Brandon Downs
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Digital Content Producer @CBSSacramento | Prev. Digital Content Manager @actionnewsnow
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Articles by Brandon Downs
Chileno Fire burns more than 300 acres in Marin County, forward progress stopped
Forward progress of a grass fire in Marin County has been stopped at more than 300 acres, crews said. The Marin County Fire Department said the fire began at about 4:40 pm. near Chileno Valley Road, about four miles south of Tomales Road in the Chileno Valley area. Firefighters said there were multiple spot fires, with smaller spot fires being stopped at about 4:50 p.m. Two other fires were stopped before 7 p.m. All the fires burned about 340 acres. ZoneHaven had zone MRN-E118 under an advisory.
Placer County deputies kill armed suspect after Iowa Hill shootout
An armed suspect sought in the killing of a woman near Iowa Hill was shot and killed by Placer County sheriff's deputies early Monday after an overnight manhunt and shootout, authorities said. The Placer County Sheriff's Office identified the suspect as 44-year-old Derek Spencer, who deputies had been searching for since Sunday in the heavily forested area south of Colfax.
Placer County deputies kill armed suspect after Iowa Hill shootout
An armed suspect sought in the killing of a woman near Iowa Hill was shot and killed by Placer County sheriff's deputies early Monday after an overnight manhunt and shootout, authorities said. The Placer County Sheriff's Office identified the suspect as 44-year-old Derek Spencer, who deputies had been searching for since Sunday in the heavily forested area south of Colfax.
Placer County authorities search for armed suspect in deadly shooting
Posted by Brandon Downs on September 20, 2026 Tags: Categories: Bay Area News Authorities in Placer County say they are searching for a suspect they believe shot and killed a woman before taking off and ramming into a patrol vehicle. Local News – CBS Bay Area
Chileno Fire burns more than 100 acres in Marin County
Posted by Brandon Downs on September 20, 2026 Tags: Categories: Bay Area News Fire crews are responding to a fire in Marin County that has burned more than 100 acres on Sunday afternoon. Local News – CBS Bay Area
Chileno Fire burns more than 100 acres in Marin County
Fire crews are responding to a fire in Marin County that has burned more than 100 acres on Sunday afternoon. The Marin County Fire Department said the fire began at about 4:40 pm. near Chileno Valley Road, about four miles south of Tomales Road in the Chileno Valley area. Cal Fire's incident page has the fire mapped at 125 acres. ZoneHaven has zone MRN-E118 under an advisory. No mandatory evacuations have been issued at this time. What caused the fire is unknown.
Placer County deputies search for man who fired shots at law enforcement, rammed patrol car
Authorities in Placer County are searching for a suspect they say fired shots at law enforcement and rammed a patrol car Sunday afternoon. The Placer County Sheriff's Office said authorities are searching the area of Iowa Hill Road, south of Colfax, for a suspect they say is armed and dangerous. Deputies identified the suspect as 44-year-old Derek Spencer. They said he is wanted for several felonies, including pointing a firearm at victims in Placer County earlier in the day.
Newsom vetoes bill aimed at preserving California state workers' telework
California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill Friday that would have allowed each state agency to make its own telework policy. Assembly Bill 1729, led by Republican Assemblymember Josh Hoover and Democratic Assemblymember Alex Lee, came after Newsom ordered a mandate that state workers return to the office four days a week.
Newsom vetoes bill aimed at preserving California state workers’ telework
Posted by Brandon Downs on September 19, 2026 Tags: Categories: Bay Area News California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill Friday that would have allowed each state agency to make its own telework policy. Local News – CBS Bay Area
Man dies after found submerged in Sacramento County's American River
A man died on the American River in the Arden-Arcade area on Sunday afternoon, fire officials said. People walking along the shoreline of the river on Sunday afternoon saw the man submerged in the water and called 911. When Sacramento Metro Fire crews arrived, they found the man underwater. He was removed from the water and brought onboard a rescue boat. He died at the scene, firefighters said. The man's identification has not been released.
Antioch police investigate separate hit-and-run crashes that left pedestrians hospitalized
Police in Antioch are investigating what they say are two separate hit-and-run crashes on Saturday that left two pedestrians with major injuries. The first collision happened around 6:50 p.m. near the intersection of 18th Street and Phillips Lane. Officers said they found a 54-year-old man suffering from severe leg injuries. The man was taken to a trauma center via a helicopter. Witnesses described the suspect vehicle as a dark gray sedan, police said.
Antioch police investigate separate hit-and-run crashes that left pedestrians hospitalized
Posted by Brandon Downs on September 13, 2026 Tags: Categories: Bay Area News Police in Antioch are investigating what they say are two separate hit-and-run crashes on Saturday that left two pedestrians with major injuries. Local News – CBS Bay Area
Antioch police investigate separate hit-and-run crashes that left pedestrians hospitalized
Police in Antioch are investigating what they say are two separate hit-and-run crashes on Saturday that left two pedestrians with major injuries. The first collision happened around 6:50 p.m. near the intersection of 18th Street and Phillips Lane. Officers said they found a 54-year-old man suffering from severe leg injuries. The man was taken to a trauma center via a helicopter. Witnesses described the suspect vehicle as a dark gray sedan, police said.
Tesla crashes into El Dorado Hills tree, bursts into flames; 3 killed, 1 hospitalized
Three people died and one person was hospitalized after a Tesla crashed into a tree and was engulfed in flames in El Dorado Hills late Saturday night, officials said. The crash happened on westbound Serrano Parkway, west of Terracina Drive, around 10:40 p.m. Saturday. The California Highway Patrol said it found a 2024 Tesla Model Y crashed into a tree and fully engulfed in flames. Officers said a passenger was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene.
Man dies after found submerged in Sacramento County's American River
A man died on the American River in the Arden-Arcade area on Sunday afternoon, fire officials said. People walking along the shoreline of the river on Sunday afternoon saw the man submerged in the water and called 911. When Sacramento Metro Fire crews arrived, they found the man underwater. He was removed from the water and brought onboard a rescue boat. He died at the scene, firefighters said. The man's identification has not been released.
Former Lake County public works director killed in Highway 20 crash in Colusa County
Posted by Brandon Downs on September 12, 2026 Tags: Categories: Bay Area News The former Lake County public works director died in a crash along Highway 20 in Colusa County on Friday, authorities said. Local News – CBS Bay Area
BART’s services between Warm Springs, Union City halted this weekend to replace aging infrastructure
Posted by Brandon Downs on September 12, 2026 Tags: Categories: Bay Area News BART says services this weekend between the Warm Springs and Union City stations will not operate to replace aging infrastructure. Local News – CBS Bay Area
Former Lake County public works director killed in Highway 20 crash in Colusa County
The former Lake County public works director died in a crash along Highway 20 in Colusa County on Friday, authorities said. The crash happened around 8 a.m. on westbound Highway 20, east of Lone Star Road, when a 1995 Honda crossed into the eastbound lanes and crashed into an oncoming vehicle, the California Highway Patrol said. The vehicles blocked both lanes and caught on fire, the CHP said. The driver of the Honda died and the driver of the other vehicle suffered moderate injuries, the CHP said.
Tracy High teacher arrested after students find phone recording in campus locker room
A Tracy High School teacher was arrested Friday after students discovered a phone recording students while they changed in a campus locker room, police said. Police responded Thursday evening to a call from a parent after the student discovered the phone. Officers said the student and several classmates found the phone recording them while changing. The students stopped the recording, deleted the video and gave the phone to a teacher, police said.
Former Lake County public works director killed in Highway 20 crash in Colusa County
The former Lake County public works director died in a crash along Highway 20 in Colusa County on Friday, authorities said. The crash happened around 8 a.m. on westbound Highway 20, east of Lone Star Road, when a 1995 Honda crossed into the eastbound lanes and crashed into an oncoming vehicle, the California Highway Patrol said. The vehicles blocked both lanes and caught on fire, the CHP said. The driver of the Honda died and the driver of the other vehicle suffered moderate injuries, the CHP said.
BART's services between Warm Springs, Union City halted this weekend to replace aging infrastructure Original
BART says services this weekend between the Warm Springs and Union City stations will not operate to replace aging infrastructure. Riders can use free buses provided by AC Transit in the meantime. Buses will provide direct service between the two stops, as well as a hopper service that will stop at the Fremont Station. While there is no train service, the Fremont Station will be open for buses. Delays of 30 to 40 minutes are expected throughout the area.
Sacramento State police investigate shots fired in parking structure during football home opener
Hornet Stadium was placed under a shelter-in-place order Saturday night during Sacramento State's home opener as police said they investigated shots fired at a campus parking structure. The Hornets hosted Mississippi Valley State and the game continued without stoppage. It comes as the Hornets played their first game as an FBS member and Coach Alonzo Carter made his Sacramento debut. The Hornets won 52-0 in front of a record-setting crowd for a home opener of more than 18,500 fans.
Mountain lion spotted in San Francisco's Panhandle, prompting animal control response
A mountain lion was spotted roaming around San Francisco's Panhandle Saturday, prompting animal control to respond to the area. San Francisco emergency officials said the mountain lion was seen near Fell and Baker streets. A police officer told CBS News Bay Area that the mountain lion was seen in a tree. Officials said Sunday that they believe the mountain lion left the area and found its way into the city from the Santa Cruz mountains.
2 dead in Solano County crash along Interstate 80 over Labor Day weekend
Two people from Solano County died in a crash on Interstate 80 near the Highway 113 interchange on Sunday, authorities said. Just before 12:30 p.m., the California Highway Patrol responded to a report that a vehicle heading east on I-80 drove off the road near the Highway 113 interchange. Officers said the 2011 black Infiniti FX35 crashed into an embankment on the right shoulder. The driver, a 56-year-old woman from Dixon, died at the scene, the CHP said.
Amber Alert issued in multiple California counties for father, daughter after newborn’s death
Posted by Brandon Downs on September 6, 2026 Tags: Categories: Bay Area News An Amber Alert was issued across multiple California counties for a teenage girl and her father after their newborn was found dead last month, authorities said. Local News – CBS Bay Area
Amber Alert issued in multiple California counties for father, daughter after newborn's death
An Amber Alert was issued across multiple California counties for a teenage girl and her father after their newborn was found dead last month, authorities said. The California Highway Patrol said the victim, 14-year-old Diana Galvez Ortega, and the suspect, 38-year-old Sergio Galvez Perez, were last seen on Aug. 4 at about 2 a.m. in Salinas. The search for Ortega and Perez is connected to the death of Baby Angelita, a newborn found dead north of Moss Landing on Aug.
2 dead in Solano County crash along Interstate 80 over Labor Day weekend
Posted by Brandon Downs on September 6, 2026 Tags: Categories: Bay Area News Two people from Solano County died in a crash on Interstate 80 near the Highway 113 interchange on Sunday, authorities said. Local News – CBS Bay Area
Mountain lion spotted in San Francisco's Panhandle, prompting animal control response
A mountain lion was spotted roaming around San Francisco's Panhandle, prompting animal control to respond to the area. San Francisco emergency officials said the mountain lion was seen near Fell and Baker streets Saturday night. A police officer told CBS News Bay Area that the mountain lion was seen in a tree. Anyone who may see the mountain lion is told to slowly back away and not to run. They're told to keep pets on a leash and pick up their children.
Mountain lion spotted in San Francisco’s Panhandle, prompting animal control response
Posted by Brandon Downs on September 5, 2026 Tags: Categories: Bay Area News A mountain lion was spotted roaming around San Francisco’s Panhandle, prompting animal control to respond to the area. Local News – CBS Bay Area
Mountain lion spotted in San Francisco's Panhandle, prompting animal control response
A mountain lion was spotted roaming around San Francisco's Panhandle, prompting animal control to respond to the area. San Francisco emergency officials said the mountain lion was seen near Fell and Baker streets Saturday night. A police officer told CBS News Bay Area that the mountain lion was seen in a tree. Anyone who may see the mountain lion is told to slowly back away and not to run. They're told to keep pets on a leash and pick up their children.
Sacramento State police investigate shots fired in parking structure, stadium shelter-in-place order lifted
Hornet Stadium at Sacramento State was placed under a shelter-in-place order as police said they investigated shots fired at a campus parking structure. Police were encouraging people to avoid Parking Structure 3, located across the street from Hornet Stadium, due to the investigation around 7:15 p.m. By about 8:10 p.m., police said the shelter-in-place was lifted and there was no ongoing threat. Police added that no injuries were reported.
Sacramento State investigate shots fired, stadium in shelter-in-place order
Sacramento State police said shots were fired on campus and people are told to avoid a parking structure. Police are encouraging people to avoid parking structure three and Hornet Stadium is under a shelter-in-place order. An officer on the field at Sacramento State told CBS Sacramento that cars were shot and there was no information about a suspect. The Hornets are hosting Mississippi Valley State at Hornets Stadium. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Suspect in string of Sacramento business burglaries arrested
A suspect was arrested in an investigation into a series of burglaries earlier this week in Midtown Sacramento, police said Friday. The suspect, identified as 46-year-old Darrel Buckner of Sacramento, was located and detained in Downtown Sacramento Friday morning. Police said he was brought in for questioning and later arrested on multiple counts of burgalry. The investigation began when several businesses along J Street were broken into.
Most of Sacramento's Fix50 construction project to be completed in October, Caltrans says
Lane reductions and closures along Sacramento's Highway 50 due to construction will soon be a thing of the past for drivers, as Caltrans said most of the Fix50 project is scheduled to be completed at the end of October. Caltrans said the construction crews plan for "substantial completion" of the Fix50 project to be on Oct. 31. After that, crews will be down to electrical, landscaping and drainage work. That means drivers will not see lane reductions or closures on the highway.
Most of Sacramento's Fix50 construction project to be completed in October, Caltrans says
A large portion of Caltrans' Fix50 project in Sacramento is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, Caltrans said Friday. Caltrans said the construction crews plan to be down to landscaping, electrical and drainage work by the end of October. That means drivers will not see lane reductions or closures on the highway after Oct. 31. The project first began in 2021. It was originally slated to be completed during the summer of 2025.
Suspect in string of Sacramento business burglaries arrested
A suspect was arrested in an investigation into a series of burglaries earlier this week in Midtown Sacramento, police said Friday. The suspect, identified as 46-year-old Darrel Buckner of Sacramento, was located and detained in Downtown Sacramento Friday morning. Police said he was brought in for questioning and later arrested on multiple counts of burgalry. The investigation began when several businesses along J Street were broken into.
Man to be sentenced to 300 years in Sacramento County child sexual assault case
A man will be sentenced to 300 years in prison after he pleaded no contest in a child sexual assault case late last month, prosecutors said Thursday. Demetrius Davis was arrested after a cyber tip led the Sacramento Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to discover he created a fake online persona using content he obtained from one of his victims. Prosecutors said he used the account to victimize 80 children from ages 6 to 13 in multiple locations around the country and the world.
Roseville man accused of stealing $2.3 million from employer, spending it on gambling
A Roseville man was charged in a scheme in which he stole money from his employer and used most of it to gamble, federal prosecutors said Thursday. Between 2023 and 2025, 38-year-old Christopher William Edward Abplanalp stole more than $2.3 million from his employer, prosecutors said. Abplanalp was working as an executive manager at a business in Placer County.
Investigation into former licensed Stockton gun dealer leads to seizure of hundreds of guns
A formerly licensed gun dealer in Stockton was arrested when an investigation found he never paid the owners the proceeds of the guns he accepted on consignment, police said. Joseph Gogna, 33, is a former licensed firearms dealer who operated a gun business. Police said he accepted guns on consignment and allegedly failed to give owners the proceeds after the guns were sold. In other cases, the guns were allegedly transferred, sold or taken without the owners' consent and knowledge.
Investigation into former licensed Stockton gun dealer leads to seizure of hundreds of guns
A formerly licensed gun dealer in Stockton was arrested when an investigation found he never paid the owners the proceeds of the guns he accepted on consignment, police said. Joseph Gogna, 33, is a former licensed firearms dealer who operated a gun business. Police said he accepted guns on consignment and allegedly failed to give owners the proceeds after the guns were sold. In other cases, the guns were allegedly transferred, sold or taken without the owners' consent and knowledge.
Roseville man accused of stealing $2.3 million from employer, spending it on gambling
A Roseville man was charged in a scheme in which he stole money from his employer and used most of it to gamble, federal prosecutors said Thursday. Between 2023 and 2025, 38-year-old Christopher William Edward Abplanalp stole more than $2.3 million from his employer, prosecutors said. Abplanalp was working as an executive manager at a business in Placer County.
Suspect on the run after San Jose shooting leaves man with life-threatening injuries Original
San Jose police are searching for a suspect after a shooting left a man with life-threatening injuries late Wednesday night. The shooting happened in the parking lot of Paul's Quick Stop Liquor at the corner of Stockton Avenue and Taylor Street just after 11 p.m. At the scene, officers said they found that a man had been shot at least once. He was rushed to a hospital for injuries that are life-threatening, police said.
Southbound Highway 99 reopens after deadly crash near Lodi
One person died in a crash that shut down southbound Highway 99 north of Lodi for several hours on Wednesday, officials said. The crash happened sometime before 1 p.m. on southbound Highway 99, south of Jahant Road. Two pickup trucks and two semi-trucks were involved in the crash, the California Highway Patrol said. The CHP said one driver, a 23-year-old man, died. Their identification has not been released, and it's unknown which vehicle they were driving.
Deadly crash near Lodi closes southbound Highway 99
One person died in a crash that shut down southbound Highway 99 north of Lodi Wednesday afternoon, officials said. The crash happened sometime before 1 p.m. on southbound Highway 99, south of Jahant Road. Two pickup trucks and two semi-trucks were involved in the crash, the California Highway Patrol said. The CHP said one driver died. Their identification has not been released, and it's unknown which vehicle they were driving.
Deadly crash near Lodi closes southbound Highway 99
One person died in a crash that shut down southbound Highway 99 north of Lodi Wednesday afternoon, officials said. The crash happened sometime before 1 p.m. on southbound Highway 99, south of Jahant Road. Two pickup trucks and two semi-trucks were involved in the crash, the California Highway Patrol said. A crash on southbound Highway 99 north of Lodi closed the freeway Wednesday afternoon. The CHP said one driver died.
Northbound Highway 99 closed in Stanislaus County for shooting investigation
Parts of Highway 99 in Stanislaus County were closed Wednesday morning as authorities investigated a shooting that happened Tuesday night. Northbound Highway 99 was closed from Keyes Road to Service Road as the California Highway Patrol said it was investigating a shooting that was reported at about 10:10 p.m. Tuesday. One person who was injured is expected to survive, officers said. Officers shut down the highway from about 10 a.m. to noon to investigate and search for evidence.
Northbound Highway 99 closed in Stanislaus County for shooting investigation
Parts of Highway 99 in Stanislaus County were closed Wednesday morning as authorities investigated a shooting that happened Tuesday night. Northbound Highway 99 was closed from Keyes Road to Service Road as the California Highway Patrol said it was investigating a shooting that was reported at about 10:10 p.m. Tuesday. One person who was injured is expected to survive, officers said. Officers shut down the highway to investigate the scene and look for more evidence.
Freeway shooting investigation in San Carlos closed northbound Highway 101
Posted by Brandon Downs on August 30, 2026 Tags: Categories: Bay Area News Northbound Highway 101 was shut down in San Carlos Sunday evening as authorities investigated a freeway shooting. Local News – CBS Bay Area
Freeway shooting investigation in San Carlos closed northbound Highway 101
Northbound Highway 101 was shut down in San Carlos Sunday evening as authorities investigated a freeway shooting. Just after 5 p.m., California Highway Patrol officers said they responded to a shooting on Highway 101 near Holly Street. Officers said occupants in the victim's vehicle were not struck by gunfire. One person sustained minor injuries. All northbound lanes were shut down near Whipple Avenue until about 7:15 p.m. There was no information on a suspect.
2 canoers found dead in Tomales Bay after not returning from camping trip
Two people who went canoeing and camping in the Tomales Bay area were found dead after they never returned from their planned trip, officials said. Marin County Fire said the pair left around midnight Saturday to view bioluminescence. It was reported that they planned to canoe to White Gulch Beach to camp. When the pair didn't return as expected, first responders began searching for them. They were located wearing their life jackets, but officials said they both died before they could be rescued.
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