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Lakeport man arrested for indecent exposure cases
This story contains some language that is inappropriate for younger readers.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – A Lakeport man suspected of being responsible for numerous indecent exposure cases over the last several months in the Lakeport and Kelseyville areas has been arrested.
Joseph Harry Barrios, 26, was taken into custody by detectives with the Lake County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit early Wednesday morning, according to Sgt. Steve Brooks.
Brooks said the detectives’ investigation led them to Barrios as a suspect. After his arrest, Barrios allegedly admitted he was responsible for some of the indecent exposure cases.
Detectives also learned there may be additional unreported incidents, Brooks said.
Lake County News received information about two indecent exposure cases that occurred just last week, both involving women who were jogging, one in Lakeport, one in Kelseyville. Sheriff’s officials were aware of the Lakeport incident, but it wasn’t clear if the Kelseyville case had been reported to authorities.
Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen said Barrios also is believed to be the suspect in two indecent exposure cases that took place over two consecutive days in late April in the Lakeport city limits.
In the first case, the suspect – who was masturbating – ran up behind a woman who was jogging in the area of Second and Tunis Streets during the early morning hours, police reported.
The following morning, a woman who was driving through the city reported being followed by a newer model blue Chevrolet Impala, which pulled up on her left side at the intersection of South Main Street and Lakeport Boulevard.
When she turned her head to look in the direction of a honking horn, the woman reported the driver of the Impala was masturbating while looking directly at her, according to the Lakeport Police report.
“We’re still finalizing those investigations and we’ll be filing those cases with the District Attorney’s Office,” with Barrios as the suspect, Rasmussen said.
Rasmussen said his detectives had done a lot of work on the cases, which suddenly stopped.
Based on the recent pattern of cases, it appeared the suspect was widening his area of operation.
“You never know where or when it’s going to start up again,” Rasmussen said. “Hopefully it will stop now.”
Indecent exposure cases can transition into sexual assault, which is why police take the cases so seriously, Rasmussen said.
Perpetrators, he added, are considered to be dangerous individuals.
“I’m glad he’s off the street now,” Rasmussen said.
Barrios, whose profession on his booking sheet is listed as ladder builder, was booked at the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility for indecent exposure, violation of probation and a bench warrant out of Alameda County. Brooks said Barrios is currently in custody and his bail was increased to $60,000.
Brooks said sheriff’s detectives anticipate identifying additional victims as their investigation continues.
Anyone who may have information regarding this case is encouraged to contact sex crimes Det. Kellie Joseph at 707-263-2690.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
Work on new Kelseyville BMX Park continues
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Work is moving forward on the new BMX park in Kelseyville.
Using funds raised by youth and parent volunteers, this new BMX park, located at the Kelseyville County Park on State Street, Kelseyville, will be a reality in a very short time.
Young BMX riders and their supporters were at work this past Sunday, repairing damage to their Kelseyville BMX fencing caused by vandals and working on additional fence construction.
BMX, which stands for bicycle motocross, is a popular sport, with new parks opening up around the country.
Freestyle BMX riders display their talents at jumping, balancing, flipping and hopping their specially constructed lightweight bicycles in intricate displays of balance and control.
On June 9 the group displayed their talents at the Lakeport Speedway in front of hundreds of fans.
Race fans were treated to a five in a row back flip “train” where one after another of the riders flipped their bicycles upside down, a feat never before seen in Lake County.
The Kelseyville BMX Park will offer a free place for riders of all ages to practice their skills.
Work on the fence is continuing this Saturday, beginning at 7 a.m. Volunteers are invited to come and help finish the project.
If you can help donate time or materials, please call Valarie Sullivan at 707-533-3051.
Adoption Minute: Gray tabby kittens
LAKEPORT, Calif. – There are many animals at Lake County Animal Care and Control waiting for new homes, among them a group of tabby kittens.
The four kittens include three gray tabbies – two males and a female – and a brown male tabby, all about 16 to 17 weeks old.
They are domestic short hair mixes, all with green eyes.
They're playful, very cute and friendly. All have been altered, meaning they're ready to go right home.
The kittens can be found in cat room kennels No. 65a, 65b, 65c and 65d.
To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .
Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .
For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
Mill Fire approaches full containment
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – On Tuesday, firefighters made substantial progress in efforts to contain a wildland fire burning in the Mendocino National Forest.
The Mill Fire has been burning in the Colusa County side of the forest, near Upper Letts Lake and 10 miles west of Stonyford, since Saturday, July 7. A cause has not yet been reported.
The Mill Fire grew to 90 percent containment – up 15 percent over the course of Tuesday – with acreage dialed down slightly to 29,502 acres, according to an evening report from the incident's unified command team, which includes Cal Fire, the Mendocino National Forest and Northern California Incident Management Team 2.
The fire is expected to be fully contained on Wednesday.
Firefighting efforts have cost $13.4 million to date, based on the Tuesday night report.
More than 300 personnel were released from the incident on Tuesday, with 651 firefighters and support personnel still assigned by nightfall, the report explained.
Those crews are continuing to patrol the fire, conduct mop up and do rehabilitation in the fire area, according to officials.
The incident team said that Fouts Spring Road (The M10 Road) and Goat Mountain Road were opened to residents on Tuesday evening.
However, the team said the forest areas of Fouts Springs, Bonnie View and Board Camp Springs, and campgrounds within the Upper Letts Lake area remain closed.
A closure order also remains in effect for all Mendocino National Forest roads and trails in the recreation area outside Stonyford on the south central portion of the Grindstone Ranger District, forest officials reported.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
