An investigation into a string of recent thefts in Lake County led to the arrest of three men over a two week span.
Jose Manuel Rodriguez Jr. and Lonnie Ray Scott remain in custody at the Lake County Jail, each linked by authorities to multiple thefts through possession of stolen property. Michael Sean Shaffer was released on bail and subsequently fled from detectives.
The arrests followed an extensive investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office involving the Patrol Division, the Narcotics Division and the Investigations Division. Over the past two months officers were able to identify the three men as suspects related to several thefts and burglaries, as well as the alleged sale of illegal drugs.
Officers from the Lakeport Police Department arrested Rodriguez, 28 of Kelseyville, last week after a brief chase. Sheriff’s Detectives had identified Rodriguez as a suspect in several thefts prior to him being arrested. Detectives reportedly linked Rodriguez to several items of stolen property that have been recovered. The items were allegedly stolen during four separate thefts reported in the Kelseyville area and one reported in Clearlake Oaks.
On November 3, 44-year-old, Lonnie Ray Scott of Kelseyville was arrested by deputies following a vehicle pursuit that occurred on Sylar Lane in Kelseyville, where Scott rammed a sheriff’s vehicle. Scott was reportedly found in possession of 12 pounds of marijuana, a loaded handgun, and several items of stolen property. Detectives were able to link the stolen property to two thefts reported in the Kelseyville area.
A week later on November 10, Michael Sean Shaffer, 31 of Upper Lake, was arrested by Narcotics Detectives during a probation search at a residence located on Riviera Heights Dr. in Kelseyville. According to the sheriff’s office, Shaffer was at that time possession of a stolen vehicle, several items of stolen property, and half an ounce of methamphetamine. The investigation tied the stolen items to four separate thefts that were reported in the Nice and Upper Lake area.
Shaffer was released on bail related to these charges.
The suspect is currently on active Post Release Community Supervision probation (PRCS) and has a no bail arrest warrant for violating conditions of that probation. Shaffer was spotted by Sheriff’s Detectives in the Upper Lake area on November 17, while the officers were conducting follow up regarding these cases. Shaffer fled the area on a motorcycle and was not able to be located. Anyone with information on Shaffer’s location is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 707-263-2690.
Sheriff’s Detectives have recovered items that are believed to be stolen, but have not been able to link these items to any reported thefts. Authorities urge anyone who has had a recent theft and not reported it, to contact the Sheriff’s Office to make a report. Anyone who has made a report, but has not provided a detailed list of items stolen is urged to contact the deputy they made the report to and provide the list.
