!!!
I forgot to include this…
https://kymkemp.com/2017/03/16/a-reader-caught-a-cop-doing-this/
[UPDATE FRIDAY] A READER CAUGHT A COP DOING THIS…
“On March 15, about 4 p.m., reader, Joe Rial, said he “caught this cop taking a tire iron from his cruiser.” The California Highway Patrol officer was pulled over beside Hwy 101 near the slide that closed the road recently. There was another car in front of the officer’s cruiser.
“I saw him and wondered what was up,” Rial said.
Looking closer, Rial noticed an elderly man with a cane near the other car which had a flat tire. ” I saw [the officer] had removed the iron from his cruiser and went right to the tire.”
Nice of the officer to help the elderly man and kind of Rial to make sure the officer and his agency received a little recognition.”
“UPDATE Friday: The Garberville CHP shared our story and added a little information, “That is California Highway Patrol Officer O. Rodriguez #21216, he is assigned to the Garberville area. Thank you to everyone who responded with their positive experiences. The California Highway Patrol and its employees are dedicated to providing the highest level of safety, service and security.” “
I saw a CHP officer changing a tire for someone in Colusa Co just E of the Lake Co line. Theres a trail head there to somewhere and no cell service. I take off my hat to this officer.
I was stopped near there to rest and have a drink of fruit juice and a CHP stopped, asked if I were OK or needed help. I thanked him and I take off my hat to this officer as well.
Upon further reflection and closer observation…
The CHP Officer “O. Rodriguez”, from the 2017 RHBB Article, pictured and linked above, respectively, is unlikely the same CHP Officer Omar M. Rodriguez, mentioned in this article, who has been reported to have been a cadet in 2021…
I regret the error, and the apparently incorrect assumption I made that there was/is only one CHP Officer “O. Rodriguez”…
CHP Officer O. Rodriguez #21216, pictured in 2017, was obviously a cadet before 2017, and long before CHP Officer Omar M. Rodriguez, reportedly here as a cadet, as recently as 2021…
Bring out the broom. Sweep sweep. Probably won’t hear another word.
250 grand a year and that’s just what’s on the books.
250 grand a year guess that’s why they can’t build the new headquarters
https://transparentcalifornia.com/salaries/search/?q=omar+m+rodriguez&y=
$127k base pay.