LAKE COUNTY — The Lake County Sheriff”s Office is seeking the public”s assistance in identifying the source of reported death threats and malicious radio interference recently transmitted on the Lake County Sheriff”s Office (LCSO) primary radio frequency.
According to a press release sent on Friday night from the LCSO, on July 3 at approximately 10:05 p.m. radio communications between the Sheriff”s dispatch center and patrol deputies working in the field was suddenly interrupted by more than 10 minutes of radio interference on the sheriff”s primary frequency. The interference came at a time of peak activity during the busiest shift of the day and disrupted public safety operations as sheriff”s personnel were handling calls for service during the holiday weekend.
The source of the interference is unknown and according to Rivero the act was “clearly malicious and intentional.” The release stated the interference disrupted sheriff”s operations and compromised the safety of sheriff”s deputies trying to serve the public. The person or people responsible for the interference also transmitted death threats and inflammatory remarks directed at Rivero. Among other statements made by the suspect, he transmitted, “watch your back Rivero, you”re going to get shot,” according to the release.
Rivero said the threats are not the first against his life and that since taking office in January radio communications have been routinely and intentionally “covered” by unknown suspects transmitting over his transmissions while he was working in the field.
The LCSO Major Crimes Unit is investigating the matter. To report information call at 262-4200.
