SLO County Sheriff

The mission of the SLO County Sheriff's Office is to protect all life and property, to provide service, security and safety. To report an emergency, call 9-1-1

[SLO County Sheriff @SLOSheriff]

This morning, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors presented two resolutions recognizing the men and women of the Sheriff's Office.

The first recognized National Correctional Officers and Employees Week. While the observance took place in May, we are grateful for the Board's recognition of the dedicated professionals who serve in our Custody Division. Sheriff Ian Parkinson and Captain Stephanie Landgraf spoke about the incredible work that happens behind custody doors every day, often out of the public eye. They highlighted how our County Jail operates much like a small city, caring for individuals with complex medical and mental health needs, providing education and treatment programs, serving more than 1,500 meals each day, and safely managing incarcerated individuals ranging from low-level offenders to violent criminals.

The second resolution recognized National Peace Officers Week and National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Sheriff Parkinson spoke about the daily service and commitment demonstrated by our patrol deputies, detectives, support staff, and peace officers throughout the county. He also reflected on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, including San Luis Obispo Police Detective Luca Benedetti, and the importance of supporting the families, friends, and colleagues left behind while honoring the memory of those taken too soon.

Thank you to the Board of Supervisors for recognizing the work, sacrifice, and dedication of those who serve our community every day. 💙

[SLO County Sheriff @SLOSheriff]

We had a great time tonight participating in the San Luis Obispo County leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Southern California! 🔥🏃

Law enforcement agencies from across the county came together to raise awareness and support for our local Special Olympics athletes. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest public awareness and grassroots fundraising movement for Special Olympics, with thousands of officers championing inclusion and acceptance throughout the year.

We’re proud to support these incredible athletes and help carry the Flame of Hope. 💙💛 #LETR #SpecialOlympics #FlameOfHope

[SLO County Sheriff @SLOSheriff]

From the beaches to the backroads, our K9 teams are always ready when called. 🐾🚔🌊

[SLO County Sheriff @SLOSheriff]

Most people will never see the Bomb Task Force in action, and that’s kind of the point. 💣🚔

The San Luis Obispo County Bomb Task Force is FBI-accredited and certified as a fully operational bomb squad, trained to safely handle improvised explosive devices, military ordnance, and commercial explosives throughout SLO County and beyond on mutual aid requests.

Highly trained. Highly specialized. Ready when needed.

[SLO County Sheriff @SLOSheriff]

Sheriff Parkinson has issued a statement on the 30th anniversary today on the disappearance of Kristin Smart.

Thirty years ago, Kristin Smart vanished without a trace, forever changing the lives of her family, her friends, and a community that has never stopped searching for answers.

Today, we remember Kristin. A young woman whose life was stolen far too soon, but whose memory has never faded. For three decades, her family has carried the unimaginable weight of not knowing where she is, while our community has continued to hold onto hope that one day she will finally be brought home.

Over the past thirty years, countless investigators, detectives, prosecutors, and community members remained committed to seeking justice in this case. That commitment ultimately resulted in the conviction of Paul Flores in 2022 for Kristin’s murder. While that conviction marked an important step toward justice, it did not bring this case to an end.

As I said following the verdict in 2022, there is no true justice until Kristin is reunited with her family. That remains our mission today. The Sheriff’s Office will continue to pursue leads, conduct searches, and follow every path that could help us find Kristin. We will not stop searching for her, and we will not allow her to be forgotten.

Kristin was more than a headline or a case that captured national attention. She was a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a young woman with her entire future ahead of her. Thirty years later, she is still deeply missed.

To the Smart family: we continue to stand with you. And to our community: thank you for never giving up on Kristin. Our commitment remains unwavering. Until Kristin is brought home, this mission is not over.

-Sheriff Ian Parkinson

[SLO County Sheriff @SLOSheriff]

This Memorial Day, we remember those who never made it home.

Their courage didn’t end on the battlefield, it lives on in the families they left behind and the freedoms we continue to serve under every day.

We remember them. Always.

[SLO County Sheriff @SLOSheriff]

175 years ago, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office was established.

Our county has changed. Law enforcement has changed. But the commitment to serving and protecting this community has endured through every generation.

Honoring 175 years of service. ⭐

[SLO County Sheriff @SLOSheriff]

Night shift in SLO County. Quiet roads, busy radios. 🚔🌃 #SLOSheriff

[SLO County Sheriff @SLOSheriff]

The Sheriff's Office has issued a press release regarding additional information on a search warrant.

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is releasing additional information regarding the recent search conducted at the property of Susan Flores, located in the 500 block of East Branch Street in Arroyo Grande. This investigation is related to the disappearance and murder of Kristin Smart and was conducted pursuant to a search warrant signed by a Superior Court judge.

During the course of the investigation, Sheriff’s Office Detectives utilized a number of investigative resources and techniques, including ground penetrating radar (GPR) and soil vapor science. Soil scientists identified an area along the side yard of the property that produced results consistent with the possible presence of human remains.

On 05-08-2026, Sheriff’s investigators secured an additional search warrant to excavate that specific area. In order for the excavation to take place, large concrete pavers along the side yard had to be removed. Excavation activities continued on 05-09-2026, with investigators carefully sifting through the excavated soil for any evidence related to Kristin.

During the search of the property, investigators recovered several items considered evidentiary in nature. Those items are currently being analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation. Ultimately, no human remains were recovered during the excavation.

The Sheriff’s Office remains fully committed to finding Kristin and bringing her home to her family.

No further information is available at this time. The Sheriff’s Office will not be making any additional comments or providing further updates regarding this investigation.

[SLO County Sheriff @SLOSheriff]

Last week, five members of the Sheriff’s Honor Guard attended National Police Week in Washington, D.C., joining thousands of law enforcement professionals from across the nation and around the world to honor fallen officers.

Sergeant Clint Bird reflected on the experience: “Attending the National Peace Officers’ Memorial was an incredibly meaningful and humbling experience. While the occasion was rooted in tragedy, the camaraderie, unity, and unwavering support shown in honor of fallen law enforcement officers was truly remarkable. Thousands of officers from across the nation, as well as representatives from agencies around the world, gathered to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

During the week, the Honor Guard attended the Candlelight Vigil on the National Mall and the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol, visited Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard and wreath ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and toured the White House where they met the Chief of the United States Secret Service. They also paid their respects at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall, where the names of San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Deputy David Stahl and San Luis Obispo Police Detective Luca Benedetti are forever etched in honor of their service and sacrifice.

Their memory and dedication will never be forgotten.
Special thanks to the SLO Sheriff's Rodeo Foundation, SLO County SDSA, and DSA for making this meaningful trip possible.

[CAL FIRE @CAL_FIRE]

🚩 RED FLAG WARNING EXTENDED‼️

The Red Flag Warning has now been expanded to include additional areas across Central California as dangerous fire weather conditions continue through the weekend.

Gusty winds, critically low humidity, and dry vegetation could cause any new fire to spread rapidly, especially in grass and brush.

Avoid anything that could spark a fire, and prepare now in case conditions worsen.

✔ Review your evacuation plan
✔ Charge phones and essential devices
✔ Pack go-bags
✔ Stay alert for emergency updates

#RedFlagWarning #ReadyForWildfire #CAwx

[SLO County Sheriff @SLOSheriff]

This afternoon, deputies responded to a fire in Paso Robles. Thanks to a quick and coordinated effort and a neighbor who jumped in to help with a bulldozer, the fire is now out.

SLO County works together. 🚒🚔🤝

[SLO County Sheriff @SLOSheriff]

We had a great time last night at Law Enforcement Night at the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market!

During National Police Week, we’re reminded not only of the importance of honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, but also of the strong partnerships between law enforcement and the communities we serve. We’re grateful to stand side by side with our brothers and sisters in law enforcement while spending time with the community we’re proud to protect.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello, ask questions, and spend the evening with us. We love SLO County! 🚓💙

[SLO County Sheriff @SLOSheriff]

The Sheriff's Office has issued a press release regarding an update to a missing person case.

The Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the missing person case of 72-year-old Gary Kiehl of Arroyo Grande.
On 5-12-2026, Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a missing person report at Pirates Cove in Avila Beach. Friends reported they became concerned when Kiehl failed to arrive at the Grover Beach train station to pick someone up as planned on 5-12-2026.
Kiehl’s vehicle was later discovered unoccupied in the Cave Landing parking lot in Avila Beach.
The Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) team responded to the area and began searching for Kiehl alongside the Coast Guard, Harbor Patrol, CAL OES and Cal Fire. Search efforts continued for two days but Kiehl was not located.
Investigators are continuing to follow up on leads and are speaking with witnesses who may have seen Kiehl prior to his disappearance.
If anyone has information on his whereabouts or believes they had contact with Kiehl anywhere in the Pirates Cove area or any surrounding beaches on 5-11-2026 or 5-12-26, please contact the Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at 805-781-4500.

[SLO County Sheriff @SLOSheriff]

The Sheriff's Office has issued a release regarding a missing person.

On 5-12-2026, Sheriff's Deputies responded to a missing person report at Pirates Cove in Avila Beach.
The missing person has been identified as 72-year-old Gary Kiehl of Arroyo Grande.
Friends reported they had become worried when Kiehl was supposed to pick someone up on 5-12-2026 at the Grover Beach train station but failed to show. The last known contact with Kiehl was on 5-11-2026 at 2:00 PM.
Kiehl's vehicle was later discovered unoccupied at the Cave Landing parking lot in Avila Beach.
The Sheriff's Search and Rescue (SAR) team responded to the location and began searching for Kiehl which lasted into the overnight hours on 5-13-2026. SAR returned this morning to continue the search.
This is a joint operation with the cellular forensic team FALCON from the California Office of Emergency services, Coast Guard helicopter and cutter, Harbor Patrol, and Cal Fire's water rescue craft.
Kiehl is described as an adult White male, 5' 10" tall, 180 pounds, brown hair, and hazel eyes. Kiehl has no history of prior missing person reports. Kiehl is said to enjoy walking along the cliffs in the Pirates Cove area. At this time, this incident is not considered suspicious.
If you have information on his whereabouts, please contact the Sheriff's Office at 805-781-4550.

[SLO County Sheriff @SLOSheriff]

From assisting with road closures at the Chimney Rock Road fire, to staffing a recruitment booth at the SLO Sheriff’s Rodeo, our volunteers wear a lot of hats — and apparently now a little pink, too. 💗🚓

These photos are all from just this weekend and show just how much our Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteer Patrol members do across the county. We’re incredibly grateful for the time, flexibility, and dedication our SAVP members bring to the Sheriff’s Office and the community every day. Thank you for all you do!

[SLO County Sheriff @SLOSheriff]

This past weekend, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office was proud to participate in the Cambria Fire Department Open House at Station 57 alongside many of our public safety and community partners.

The event gave community members an opportunity to meet first responders, learn more about emergency preparedness, explore equipment and resources, and connect with agencies serving the North Coast.

Thank you to Cambria Fire for having us, and to everyone who came out to say hello!

[SLO County Sheriff @SLOSheriff]

The Sheriff's Office has issued a press release regarding an at-risk missing person being located.

On 5-11-2026, at approximately 9:00 AM, at-risk missing person, 92-year-old Ruby Hamane was safely located.
She was found by neighbors in the 5600 block of Park Hill Road in Santa Margarita, just a short distance from her home.
Ruby went missing yesterday after she was seen walking away from her residence.
Ruby is being treated by medics on scene and is being reunited with her family.

[SLO County Sheriff @SLOSheriff]

The Sheriff's Office has issued a press release regarding an at-risk missing person.

On 05-10-26, the Sheriff's Office responded to the 3400 block of Park Hill Road in Santa Margarita, for an at-risk missing person.
The missing person has been identified as 92-year-old Ruby Hamane, who lives in the area.
Ruby was last seen on video, walking away from her residence at approximately 6:20 PM.
Ruby is described as having white hair, brown eyes, approximately 5 feet tall and weighing 100 lbs. Ruby was last seen wearing a blue colored jacket, blue jean pants, and white shoes. Ruby is reported to be suffering with dementia.
The Sheriff's Office is requesting anyone who may have seen or has information regarding Ruby's location to call the Sheriff's Office at (805) 781 - 4550. Additionally, the Sheriff's Office would request anyone living in the surrounding area to check their surveillance cameras, after approximately 6:20 PM on 5-10-2026, for signs of Ruby.

[SLO County Sheriff @SLOSheriff]

5 years ago today, San Luis Obispo Police Detective Luca Benedetti was killed in the line of duty while protecting the community he loved.

His End of Watch was May 10, 2021.
But his impact, his service, and his memory live on every day.

Today, we remember Detective Benedetti #4223 and honor a life dedicated to serving others.

Never forgotten. 💙