Illegal dumping report proves false

Imperial County Sheriff’s deputies responded Thursday afternoon to what turned out to be a mistaken report of a vehicle illegally dumping trash on northbound Highway 86, just north of the Highway 86 Border Patrol checkpoint.

The incident was reported to the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office about 3:30 p.m., activity logs stated.

A vehicle described as a white Chevy Tahoe with a trailer was said to be dumping trash on the side of the highway.

Two units responded to the scene and located the Chevy.

Deputies determined that this was not an illegal dumping incident. Apparently, the Chevy had a flat tire and the trash that it was hauling spilled all over. California Highway Patrol Commissioner Amanda Ray Friday the agency will go on tactical alert ahead of the upcoming presidential inauguration.

“Due to the potential for civil unrest related to the 2021 Presidential Inauguration, I have placed uniformed CHP personnel on tactical alert for an indefinite period,” Ray said. “This allows for the maximization of resources to protect public safety as well as state buildings and infrastructure. The CHP will continue to monitor the situation and plan our resources accordingly.”

For security and safety reasons, Ray declined to describe specific matters involving the tactical alert, local preparedness plans or personnel deployment.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned of planned demonstrations in each of the nation’s state capitals on Inauguration Day, Wednesday.