Two Arrested for Entering the Fire Disaster Area 

July 25, 2024 – Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on July 23, 2024, at approximately 11:20 P.M., deputies from the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office, assigned to security within the evacuation area, intercepted a vehicle attempting to enter the restricted disaster zone through a closed roadway at Highway 26 and Jesus Maria Road (area of the Maria Fire.)

The deputies made contact with 50-year-old Tony Johnston of Valley Springs and 59-year-old Crystal Boster of Mokelumne Hill. During the stop, deputies observed an open container of alcohol in the vehicle and noted that the vehicle’s registration had expired in October of last year. Further investigation revealed that Johnston was driving with a suspended license.

Despite acknowledging the road closure, Johnston claimed he was bringing Boster home, though Boster could not provide the deputies with an exact address.

As a result, Tony Johnston was arrested for driving on a suspended license and entering a disaster area. Crystal Boster was also arrested for entering a disaster area.

Source & photos: Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office