November 15, 2024 – Placer County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 2:45 p.m. deputies responded to a report of a non-street legal motorcycle doing wheelies in Kings Beach. A motorcycle matching the description was found at the intersection of Cutthroat Avenue and Deer Street. The two deputies on scene attempted to talk with the rider, later identified as 19-year-old Orien Kuecker. As deputies attempted to take him into custody, he resisted. Deputies were able to gain control, and he was detained.
At that point, additional units arrived on scene as another man, later identified as 66-year-old Paul Wright began yelling at deputies. Despite several commands to calm down, Paul continued to yell and eventually threatened to jump into his truck and run over deputies. Due to his threatening statements, deputies approached Paul to detain him. He tried to run but was quickly stopped. A third man, 39-year-old Zachariah Wright jumped in and tried to prevent deputies from detaining Paul. Deputies acted quickly to contain the situation and detain both men. As deputies walked Paul to the patrol car, he attempted to grab a deputy’s gun, but was unsuccessful.
During a search of the original subject, Orien Kuecker, a loaded gun was found with a large capacity magazine and a round in the chamber. Deputies also found brass knuckles and suspected methamphetamine on Kuecker. He was also wanted on outstanding warrants.
Kuecker was arrested for obstruction and resisting arrest, reckless driving, possession of a loaded firearm, possession of brass knuckles, and possession of a controlled substance. Paul Wright was arrested for obstruction and resisting arrest and attempting to disarm a firearm from a peace officer. Zachariah Wright was arrested for obstruction and warrants.
We thank the concerned citizens who called in about the motorcycle driving recklessly and commend our deputies for remaining calm and professional through the entire situation.
Source & photo: Placer County Sheriff’s Office
