Mendocino County Sheriff: Man vandalizes property, patrol vehicle
A Mendocino County man is in custody for vandalizing property and a patrol vehicle while in the throes of what appeared to be some sort of mental breakdown.
Deputies received a call shortly before 9 AM on Sunday, February 2, reporting that 31-year-old Manuel Camargo was having an emotional crisis and vandalizing property on the 31000 block of Albion Ridge Road.
The property owner, 73, told deputies he had been allowing Camargo to live on the grounds.
Camargo reportedly became even more agitated and displayed a clear propensity for violence upon seeing the responding deputy, prompting the deputy to radio for further assistance.
As de-escalation efforts were underway, Camargo armed himself with a hatchet and metal pole and went to work on the property owner’s shop building and motor home, causing about $6,400 in damage.
CHP were also called to the scene, at which point Camargo jumped into a deputy’s patrol vehicle and kicked the windshield. As deputies and a CHP officer attempted to arrest him, he kicked the CHP officer in resistance. Fortunately the officer was not injured.
Camargo was ultimately booked at the Mendocino County Jail on suspicion of felony vandalism and deterring a peace officer with threat or violence.
