Deputy Kicked in the Jewels

August 17, 2023


The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office released the following untitled press release last week:

Sierra County, CA – On August 10, 2023, at approximately 2054 hours, an incident occurred involving trespassing and battery on a peace officer in Sierra City, California. The Sierra County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of trespassing and property destruction at a residence located on Wild Plum Ridge Road, Sierra City.

Tanya Steward, identified as the individual involved, was reported to have been trespassing on the property and damaging belongings. It was confirmed that Ms. Steward had previously been issued a trespassing notice in April of 2023, at the request of the property's owner.

Upon arrival at the scene, Deputies discovered Ms. Steward on the property, clearly violating the trespassing order. As a result, Deputies placed Ms. Steward under arrest for trespassing. During the arrest process, it was noted that Ms. Steward was on informal probation and required to provide a urine sample for alcohol and/or drug detection. It was apparent that Ms. Steward had consumed alcohol, as the odor of alcohol was detected, and her speech was slurred.

While being escorted to the patrol car for transport, Ms. Steward became increasingly agitated and verbally abusive towards the deputies. Despite attempts to peacefully place her in the vehicle, Ms. Steward resisted and assaulted one of the deputies. She kicked the deputy in the thigh and groin. Deputies managed to secure Ms. Steward in the patrol car following the incident.

Furthermore, it was determined that Ms. Steward's actions violated the terms of her probation, as she was under arrest for both trespassing and battering a peace officer. Her probation orders explicitly require her to obey all laws and refrain from alcohol use, conditions that she violated during the encounter with law enforcement.

Regrettably, this marks the third instance of an encounter with Ms. Steward that has resulted in her assaulting a peace officer during an arrest. This recurring pattern of violent behavior towards law enforcement is concerning. In response to these events, the Sierra County Sheriff's Office contacted Sierra County District Attorney, Sandra Groven, requesting a bail enhancement for Ms. Steward. This request is grounded in her consistent and dangerous actions toward law enforcement officers and public safety.