How to resolve AdBlock issue? Police request public's help with investigation into boy's death; cause believed to be accidental
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Police Department is asking for the public's assistance as it continues its investigation into the death last week of an autistic boy whose body was found in the lake.
A report from Chief Brad Rasmussen said his agency has been investigating the circumstances leading to the death of 13-year-old Norman “JR” Mendigorin II on Friday.
“All of the facts and evidence we have gathered indicate that Mendigorin’s death was accidental but our investigation is continuing in order to make sure that all relevant information is gathered,” Rasmussen said in his report.
At about 12:30 a.m. Sept. 4 JR went missing from his residence on First Street, police said.
The boy was last seen dressed in white mesh basketball shorts, a light blue Tommy Hilfiger t-shirt with a small Tommy Hilfiger logo on the left chest, and pale red and white flip flops, according to Rasmussen.
However, Rasmussen said that when his body was located several hours later in the water off the end of the Third Street boat ramp, the clothing was missing.
Rasmussen said they later recovered the right side flip flop, shown in the photo above, but have not found the left side one.
Lakeport Police officers have searched the area, including having the Northshore Fire Department Dive Team search the lake off the boat ramp and Library Park but have not located the clothing, Rasmussen said.
Rasmussen said police are asking that any members of the public who have seen the flip flop, white shorts or blue Tommy Hilfiger t-shirt either on the land or in the water in the Lakeport area contact the police department at 707-263-5491.
Friends of JR and his family have organized a candlelight vigil in his memory that will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the gazebo at Library Park on Park Street in Lakeport.
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News reports
Police search for missing autistic child
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Police Department is working to locate an autistic child who went missing early Friday morning.
Norman Mendigorin II, who goes by “J.R.,” went missing at about 12:30 a.m. on Friday, the agency reported.
He is 13 years old, has autism, and will not answer or communicate with strangers, police said.
The boy was last seen wearing a blue Tommy Hilfiger t-shirt and white shorts in the area of First Street in Lakeport.
If you see J.R. please call the Lakeport Police Department immediately at 707-263-5491.
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News reports
Police seek person of interest in theft and fraud case
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Police Department is requesting the public’s help with identifying a person of interest in a case involving a stolen wallet and the fraudulent use of a credit card.
Sgt. Gary Basor said a woman reported to police on Aug. 16 that her wallet was stolen from her cart while she was shopping at a Lakeport business.
A few hours later, a credit card from inside the wallet was used at business in the city of Clearlake, with the transaction captured on video surveillance, Basor said.
The woman pictured above is a person of interest in the investigation and the Lakeport Police Department is trying to identify her, according to Basor.
If you know who this person is, please contact Lakeport Police Officer Kevin Odom at 707-263-5491, Extension 28.
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News reports
Sheriff's office searching for man who led deputies on vehicle chase
This article has been updated
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The suspect who fled from Sheriff's Deputies after a vehicle pursuit has been identified as 40 year old Daniel Winger.
Winger was able to elude law enforcement after the pursuit and subsequent search, involving multiple law enforcement officers and a K9. WInger is wanted on an out of county warrant for hit and run, with great bodily injury or death.
Winger is wanted in Lake County for felony evading, vandalism and driving on a suspended license.
He is described as being 5' 10, 150 pounds, shaved head and blue eyes. He is currently staying in the Kelseyville area.
The booking photo was taken approximately one year ago and depicts Winger with darker hair than what deputies described today.
Previous report -
An active search using law enforcement canines is under way for a wanted male subject near Kelseyville.
The Lake County Sheriff's Office said that the the search followed a vehicle pursuit on Friday in the area of Westridge Drive and Grande Vista Drive in the Riviera Heights community.
The subject is described as a white male adult, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 150 pounds, shaved head and blue eyes.
He was last seen wearing a dark colored shirt and jeans.
Officials said he may be injured, due to jumping off a second story deck while running from law enforcement.
The subject may also have an outstanding arrest warrant from an agency outside Lake County, authorities said.
Residents are advised to stay inside their home and lock their doors, and call Central Dispatch by dialing 911 if they see anyone suspicious in the area.
The subject should not be approached. Instead, residents are urged to call 911.
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News reports
Police identify Clearlake shooting victim
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake Police Department has identified a man who was fatally shot in the city earlier this week.
The shooting victim was 36-year-old Arnoldo Rangel-Villanueva, according to Detective Sgt. Nick Bennett.
Shortly after 10 a.m. Monday officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 14000 block of Woodland Drive, Bennett said.
Bennett said the officers who arrived on scene found Rangel-Villanueva with gunshot injuries, with paramedics declaring him dead at the scene.
Rangel-Villanueva's exact cause of death is pending a scheduled autopsy, Bennett said.
Police have still not revealed a possible motive in the case, although the agency's initial report noted that officers located a “significant marijuana grow” at the rear of Rangel-Villanueva's residence.
The investigation into the shooting is continuing, and anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact Det. Elvis Cook at the Clearlake Police Department at 707-994-8251, Extension 315.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
