Cloverdale Police Department

06/01/2026

05/20/2026

Man Arrested for Setting Multiple Fires in Cloverdale

On May 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., deputies were conducting follow-up patrols in the Geyser Road area near the Mendocino County line to locate a suspect wanted in a previous arson investigation. The subject was identified as Luke Deramo, 29, transient.

While checking the area, a deputy contacted a woman parked along the roadway and advised her to contact law enforcement if she saw Deramo. Approximately 30 minutes later, the woman called 911 to report that Deramo had emerged from nearby brush, climbed into the bed of her truck, and refused to leave. He then vandalized her vehicle with a rock and fled back into the brush near the river.

A short time later, a vegetation fire was reported in the area where Deramo had last been seen. Fire personnel responded and began suppressing the fire while deputies and Cloverdale Police Department officers searched the surrounding area for Deramo. CAL FIRE Law Enforcement was contacted due to him being wanted for several other fires in the area.

Following a large-scale search, Deramo fled from deputies before ultimately being taken into custody approximately one mile south of the fire’s location.

Deramo was booked into the Sonoma County Jail by deputies and CAL FIRE Investigators on multiple felony arson-related charges. A bail enhancement was requested, and his bail was set at $1,121,000. He remains in custody.

05/13/2026

The Cloverdale Police Department Welcomes Officer Rickey Rhodes as Full-Time School Resource Officer.

The Cloverdale Police Department is proud to announce that Police Officer Rickey Rhodes officially began his new assignment as the Department’s full-time School Resource Officer (SRO) on Tuesday, May 13, 2026.

Officer Rhodes has served the Cloverdale community as a patrol officer since 2013 and brings years of experience, professionalism, and dedication to this important role. Prior to this assignment, he already served in a part-time SRO capacity, working closely with the Cloverdale Unified School District (C.U.S.D.) staff on school-related investigations and attending school events, athletic competitions, and other campus functions throughout the district.

In preparation for this assignment, Officer Rhodes successfully completed the California POST School Resource Officer Course, as well as D.A.R.E. and G.R.E.A.T. training programs. These specialized trainings help equip SROs with the skills needed to build positive relationships with students, support campus safety, and serve as a trusted resource for students, staff, and families.

As the Department’s full-time SRO, Officer Rhodes will work collaboratively with C.U.S.D. and travel between all district campuses as needed. His assignment reflects the continued partnership and strong cooperation between the Cloverdale Police Department and Cloverdale Unified School District to enhance school safety, foster positive engagement with students, and support a safe learning environment for everyone.

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Officer Rhodes to his new role!

05/10/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cloverdale Police Department
On May 9, 2026, at approximately 2016 hours, officers with the Cloverdale Police Department responded to the 200 block of Buckeye Circle regarding a 911 call reporting a disturbance.
Upon arrival, officers determined the incident was domestic violence related. Officers learned that the suspect, identified as Daniel Carrillo, had barricaded himself inside a bedroom with a female victim and was refusing to allow her to leave. While officers attempted to negotiate with Carrillo, he was heard threatening to harm the victim and burn the residence down if officers entered the room.
Officers developed a tactical plan and created a ruse which successfully caused Carrillo to move toward a bedroom window. During this time, officers breached the bedroom door, safely entered the room, rescued the victim, and took Carrillo into custody without further incident.
Carrillo was arrested and booked at the Sonoma County Jail on the following charges:
• Penal Code 273.5 – Corporal Injury to a Spouse/Cohabitant
• Penal Code 207 – Kidnapping
• Penal Code 422 – Criminal Threats
• Penal Code 245 – Assault with a Deadly Weapon
• Penal Code 591 – Damaging/Interrupting a Communication Device
The victim was safely removed from the residence and provided assistance.
This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Cloverdale Police Department.

04/27/2026

In collaboration with the Cloverdale Fire Protection District, the Northern Sonoma County Fire Protection District will be conducting a prescribed pile burn at the Soda Springs Ranch Open Space ...

04/20/2026

In collaboration with the Cloverdale Fire Protection District, the Northern Sonoma County Fire Protection District will be conducting a prescribed pile burn at Porterfield Creek Open Space ...

03/13/2026

CAL FIRE conducting a controlled burn near Lake Sonoma tomorrow 9AM–5PM. Smoke may be visible in the area. Any questions CAL FIRE 707-963-4112.

03/04/2026

North Cloverdale Boulevard between First Street and Second Street will be closed today from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM to allow crews to complete roadway repairs. During this time, motorists are advised to ...

02/28/2026

Visit the Cloverdale Police Department for a free pet vaccination and microchip event today from 12PM to 4PM.

02/26/2026

The Cloverdale Police Department expresses its deepest appreciation to the many individuals and partner agencies whose unwavering commitment, professionalism, and persistence culminated in the recent guilty verdict in the 1982 murder of Sarah Geer.

On February 13, 2026, a jury found James Unick guilty of her murder bringing long-awaited justice and resolution to Sarah’s family and to the Cloverdale community.

This case, which remained unsolved for more than four decades, represents a powerful example of what can be accomplished through collaboration, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

We would like to extend special recognition to Kevin Cline of Cline Investigations, who served as the lead investigator during the renewed phase of this case. Mr. Cline’s investigative knowledge, tenacity, and leadership were instrumental in advancing this cold case toward resolution. His ability to reexamine historical evidence, coordinate investigative strategy, and pursue emerging forensic and genealogical leads was critical to identifying the suspect. Working closely with the Cloverdale Police Department and in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Mr. Cline helped bring together the resources and expertise necessary to move the case forward. His professionalism and relentless pursuit of the truth played a central role in achieving justice for Sarah Geer, the Geer Family and the Cloverdale Community.
We are deeply appreciative of the partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the California Department of Justice, whose assistance and specialized resources were vital during the investigative process. Their collaboration exemplified the strength of interagency cooperation in complex cases.

We also extend our sincere thanks to the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in apprehending James Unick. Their professionalism and cooperation were critical in safely taking the suspect into custody and ensuring the successful ex*****on of the arrest.

We thank the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office, including Deputy District Attorney Christina Stevens and Deputy District Attorney Alex Fisher, who worked tirelessly on this case along with DA Investigator Dave Kahl and their dedicated staff. Their extensive trial preparation, field collaboration with investigators, and professional courtroom advocacy were critical in securing the conviction. We further recognize District Attorney Carla Rodriguez for her leadership and commitment in taking on this complex and decades-old prosecution.

The Department honors the original Cloverdale Police officers who investigated this case in 1982. Working with limited forensic technology and investigative tools available at the time, they conducted a thorough and determined investigation. Their careful preservation of evidence and commitment to the case ensured that it could one day be solved when technology advanced.

We extend appreciation to Retired Cloverdale Police Chief Jason Ferguson for his foresight in reopening the investigation in 2021, alongside Kevin Cline. Chief Ferguson’s leadership in revisiting this case was pivotal in setting the course toward justice. We also recognize Retired Cloverdale Sergeant Sal Borruso for his assistance and support during the reopening of the case.

We further recognize Chief Chris Parker who took over for Retire Chief Ferguson continuing the work initiated in 2021 and carried the investigation forward to its successful conclusion.

Finally, we commend Cloverdale Detective Katie Vanoni for her exceptional dedication and professionalism. Detective Vanoni played a critical role in processing current search warrants, organizing evidence, coordinating with partner agencies, and assisting in the apprehension of the suspect.

This conviction reflects decades of perseverance and the collective efforts of law enforcement professionals, prosecutors, investigators, and support staff who refused to allow time to diminish the pursuit of justice. Most importantly, it provides long-awaited accountability and a measure of closure to the family of Sarah Geer and the Cloverdale community.

The Cloverdale Police Department remains committed to seeking justice in every case no matter how much time has passed.