November 24, 2024

The snow is a hazard. Whether you own a bike, a car or even a truck, driving in the snow is a risk. However, it seems some people struggle to respect the hazards it presents. On the evening of the 24th November, a black Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 was drifting in the snow in Idlewood. The vehicle was out of control, causing a danger to himself and the public. Sergeant Noble from the LSPD decided to initiate a traffic stop. However, the driver didn’t follow his commands and decided to start a pursuit. In the heavy snow, this was extremely risky, but he continued. While Sergeant Noble engaged in a pursuit with the male, he sped through Idlewood, with minimal traction. As we followed, the pursuit got worse. As the vehicle approached the bridge over the sewers, the driver hit the fence at speed. This caused the vehicle to flip over and into the sewer. As the vehicle made contact with the ground, it set on fire, causing a large blaze. As we arrived closer to the scene with the vehicle, it was apparent that the driver had lost several limbs. Including his arms and legs. He was also unconscious. Shortly after the initial incident, the Los Santos Fire Department arrived with an ambulance and a fire engine. However, while resolving the fire, it seems the male was in a serious condition. The firefighters proceeded to extinguish the fire from the vehicle, while the paramedics worked on the male. The vehicle was also unrecognizable, with structural damage. Male Results In Severe Burns And Injuries The fire department worked to assess and tend to the driver of the vehicle. It was uncovered that he was subject to severe burns and several of his limbs missing as a result. From a distance, it seemed his whole body was burnt. The smell of charred flesh filled the air, the sight was like something in a horror movie. All a result of dangerous driving. The paramedics continued to monitor his pulse and condition. However, the pulse dropped low enough to use administer CPR and the use of an AED. We watched as they shocked his lifeless body in an attempt to restart his heart. The team worked tirelessly on the male, in an attempt to bring him back. His breathing started again, and he was taken to the nearest hospital for further assessment and treatment. The Immense Pressure On The LSPD The Los Santos Fire Department did a fantastic job during this incident. They worked without issue. However, the immense pressure on the LSPD was shown in true colors. We watch as Sergeant Noble struggled to come to terms with the incident. Criminals don’t consider anything but themselves. The LSPD are working around the clock to protect citizens and people are still taking risks. It’s time those criminals became adults, and stopped with the petty crime. For the sake of wellbeing. The sake of mental health. The sake of their health. We spoke to Nathaniel Blackwood from the All Saints General Hospital about occupational health. He said; “We’ve recently begun discussions about establishing dedicated occupational health partnerships with both LSPD and the Fire Department. Given the unique physical and psychological demands these first responders face, we’re developing tailored health monitoring and preventive care programs. Our mobile medical services could be particularly valuable here, potentially providing on-site health screenings and assessments at their facilities.” The Snow Is Not For The Faint Hearted While we have covered this in several articles, the snow is a serious hazard. Drivers are adhering to the guidance mostly. But the select few are still driving around Los Santos like a normal summers day. This is not normal weather, nor is it the weather you need to drive around at speed. The driver of this black vehicle was unlucky tonight. This can happen to anybody. Drive with caution and apply common sense. Words From Our Reporter “We have covered the hazards in several articles following the recent snowfall. However, it seems people don’t want to listen. Let this be a lesson for every driver in Los Santos. This can happen to you. It will happen to you, if you don’t drive with caution. Driving in the snow seems fun, but it isn’t. Do the right thing. Don’t be another 911 call. If you do choose to drive eratically on our streets, you need to grow up. Plain and simple.” 4 0

With the recent snowfall in Los Santos, the roads have become more dangerous than usual. The snow has continued through the night and into the 24th, covering the roads and sidewalks. This has made travel and transport more difficult, with some businesses suspending services due to the weather. However, the Los Santos Public Works department have been working day and night to clear the roads, allowing people to travel safely. We visited their work on Alameda Street to find out more about their goal. Removing The Snow, And Clearing The Roads During our visit to the public works being carried out on Alameda Street, we saw several members of the team, removing snow from the roads using a range of tools and equipment. With Alameda Street/Normandie Street being a vital link in Idlewood, it is great to see the government taking action on clearing our roads. As we covered in a previous article, the roads are dangerous. As a driver, you need to apply more caution when driving on our roads, to ensure you remain safe. However, with the Public Works teams out on our roads, we should see much of the snow removed from our roads. In an update from The Los Santos Weather Office, they stated that they expect the snow to continue for several more days at least. This means a lot of work for the Public Works Department to keep our roads clear. Samuel Harrington, Head Of Public Works During our visit, we spoke to Samuel Harrington, Head Of Public Works who said; “Public Workers are always taking care of Los Santos Citizens. We’ll be working on a 24/7 basis to keep the roads clean and as safe as possible. Our priority are all the Los Santos Citizens remain safe. We strive for that! Like I said, we want to make the streets safer. This snow is dangerous.” We also asked Samuel about the expected disruption to our roads. He said; “This type of work is a slow work. That’s why we work 24/7. Citizens may expect slow traffic for the next two days. We will be working hard with all the heavy machinery and that can cause some traffic delays. We promise it won’t last for too long.” Finally Samuel had a few words in regards to driver safety and driving around the disruptions. He said; “I ask, please drive as slow as possible within the next forty eight hours. Respect all the men on the road, working for citizens safety. Lives matter here.” Driving With Extreme Caution As Samuel covered in his statement, all drivers in Los Santos need to proceed with caution. Not just around the public works officials but on any roadway covered in snow and ice. Remember, snow is visible but Ice isn’t always as apparent. We urge local residents to consider snow tires for all vehicles to prevent any loss of traction. 4 0

On the evening of the 24th November, the police engaged in a pursuit with a yellow vehicle in Ganton. This vehicle failed to stop for officers when they attempted to perform a traffic stop. The vehicle took a chase from Ganton to the Idlewood Gas Station, where they took two women as hostage. They kept the women at gunpoint, while making demands to the SWAT team outside, requesting a bearcat for their escape. The two males who fled in the vehicle, held the women at gunpoint in the middle of the shop, while officers attempted to negotiate with the pair. However, the individuals were aggressive, making strong demands to the officers, threatening the lives of the hostages. The main demand was a bearcat. This is an armored police vehicle, typically used by the SWAT Division. With this vehicle, the idea is that it protects you from gunshots. However, as Officer Bishop quickly discovered following his demands, it’s not just the vehicle that matters. Holding The Aces The individuals inside the gas station were in a strong position, due to them having two hostages at gunpoint. However, the police worked to keep the hostages safe, by delivering to their commands. The bearcat was quickly provided for the pair, following a 30 second timer before on the hostages faced serious injury, or death. We observed Sergeant Whitelock from the LSPD along with his team, control the area, working towards the safety of the hostages. The clock kept ticking, while the officers waited for the pair to emerge from the shop to enter the bearcat. The plan from the officers was simple. To allow the males to enter the bearcat, then engage in pursuit to arrest the pair. This method ensures that the hostages remain safe, and allows them to apprehend the suspects elsewhere. However, things didn’t go as planned. The males took the hostages into the bearcat, further using them as pieces in this apparent game. Without the hostages, they knew that their time was numbered. The risk of death for the hostages continued. Short Pursuit Once the males had access to the bearcat, they drove from Idlewood Gas Station to the Pacific Coast Highway. Officers from the scene followed closely behind and followed the Bearcat to the sea, just off the highway. The males drove the bearcat into the water at speed. We observed officers shooting towards the water, attempting to neutralize the threat. The marine unit from the Los Santos Police Department was deployed to search the area. We witnessed them searching the location of the vehicle in the water, while ground units checked any potential routes of escape from the focus point. Remaining Underwater While on the scene of the bearcat in the sea, we witnessed officers issuing commands through a megaphone. People were still in the bearcat while it was under the water and with oxygen running out, they had nowhere to turn. The marine unit paired with SWAT officers watched over the bearcat, waiting for signs of movement. LSFD Support Arrives While the marine unit watched over the vehicle, the Los Santos Fire Department arrived on the scene to offer assistance. An ambulance arrived along with a fire engine, equipped with Scuba Gear. This allowed the team to check over the bearcat in the water. However, as the team went to check the vehicle, a male along with the a hostage emerged from the vehicle. The male started to swim quickly away from the officers, in an attempt to flee. However, the team was quick off the mark and managed to neutralize the suspect without issue. Another male had also arrived on the scene, with a vehicle. We believe to be used for an escape, however both males were quickly shot down following a gunfight between the pair and officers. We watched as the paramedics from the Los Santos Fire Department worked to assess and deal with the injuries. One of the team rushed for an AED, or Automated External Defib. One of the males had clear gunshot wounds to his chest and head. Hostages Safe And Well While the outcome could’ve been very different, both hostages remain safe and well following the incident. We received confirmation from Sergeant Parker that both hostages remain safe and well, and both males were shot down. The team from the Los Santos Fire Department worked to treat both the suspects and the officers. However, with the visible wounds to the males, it appeared that they were down for the count. Sergeant Parker, Los Santos Police Department On the scene, we spoke to Sergeant Parker from the LSPD. He said; “From what I could track is that our officers attempted to initiate a traffic shop on a yellow car, and when it took off, the two suspects lead them to Idlewood gas. In there, they took the clerk hostage, and demanded escape by bearcat. We did not want to risk the suspect befalling any harm, so we gave into their demands. They however, did not get very far as you can see, as we were prepared to deal with them on our terms, and not theirs. And to the criminals. We can bleed, we can be injured, but we’ve got a whole lot more spirit to fight with than they can ever fathom. We will face them head on, every day, every hour. Vigilant, and ready to deal whatever they have ready for us. Coming heavy or not, we will stand by our citizens.” Fantastic Work From The LSPD & LSFD While the incident was worrying for all, we do have to comment on the fantastic work of both the Los Santos Police Department, and the Los Santos Fire Department. Some notices of commendation include; Along with their teams. Without them, the hostages may not be here today. We have written to the relevant department following their great work. 3 0

As the snow falls across Los Santos, and the roads become more slippery, it seems not everybody has got the message of driving with caution. On the evening of November 24th, a white motorcycle was riding around Idlewood, pulling a range of stunts in the snow. The rider had zero consideration for other road users, or the public. Or even the fact that it was snowing. The bike in question was a White Honda, on road tires. Quite the vehicle to ride in the snow. As officers began trying to stop the vehicle, the rider failed to stop and went into an alleyway over from the Idlewood Gas Station. However, prior planning from the police resulted in the bike being boxed in, with two vehicles. Officers managed to arrest the rider without any issues after he followed command once the game was up. Lack Of Consideration For Other Road Users The snow is not to be taken lightly. Snow on the road surface causes accidents, injuries. Riding in the snow on a motorcycle is risky. But riding on a motorcycle, on road tires, pulling stunts is just stupidity. The consideration of other road users, the public or for himself was completely lacking. 4 0

On the evening of the 24th November, a 911 call was made from a witness, stating that they had seen a male with a firearm, along with a corpse which looked a lot like a police officer. Within seconds, the police had arrived on the scene to find the corpse laid in an alleyway behind a row of houses in the middle of Jefferson. As they began understanding the incident, shots were fired across Jefferson. Upon tracing the source, a male got into a Chevrolet Camaro and started a pursuit with the officers. Hostage Situation At Idlewood Gas Station The male took the pursuit through Los Santos covering Rodeo, Downtown Los Santos, Richman and more. The pursuit ended with the male running into the Idlewood Gas Station. The male ran into the Gas Station, taking the member of staff behind the counter as a hostage. Using the hostage for cover, he proceeded to fire shots through the glass door to the police officers, with the intention of causing serious harm. As the police secured the area, they proceeded to plead with the male, to release the hostage. However, the male was angered, with comments such as “If you try to get in, I’ll kill you, you fucking piece of shit!” The male continued to use the hostage and counter for cover, while shooting towards officers. We heard officers negotiating with the male through a megaphone, in an attempt to save the hostage. We also heard the police looking to take preemptive measures, such as setting up spike strips in the local area and securing the perimeter. The decision was made on the scene to provide the male with space, in an attempt to save the hostage. We witnessed the male leave the gas station. With the local area surrounded, the police waited in an attempt to sting the vehicle early, to prevent another pursuit. Short Pursuit To Pizza Stacks The male entered his original vehicle, leaving the Gas Station. The police lost sight of the vehicle early into the pursuit, however a 911 call confirmed that the male had entered Idlewood Pizza Stacks, with his firearm. The police responded to the male stood at the front door, shooting at the arriving police cars. Within minutes, the police had shot at the male, resulting in neutralizing the suspect. Following the shots, an ambulance arrived from the Los Santos Fire Department to assess and provide care to the male. Male Deceased In Idlewood The shots from the Los Santos Police Department were lethal. We watched as the paramedics attended to the male, however with short shallow breathes, the outcome became more and more obvious. We witnessed Brian Allen and his team from the LSFD work tirelessly in an attempt to save the male. However, the male was already fading away slowly. The Fight Against Crime Continues The fight against crime in Los Santos continues. As the Los Santos Police Department secure more funding, the crime rate continues to rise. Something needs to happen to ensure the safety of the public. Guncrime continues to become more common too. This male was armed with a pistol, of which he used in an attempt to remove life. Unacceptable is the only word. 3 0

On the 14th November, Emma Nilsen was appointed as the Interim Mayor for Los Santos. This came after a statement was released by Governor Blackwood. The statement read; ““The people of Los Santos deserve continuity in their government services and stability in their city’s leadership,” said Governor Blackwood. “Ms. Nilsen’s appointment as Interim Mayor will ensure that essential city operations continue uninterrupted while we prepare for special elections.” Since her appointment, she has made several changes for the people of Los Santos. These changes include; The previous mayor, Victor Chase was very restrictive in his duties. We didn’t see any show of support for our public services. Taxes had increased across the board, making Los Santos unaffordable. Finally, he didn’t take action when we needed it the most. It seems Emma Nilsen is working to make a difference as Interim Mayor. This is great to see. What Is An Interim Mayor? An interim mayor is someone who takes over the job of mayor temporarily. This happens when the regular mayor can’t do the job anymore, such as when Victor Chase abandoned office. Or can’t work for some reason. The interim mayor’s job is to keep things running smoothly until a new mayor is chosen. They don’t usually make big changes but focus on keeping the city stable. It’s like a substitute teacher, but for the whole city. This means that Emma Nilsen is in the position on a temporary basis, pending election. However, this is still a vital position to hold, and an interim mayor can still be elected by the public. An Election Is Coming In the following months, an election will occur. This is your opportunity to vote on a new permenant mayor to serve Los Santos. Electing a mayor in Los Santos is an important decision for everyone in the city. The mayor is responsible for making sure things like public safety, housing, and transportation are taken care of. When we vote, we need to choose someone who listens to the community and takes action to solve problems. A good mayor should work to improve our lives, not make things harder. This is our chance to pick someone who will put Los Santos first and make it a better place for everyone. Article coming soon with the election details. 3 0

It’s no secret that Los Santos has been subject to a recent flurry of snow. The Los Santos Weather Office is closely monitoring the data for any changes expected in the near future. However, once the snow settles on the ground and freezes over, we expect the road surface to become loose and much more slippery. This presents a new challenge for drivers. Some drivers in Los Santos are not experienced in driving through the snow. Therefore, the sudden change in temperature and also driving conditions may come as a surprise. In this article, we have covered Driver Caution and what you should be doing when out on the roads. 1. Drive When Absolutely Necessary The first one goes without saying. The snow and cold weather presents various risks for drivers. Not only does the road surface become dangerous, but so does sharing the roads with other vehicles. Each time you enter a vehicle to drive in this weather, you are taking a risk. A risk with your life. A risk with your vehicle. Only drive when you need to. Try to prevent less important travel. If you do need to drive, make sure to take your time and apply common sense. 2. Brake Early, Drive Slowly When driving in the snow, you need to apply a different attitude. Los Santos is home to many “Lewis Hamilton” fans. However, you need to adapt your driving technique for the weather. Braking is a major priority in the snow. Where you would usually brake while moving towards a junction, you need to brake much earlier. This will allow you to gradually lose speed, making a safe stop. If you press the brakes firmly, due to last minute braking, you will find that your vehicle slides. This potentially results in you sliding out or through a junction. Following this, you also need to be mindful about your speed. Drive slower than usual and make sure you remain in full control of the vehicle. Harsh acceleration will result in wheel spin, therefore causing you to lose traction. 3. Plan your Journey With the weather, roads may close unexpectedly. This could be for a variety of reasons, from accidents to frozen or burst water mains. Don’t expect your usual route to be open and clear. Do your research and plan your journey to avoid being in the bad weather conditions for longer than you need to. Also be mindful of any items you may need in the snow. Such as chains for your tires, vehicle breakdown etc. 4. Apply Common Sense Finally, the fourth step is to apply common sense. You need to think about each road, each corner, each junction. If you own a rear wheel drive vehicle, then driving in the snow is not the best idea. You are responsible for your own driving. In The Event, The Worst Happens If you find yourself in an accident with another vehicle, or in danger, you need to call 911. The emergency services are on duty to assist you in this bad weather. You can also call the non-emergency line for advice on 311. 3 0