The following is a press released issued by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
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On February 6th at about 7:55 PM, Officers were dispatched to Motel 6, located at 1208 S. State St., regarding a male subject who was disturbing patrons at the motel and who refused to leave the property. A UPD Officer arrived and was directed to the location of the male subject. The Officer contacted the male, who was actively sweeping the dirt using a broom with a broken metal handle. The male was subsequently identified as Artemio Ortega-Reyes. The Officer observed Ortega-Reyes displayed symptoms of being under the influence of a stimulant. Ortega-Reyes was uncooperative, argumentative and refused to put down the broom. The Officer removed the broom from Ortega-Reyes’ possession and attempted to determine why he was on the property. Ortega-Reyes continued to be argumentative and follow the Officer’s lawful directions. Ortega-Reyes became confrontational and assumed a fighting stance. For officer safety reasons, the Officer attempted to detain Ortega-Reyes. Ortega-Reyes actively resisted the Officer. The Officer radioed for additional officers to assist, while attempting to subdue Ortega-Reyes. During the altercation the initial Officer suffered a broken hand and another Officer sustained an injury as well. Ortega-Reyes was ultimately taken into custody and a subsequent search of his pockets revealed suspected methamphetamine and a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine.
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EMS arrived at the scene to access Ortega-Reyes’ injuries as well as the Officers’ injuries. Ortega-Reyes was treated at UVAH for minor injuries and was later booked at the MCSO Jail for the above-mentioned violations. Both Officers were also treated and released from UVAH.
As always, our mission at UPD is simple: to make Ukiah as safe a place as possible. If you would like to know more about crime in your neighborhood, you can sign up for telephone, cellphone and email notifications by clicking the Nixle button on our website; www.ukiahpolice.com .
