Milton, CA…On February 7, 2024, at about 7:50 AM, an alert citizen contacted the Sheriff’s Department regarding trespassing in the 10000 block of Milton Road in Milton, CA. The citizen told dispatchers their neighbor was out of town, and unknown people were looking into vehicles at their neighbor’s property. The citizen was able to give a description of the suspect vehicle and suspects. While responding to the residence, deputies requested the assistance of California Highway Patrol Officers and a CHP helicopter.

Upon arrival, the deputies found that the suspects had forced open the gate to the property with the vehicle they were driving. Deputies attempted to establish a perimeter and began checking the property. Deputies contacted Hope Elaine Dooley, age 27, from Lockeford. Dooley was determined to be a suspect and placed under arrest.

While Deputies continued to search the area, a prison identification card believed to have been left by a second suspect was found on the property. Additionally, a records check of the vehicle, which had been used by Suspect Dooley, revealed that it had been stolen in Stockton the morning of this incident. Suspect Dooley was transported to the Calaveras County Jail and booked on felony charges. The investigation will continue to locate and arrest Suspect Dooley’s co-suspect.

This is another outstanding example of an alert citizen assisting the Sheriff’s Office to foil the attempts of suspects who prey upon our communities. Law enforcement and community vigilance is a proven partnership that increases the safety of neighborhoods and improves the quality of life for citizens.