A criminal investigation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Law Enforcement Division and the Stockton Police Department has resulted in a suspect being identified and charged on suspicion of a September 2024 illegal petroleum dumping incident that impacted the Smith Canal Waterway in Stockton.
On Sept. 28, 2024, CDFW's Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR), the U.S. Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency and local agencies responded to reports of released petroleum product near the Smith Canal in Stockton, California. The multi-agency effort recovered oil from the waterway and removed impacted soil along the canal.
David Andrew Sump was arrested and arraigned on charges stemming from his alleged role in dumping approximately 280 gallons of waste oil into the waterway and surrounding environment.
Felony charges filed by the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office include destruction of public property/vandalism, and disposal of hazardous waste. Sump also faces two misdemeanor charges related to the alleged dumping.
Following the incident and response by agency officials, wildlife officers spent several weeks collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. Multiple citizens called in tips to the CDFW CalTIP Hotline (Californians Turn in Poachers and Polluters).
“Invaluable information was gained from these tips, ultimately providing our investigating officers with enough information to request an arrest warrant,” said CDFW Chief of Law Enforcement Nathaniel Arnold. “The CalTip Program has again proven to be a crucial tool in protecting public safely and our natural resources.”
OSPR is the state’s lead for response to oil spills in its inland and marine waters. They play a critical role in the protection, management, and restoration of California’s fish, wildlife, and plants. As part of CDFW, OSPR is entrusted with public trustee and custodial responsibilities for ensuring the state’s precious natural resources remain safe and resilient.
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Media Contacts:
Capt. Richard Brunke, CDFW Law Enforcement, (916) 719-5891
Kristina Werner, CDFW Communications, (916) 594-4704