Parolee arrested after South Lake Tahoe search

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On the morning of March 1, 2022, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) was notified of Christopher Hendrickson, a parolee, who was possibly under the influence of a controlled substance and armed with a firearm, both things not allowed while on parole. The report they received said Hendrickson was on foot in the community.

Officers located Hendrickson near the Trout Creek Bridge on Lake Tahoe Boulevard but the suspect fled through the meadow behind Meeks Lumber. Officers went in pursuit through the Edgewood Circle area, over to the Al Tahoe neighborhood, ending up in the area of Oakland and Lakeview avenues.

SLTPD established a perimeter with the assistance of El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, El Dorado County DA’s Office, CA State Parole, and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. CHP Air Operations also assisted with one of their helicopters.

Officers were able to determine Hendrickson had broken into a vacant home within the perimeter. The homeowner was contacted and gave permission to the officers to enter their home to find and arrest Hendrickson.

SLTPD found evidence of entry into the home’s attic. After a prolonged period of attempted communication, an SLTPD Crisis Negotiator was able to make verbal contact with Hendrickson in the attic and Hendrickson eventually agreed to surrender himself.

While attempting to climb out of the attic, Hendrickson fell through the ceiling and was taken into custody peacefully. He was checked for injuries.

Hendrickson was not in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest and is being booked into the El Dorado County Jail on multiple charges, according to SLTPD Detective Sgt. Scott Crivelli.

SLTPD would like to express thanks to all assisting agencies and all the neighbors in the area.