police department

Washoe County reports their first death of a resident from COVID-19

In a Monday morning press conference, Washoe County updated the community on the current COVID-19 situation as they continue to urge residents to stay at home to prevent its spread.

The first Washoe County resident died from COVID-19 over the weekend. He was in his 49s and the case is under investigation. It is unknown at this time if the man has underlying health conditions.

“We’re devastated to learn that a Washoe County resident has died due to COVID-19,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer for Washoe County. “Our thoughts are with the family at this time.”

City of South Lake Tahoe now has power to fine those violating "Stay at Home" order

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe issued an emergency order Friday morning, one that gives them the power to issue administrative citations to those who violate California Governor Newsom's 'stay at home' order.

“We are taking this crisis seriously and it is important that those who don’t, know there can be consequences to ignoring the Governor’s orders,” said Interim City Manager Brad Kilger, “This is about keeping our community safe, and that’s what this city is going to do.”

Part of Kilger's role for the city is as its director of emergency services.

Rental of a South Lake Tahoe vacation home or motel could result in fines

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - During their emergency meeting Wednesday, the South Lake Tahoe City Council voted to support the temporary use of the City's recreation center for the homeless population during the coronavirus pandemic and to follow the State of Calfornia's lead not halting commercial evictions at the time.

When times are tough, South Lake Tahoe volunteers and businesses step up

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As one would expect in South Lake Tahoe, the community has been coming together to help others during these trying times and uncertainty.

Base Camp Pizza has been one of those businesses that have helped out the community. On Friday they dropped off 120 pizzas, 75 salads and 100 pasta dishes to Bijou Community School for families there who were picking up kids' homework and other supplies to use for at-home study. Local girl scouts donated boxes of cookies to hand out.

South Lake Tahoe man arrested on 99 felony counts of suspected child molestation

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After a three-month-long investigation into a suspected serial molester, a South Lake Tahoe man has been arrested.

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) announced the arrest of Christopher Scott Flanders, a 51-year-old local man. Multiple alleged victims are from the South Lake Tahoe area, police said.

Acting on a warrant, Flanders was arrested on Wednesday, March 18 in the Placerville area with the assistance of the Sacramento PRCS Task Force. He is currently in the El Dorado County Jail in South Lake Tahoe with bail set at $2,000,000.

Woman beaten and robbed of groceries and wallet in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 57-year-old woman from South Lake Tahoe was attacked and robbed Saturday, March 14 around 9:00 p.m. as she was walking home from grocery shopping. The victim was walking toward Tata Lane from Raley's at the Y when attacked in the meadow behind the grocery store and Alpine Liquor.

An unidentified male threw her to the ground and hit the woman, causing serious injuries. She remains hospitalized Tuesday in the Intensive Care Unit.

The man took her groceries and wallet.

Robbery at Wells Fargo in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) is looking for the person who robbed the Wells Fargo Bank inside Raley's at Stateline on Saturday.

SLTPD responded to the call of a robbery at 11:02 a.m. on March 14. An unknown male had entered the store wearing a mask and headed to the bank on the east side. He demanded money from the teller and left with an undisclosed amount of cash and exited the store, heading toward Heavenly Village.

South Lake Tahoe man arrested as suspect in local home burglaries

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A local man has been arrested as a suspect in two residential burglaries in the 1100 block of Fairway Avenue in South Lake Tahoe.

At 6:40 a.m. on March 9, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) was contacted by a citizen who called 911 after hearing glass breaking from a neighbor's house. The caller's husband walked outside and said he saw a suspect walking away from the area. When the suspect was confronted by the husband, he fled on foot. Officers found only broken glass and no entry was made.

Three arrested in South Lake Tahoe on gun and theft charges

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Three local residents were arrested on March 9 on various gun and theft charges after being found asleep in a vehicle on the grounds of Lake Tahoe Christian Fellowship.

At approximately 7:10 a.m., an alert officer from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) located a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of the church located at 3580 Blackwood Avenue. The vehicle was occupied by two men and a woman, all who appeared to be sleeping.

$10,000 reward offered for information in South Lake Tahoe homicide

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The daughter of a man who was found dead in his home in December is looking for answers and a $10,000 reward is being offered for information up to an arrest and conviction of the person(s) involved.

On December 16, 2019, officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) were alerted about a body found in a house on Lodi Avenue. When they arrived, they found 61-year-old Jorge Alberto Lemus Campos deceased.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to February 21 - February 25, 2020.

2/21 - 2/23

ARRESTS (14):
25-year-old male arrested for DUI.
36-year-old male arrested for DUI.
44-year-old female arrested for trespassing.
30-year-old male arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence.
50 year old female arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence and violating a protective order.
60-year-old male arrested for resisting arrest.
40-year-old male arrested on a warrant of Douglas County.

South Lake Tahoe man arrested after leading police on pursuit

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 26-year-old man was arrested Thursday night after allegedly leading officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) on a pursuit through the Ski Run neighborhood.

At approximately 10:45 p.m., an SLTPD sergeant noticed the driver of a small motorcycle fail to stop at a stop sign at Spruce Avenue and Ski Run Boulevard. The motorcycle was also without a license plate attached, according to reports.

South Lake Tahoe Police Chief Brian Uhler says goodbye; March retirement date set

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In just two weeks the City of South Lake Tahoe will be saying goodbye to its sixth police chief since becoming incorporated in 1965.

Chief Brian Uhler will be wrapping up a 40-year career in law enforcement when he retires from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) on March 12, 2020. He has been the second-longest serving chief, coming within a couple of months of the City's second police chief, John Crow.

Heartbreaking end after police pull drowning dog out of Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On just after 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) responded to a call of a dog that was hit by a vehicle near the 3400 block of Lake Tahoe Boulevard.

Lobo, a large Siberian Husky, was accidentally let out of a hotel complex while the family was away. Witnesses tried to render aid at the scene but Lobo panicked, bit them and ran off.

Solano County man found guilty of murder and robbery by South Lake Tahoe jury

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A jury of seven men and five women took just 80 minutes on Tuesday to find Dion Jermaine Vacarro guilty of murdering Dennis "Spike" Wright, Jr. in South Lake Tahoe on January 30, 2016.

Vehicle reported stolen in Placerville leads to arrests made in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Thursday, February 20, an officer from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) on routine patrol located a vehicle that was believed to be part of a crime in the Placerville area.

At 8:00 a.m. two days prior, the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) responded to a call near Placerville about an alleged carjacking. The victim knew the suspects and had been riding in the vehicle with them at the time of the incident. They had just driven from South Lake Tahoe to the Placerville area where the crime occurred, EDSO said.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to February 4 - February 20, 2020.

2/4

ARRESTS (2):
71-year-old male arrested for public intoxication.
34-year-old male arrested for public intoxication, violation of probation, and on a felony warrant out of Nevada County for violation of probation.

TRAFFIC STOPS (4)

OTHER CALLS FOR SERVICE (24):
Alarm: 800-block Emerald Bay Rd
Assist Outside Agency: Tata Ln/Lake Tahoe Blvd
Assist Outside Agency: 3400-block Lake Tahoe Blvd.

Illegal tow practices being investigated by South Lake Tahoe police

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) and the El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson are investigating possible illegal and improper predatory towing practices.

SLTPD has received several informal complaints from the public about the possible illegal tow practices that involve cars removed from private parking areas near the Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe.

The complains involve a tow company improperly holding stored vehicles longer than necessary, thus adding extra storage fees to the vehicle's owner.

Fours years after man killed in South Lake Tahoe over pot deal, one trial begins

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It was a snowy night on January 30, 2016, when Dennis Wright, Jr. brought at least 100 pounds of pot to the Beverly Lodge on Lake Tahoe Boulevard to sell to an interested party. Wright, who was better known as Spike, never made it back to his home in River Pines, Amador County that night. Instead, he was shot and killed at about 7:45 p.m. in the parking lot of the motel.

South Lake Tahoe police arrest parolee after multiple attempts to escape; Search on for second man

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 25-year-old South Lake Tahoe man has been arrested on multiple charges after he tried to escape police custody twice on Tuesday, February 4, 2020. Christopher Hendrickson has been arrested on charges of resisting arrest, escape from custody, corporal injury to his spouse, willful cruelty to a child, forcible entry into a property and felony vandalism.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to January 30 - February 3, 2020.

1/30

ARRESTS (4):
31-year-old female arrested for felony domestic violence, assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm, false imprisonment, and preventing a witness or victim by threat or force.
47-year-old male arrested on a Douglas County warrant.
40-year-old female arrested for public intoxication, battery on a peace officer, and resisting arrest.
58-year-old male arrested for trespassing.

TRAFFIC STOPS (11)

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to January 15 - January 29, 2020.

1/15/20

ARRESTS (6):
54-year-old male arrested for hit and run causing injury and DUI.
53-year-old male arrested for public intoxication.
36 year old female arrested for theft and felony threats.
20-year-old male arrested for being a minor in possession of alcohol.
32-year-old male arrested for public intoxication, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance.

Jury finds South Lake Tahoe man guilty of multiple counts of child molestation

A South Lake Tahoe man has been found guilty on four counts of felony child molestation which included one count of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child under 14, two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Acts upon a Child under 14, and one count of Forcible Lewd Act upon a Child under 14.

John Robert Garcia, 45, was arrested in April 2019 after a five-month-long investigation by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) and El Dorado County District Attorney's Office.

South Lake Tahoe man arrested on drug charges; Bail set at $1.5M

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Stuart Robert Miller, 32, was arrested by the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) on Saturday, January 11, 2020, after a traffic stop lead to the discovery of a large amount of cocaine (2.25 pounds), a large amount of cash, methamphetamine, and heroin in the vehicle.

The Western El Dorado County Narcotics Enforcement Team (WENET) obtained a search warrant of his home on Glorene Street in South Lake Tahoe. Inside, deputies found a large amount of methamphetamine (approx. 100 grams) and a loaded firearm.

Pair arrested in South Lake Tahoe when found in car stolen from Pleasanton

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two men were arrested on Saturday night at the Ski Run Marina on suspicion of driving a stolen automobile.

The Pleasanton, California police called the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) on January 11 to advise them that a car stolen in their town had a tracking device that placed it in South Lake Tahoe.

Missing El Dorado County 11-year-old boy found deceased

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The Placerville Police Department held a press conference at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, announcing they had found the body of an 11-year-old they had been searching for.

On Saturday, police were notified that the almost 12-year-old Roman Anthony Lopez was missing from his Placerville home on Coloma St. After an extensive search of the area, involving multiple agencies, Roman was found deceased on January 12.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to December 13 - December 27, 2019.

Dec. 13-15

ARRESTS:
31-year-old female arrested for felony resisting arrest, felony child cruelty, misdemeanor domestic violence, and misdemeanor resisting arrest.
34-year-old female cited and released for driving on a suspended license.
26-year-old male cited and released for displaying unlawful registration.
37-year-old male arrested for felony domestic violence and bringing a controlled substance into the jail.

Thousands in South Lake Tahoe and Stateline for New Year's Eve celebrations

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The ringing in of the new year was celebrated several different ways across the South Shore of Lake Tahoe.

At Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe, a season-long celebration concluded with a New Year's Eve celebration attended by an estimated 6,500 people. The festivities included a 9:00 p.m. fireworks show on the gondola, concerts and special activities all day long.

Suspected mix-up with diesel and premium at South Lake Tahoe gas station

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If you got premium gas at the South Lake Tahoe Safeway gas station over the past few days you may want to have your car examined. One consumer contacted South Tahoe Now to say he got what he thought was premium at Safeway on December 29, 30 and 31 and now both his car and his rental car are in the shop getting their gas tanks cleaned out.

Safeway says they have received a few calls concerning the mixup possibility so turned off both their premium and diesel tanks once notified until they can get the fuel tested.

Arrests and medical issues down during second day of SnowGlobe in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. The second night of the 9th annual SnowGlobe Music Festival in South Lake Tahoe is in the books.

From a law enforcement side, things have been fairly quiet when compared to past years. On Monday night there were 35 citations issued by the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC), all related to minors in possession or adults furnishing alcohol to minors.

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department arrested two people for public intoxication at the event.

Investigation continues into the death of a South Lake Tahoe man

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The death of local resident Jorge Lemus Campos is still under investigation by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD).

South Lake Tahoe community responds to Wishing Tree at Live Violence Free

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There were 185 wish lists hanging on the tree inside Live Violence Free this year, all from clients who have been served over the past year. The nonprofit agency in South Lake Tahoe provides advocacy and education to promote a violence-free community.

Each client wrote down three gift ideas with ages and likes, and people picked out a hanging ornament with that list, all amounting to about $50 per child.

Law enforcement spends the day reading with kids and giving away gifts in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Deputies from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) and officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) joined forces this holiday to help spread cheer and gifts to children in the community.

On Saturday, December 21, the deputies and officers collaborated to provide a book reading, meet and greet with Santa and gift-giving to the children of South Lake Tahoe. The kids thought they were coming for the popular SLTPD Books & Badges and were treated to a BIG surprise.

South Lake Tahoe police investigating death of 61-year-old man

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) is investigating the death of a 61-year-old local man.

Just before noon on Monday, December 16, officers were called to a home in the 1000 block of Lodi Avenue on the report of a deceased person. Upon arrival they found Jorge Lemus Campos dead in the home.

A portion of Lodi Avenue was closed for the afternoon and into the night as officers investigated Campos's death. SLTPD was joined by the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office and District Attorney's office.

Badges and Books: Holiday Edition at SLT Library

Event Date: 
December 21, 2019 - 10:30am

It's time once again for Badges & Books, and on Saturday, December 21, the theme is "Holiday Style," complete with Officer Santa Claus!

Kids will read with officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department at the library starting at 10:30 a.m. They will read a special story with local law enforcement and learn what they do in the community.

The South Lake Tahoe Library is located at 1000 Rufus Allen Blvd.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a recap of calls responded to by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department from December 5 to December 12, 2019:

12/5

ARRESTS:
76-year-old female arrested for DUI.
Juvenile arrested for assault and resisting arrest.
43-year-old male arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence.
30-year-old female arrested for transporting marijuana in a vehicle and violation of probation.

TRAFFIC STOPS (10)

OTHER CALLS FOR SERVICE (19):
Alarm: 800-block Hazel Dr
Bike Stop: 1900-block Lake Tahoe Blvd

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following are some of the calls officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department recently responded to.

11/13

ARRESTS (2)
49-year-old male arrested for indecent exposure.
25-year-old male arrested for assault and battery.

TRAFFIC STOPS (8)

OTHER CALLS FOR SERVICE (31):
Alarm: 1000-block Heavenly Village Way
Alarm: 3600-block Lake Tahoe Blvd.
Assist Outside Agency: Saddle Rd/Pioneer Trail
Assist Outside Agency: 800-block Lakeview Ave.
Attempt to Contact: Murietta Dr/Al Tahoe Blvd.
Battery: 4000-block Cedar Ave.

South Tahoe High School teacher arrested on sexual misconduct charges

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A South Tahoe High School (STHS) woodshop teacher has been arrested for misdemeanor sexual misconduct.

Nathan Crnich, 39, was arrested Thursday morning for alleged sexual advances on multiple students and is currently in the El Dorado County Jail on $150,000 bail.

New officer sworn in for South Lake Tahoe Police Department

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 2008 Douglas High School graduate is the newest member of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD).

Ryan Brown was sworn in by SLTPD Chief Brian Uhler in front of family, fellow officers, members of the SLT Fire Department and other staff members on Monday afternoon. He comes from the Alpine County Sheriff's Office where he spent four years as a deputy. Ryan has also been with the Nevada Air National Guard for six years.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to November 7 - November 12, 2019.

11/7

ARRESTS:
38-year-old male arrested for carrying a concealed dagger and possession of a controlled substance.
30-year-old female arrested on a local warrant for misdemeanor domestic violence.
60-year-old male arrested for violation of probation, trespassing, and trespassing while destroying standing timber.

TRAFFIC STOPS (10)

OTHER CALLS FOR SERVICE (29):
Battery: 2500-block Knox Ave.

Kentucky man arrested after allegedly stealing EDSO vehicle from South Lake Tahoe parking lot

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 30-year-old man from Kentucky is behind bars after allegedly stealing an El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) patrol car from South Lake Tahoe.

During shift change on Wednesday morning at their South Lake Tahoe office, a deputy noticed their loaded patrol SUV was missing from the parking lot. EDSO immediately began to track the SUV and found it to be traveling westbound on US50 past Echo Summit so they advised CHP, Placerville Police Department (PPD) and EDSO units on the west slope.

Trees vandalized at popular South Lake Tahoe lakefront park

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Nine pine trees have been vandalized at Regan Beach in South Lake Tahoe in what appears to be an attempt to cut them down. Each tree has a wide swath of chopping action across it with boring holes at the base.

The City of South Lake Tahoe Parks Department was notified of the damage on Saturday, November 9 and a police report was generated. Staff is calling the destruction "a wanton act of vandalism and abuse of public trust."

The Jeffrey Pines are estimated to be about 20-years-old.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to October 30 - November 6, 2019.

10/30

ARRESTS:
41-year-old male arrested for trespassing.
38-year-old male arrested for driving on a suspended license, and on 2 warrants for driving on a suspended license and DUI.

TRAFFIC STOPS (14)

OTHER CALLS FOR SERVICE (28):
Alarm: 2200-block South Ave.
Alarm: 300-block Beach Ln.
Assist Outside Agency: 1300-block Johnson Blvd.
Assist Outside Agency: 3600-block Saddle Rd.

Jake Krzaczek sworn in as South Lake Tahoe Police Department's newest officer

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Jake Krzaczek, the newest officer for the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD), was sworn in Monday afternoon in front of a large crowd of family, friends, fellow officers from SLTPD, firemen and paramedics from SLT Fire Rescue, and other members of the community.

Officer Krzaczek, who is 24-years-old, was born and raised in South Lake Tahoe and graduated from STHS in 2013. He has been with the Alpine County Sheriff's Office as a deputy for the past two years.

Services set for slain El Dorado County Sheriff's Deputy Ishmael

PLACERVILLE, Calif. - Funeral services for El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brian Ishmael will be held on Tuesday, November 5, at 10:00 a.m. at Bayside Church Adventure, located at 6401 Stanford Ranch Road in Roseville, CA.

Funerals for law enforcement who died in the line of duty are very large, with people coming from across the country and the world. The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) expects thousands of people to attend.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to October 17 - 29, 2019.

10/17

ARRESTS (5):
25-year-old male arrested for public intoxication, shoplifting, and violation of probation.
34-year-old male arrested on warrants out of Placer County: 1 violation of probation, and 2 failure to appear bench warrants.
26-year-old male arrested for violation of probation and trespassing.

El Dorado County Sheriff's deputy shot and killed in line of duty; Two arrested

11:30 a.m. UPDATE: Deputy Brian Ishmael of the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office died in the line of duty early Wednesday after being shot after arrival at a home in Somerset, Calif. They were responding to a call of theft from a marijuana garden.

El Dorado County Sheriff John D'Agostini held a press conference Wednesday morning, updating the public on some of what transpired earlier in the day.

Multiple agencies participate in South Lake Tahoe active shooter drill

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An active shooting training at South Tahoe High School last week gave local, state and federal agencies the opportunity to use their collaborative skills in responding to an emergency at the school.

In the simulated event after school, a call went over the radios on a secure channel to alert all first responders of a shooting at the high school and with the shooter still on the loose. At the first call, there were seven "victims" (volunteers acting for the training).

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to October 7 -16, 2019.

10/7

ARRESTS (2)
72-year-old male cited and released for possession of an altered shopping cart.
32-year-old male cited and released for driving on a suspended license.

TRAFFIC STOPS (14)

OTHER CALLS FOR SERVICE (31):
Alarm: 1100-block Emerald Bay Rd.
Assist Outside Agency: 2600-block Lake Tahoe Blvd.
Assist Outside Agency: Lake Tahoe Blvd/River Dr
Assist Outside Agency: 700-block Tuolumne Dr.

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