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Sergeant Charged After K-9s Die in Disabled-Alarm Car

7/11/2026

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Henderson Charged

The vehicle’s heat-alarm system, though operational, was reportedly disabled on the day the K-9s died.
Salem County Sergeant Cody L. Henderson was charged with animal-cruelty counts after dogs Boomer and Rip died on May 29, 2026.
Investigators said dogs were locked in vehicle for hours with engine off and heat-alarm disabled.
Henderson was placed on unpaid leave, with pay ending July 13 under the state’s five-day rule.

Left

Willows Sues

Willows sued Glenn County over an expired $2.3 million sheriff contract, warning a $3.4 million price would strain residents.
Willows, California, approved a $60,000 contract with former Chico police chief Michael Maloney to rebuild its police department.
Judge Benjamin Hanna ordered the Sheriff’s Office to continue services to Willows until July 17.
79-year-old driver Thomas Garro faces misdemeanor charges after a deputy’s arrest, despite a $1.5 million claim.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the California Bicycle Coalition was founded, and by 1999 it co-sponsored Assembly Bill 1475, earmarking $115 million over five years for Safe Routes to School projects that protect vulnerable road users. That 1990s wave of safety-focused legislation frames today’s legal scrutiny of Los Angeles County sheriff K-9 handling and municipal contract audits.

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Henderson Charged

The vehicle’s heat-alarm system, though operational, was reportedly disabled on the day the K-9s died.
Salem County Sergeant Cody L. Henderson was charged with animal-cruelty counts after dogs Boomer and Rip died on May 29, 2026.
Investigators said dogs were locked in vehicle for hours with engine off and heat-alarm disabled.
Henderson was placed on unpaid leave, with pay ending July 13 under the state’s five-day rule.

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