This morning, July 16, 2012, Parks Bureau Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department were patrolling in the Tujunga Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary (210 Freeway/Wentworth Street, Sunland) when they stumbled upon three men in a small crude structure in a remote area of the Park. The Tujunga Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the area patrolled by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Parks Bureau. It is illegal to be in a County Park after dark let alone build a structure and reside there. The structure had four bunk beds built into the walls, tables, shelves and even fire extinguishers on the walls. They also had a rock patio in front of the building with a barbeque and tables.
Robert Downs, male, white, 51 years-of-age, said that he has been living in the Tujunga Ponds Sanctuary for over a year. He said that the construction of the small shed began approximately eight months ago using materials he procured from the local Home Depot. He camouflaged the entire structure down to the tire of the wheelbarrow by cutting down trees and using camouflage tarp and paint to keep from being detected by Law Enforcement. During their investigation, the deputies found eight Marijuana plants growing near the structure.
Robert Downs was arrested for Cultivation of Marijuana and Removing Plants and Trees from a County Park. He was booked at the Inmate Reception Center and is being held in lieu of $30,000.00 bail.
Aysen Gailer, male, white, 30 years-of-age, resident of Sun Valley, and Jorge Perez, male, Hispanic, 45 years-of-age, resident of Sun Valley, were issued citations for Los Angeles County Code violations and released.
The structure will be removed from the park in the next two weeks by personnel from the Los Angeles County Public Works Department.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Departments Parks Bureau is dedicated to providing a safe and drug free environment at all Los Angeles County Parks.
