Violent Crime Spree In Calaveras County
Burson, CA — A Copperopolis man was arrested on felony charges, including vandalism, elder abuse, threatening an officer, negligent discharge of a firearm, assault with a deadly weapon, and false imprisonment.
Calaveras County Sheriff’s deputies on Monday (2/24) responded to a report of harassment by 34-year-old Eric Lee Hickerson Jr. via text. The victims had more than 200 vulgar and threatening text messages sent to them. They were able to get a temporary restraining order against Hickerson Jr., who continued sending messages anyway, according to sheriff’s officials.
Later that evening, the sheriff’s dispatch phones lit up as multiple 911 callers reported shots fired from a vehicle in the 7000 block of Southworth Road. Then, a second round of calls came in regarding an assault at a gas station in the 3000 block of Highway 12. That victim reported Hickerson Jr. grabbed him through his driver’s side window and continued attacking him while he sped away.
Following the assault, Hickerson Jr. went to a residence in the 5000 block of Chile Camp Road and allegedly vandalized the property by throwing objects at the house. Deputies then discovered Hickerson Jr.’s truck had been involved in a collision, partially blocking Chile Camp Road. Hickerson Jr. was found nearby and initially resisted arrest but was subsequently handcuffed. A search of the scene and the suspect’s vehicle uncovered three firearms.
