Mountain Ranch, CA…On the evening of October 8th at about 8:45, The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Dispatch Center received a 911 call regarding a person trespassing near the 10600 block of Whiskey Slide Rd, Mountain Ranch. The property owner told dispatchers he was on his way to a rural portion of Mountain Ranch with two of his friends for a hunting trip when a security camera alerted him that a suspect was in the process of taking items from the unimproved property. Dispatchers advised the property owner that deputies were responding to investigate and to wait for their arrival. The property owner advised dispatch he was already driving to the property and subsequently arrived prior to the deputies.

When the caller and friends arrived, they noticed a fence had been cut with fresh tire marks on the property. As he was examining the damage to the fence, the suspect drove to their location in an attempt to flee. The property owner confronted the suspect regarding him trespassing and taking items. The property owner stayed with the suspect until deputies arrived.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered the suspect Jose Maria Vallijo (41 years old out of Sacramento) in possession of a 9mm handgun, .22 caliber rifle, illegally modified shotgun (sawed-off shotgun with the barrel and stock shortened), and multiple rounds of ammunition. Vallijo also had stolen items from the property. A records check revealed suspect Vallijo was on felony post-release community supervision from Sacramento County. When asked, suspect Vallijo had no explanation for why he was in the area and refused to answer additional questions.

Suspect Jose Maria Vallijo was placed under arrest, transported to the Calaveras County Jail, and booked. He was charged with Penal Code 29800 (a) prohibited person in possession of a firearm (felony), Penal Code 30305(a) prohibited person in possession of ammunition (felony), Penal Code 33215PC possession of short barrel/modified shotgun (felony), Penal Code 1203.2 (a) violation of probation (felony), Penal Code 25400 (a) concealed weapon in a vehicle (misdemeanor) and Penal Code 490.2 petty theft. Suspect Vallijo is being held with a $95,000 bail.

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office regularly coordinates with the public to build strong relationships through positive interactions and sharing of information with the specific purpose of creating partnerships with citizens. While the information obtained by the property owner was vital for the apprehension of the suspect, we would like to caution persons from placing themselves in dangerous situations. The men and women of the Sheriff’s Office are well trained and well equipped to act on your behalf to keep you safe.