Proposition 36 took effect last Wednesday and on Thursday Redding Police did a major sting operation, mostly targeting people suspected of theft and drug possession. 56 arrests were made, 18 of them for felonies that were misdemeanors before Prop 36. Police say Destiny Lemon was caught smoking Fentanyl in public and after being released from jail a few hours later, was caught stealing $500 worth of goods from T.J. Maxx. They reported catching Michael McPherson selling drugs and heroin in a parking lot near Hilltop an Cypress, and Erik Harris stealing $1,000 worth of goods from Target. Officers say they had to pepper spray Sean Edwards when he became combative while being arrested for theft at Safeway on East Cypress.
-Steve Gibson