C ALI FORN IA’S OLDE ST NE W SPAPER
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– Midweek Edition – VOLUME 175 • ISSUE 32 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026
Rain Returns GOOD BOY, APOLLO K9 officer dies after off-duty medical emergency
Noel Stack Editor
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Mountain Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene
Grab those umbrellas and waterproof boots. April showers continue to soak El Dorado County after a rather stingy March left rain gauges nearly empty. This most-recent system is expected to drop precipitation on and off through the upcoming weekend. The Sierra could see some snowfall at the 6,100-foot elevation and higher, according to local weather reports. Above, Placerville’s Belltower and Main Street glow after a recent rainfall.
Two people shot in Georgetown; suspect in custody Shelly Thorene Staff writer
Two people suffered life-threatening injuries in an April 19 shooting in Georgetown, the El Dorado County Sheriff ’s Office confirmed. Deputies responded to the reported shooting of two adult victims in the 3000 block of South Street around 2 p.m. on Sunday. Both parties were transported to local hospitals for treatment and at press time were listed in stable condition. Suspect Bryce Richard Stevens, 35, of Georgetown was taken into custody
and booked into the El Dorado County Jail in Placerville. Stevens is charged with two counts of attempted murder, one count of kidnapping, one count of false imprisonment as well as burglary, grand theft auto and being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition and a firearm. He is being held on $370,000 bail. Stevens has a prior felony burglary conviction in El Dorado County, according to EDC Superior Court filings.
he El Dorado County Sheriff ’s Office mourns the loss of one of its own. No longer will K9 Officer Apollo’s excited bark or wagging tail be part of the law enforcement team. The 6-year-old German shepherd died after an unexpected medical emergency following an exercise session while at home on April 16, according to sheriff ’s officials. “Although Apollo was rushed to an emergency veterinarian and underwent emergency surgery, he did not survive,” an EDSO message to the community reads. “He was surrounded by his family, the El Dorado County Sheriff ’s Office K9 Unit and numerous EDSO and allied law enforcement agency personnel.” Apollo, a purebred from the Czech Republic., started his law enforcement career with Deputy Brad Hellam in November 2020 when he was 10 months old. “Cross-trained in handler protection and narcotics detection he made numerous physical apprehensions of dangerous criminals and his mere presence facilitated many more peaceful surrenders,” the EDSO message notes. “Apollo was a true asset to the communities of El Dorado County as not only an apprehension and detection K9 but also loved for his various demonstrations at schools and public events,” it continues. “His demeanor was
Photos courtesy of EDSO
EDSO Deputy Brad Hellam and K9 partner Apollo, above, worked together to keep El Dorado County safe for more than five years. Apollo unexpectedly died last week. Below, Apollo sits with El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf. During a performance review, the sheriff noted Apollo’s success in the field and thanked him for his service. a perfect blend of calmness and laser focused seriousness when his talents were needed. Not only was he an ideal sheriff ’s K9, but he was also a loving family dog.” El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf told the Mountain Democrat Apollo was extremely skilled at his job and always put a smile on the sheriff ’s face when he visited the office, where the K9 received special treats and ear rubs. “Apollo was not only one of my officers but my friend, and he will be sorely missed,” the sheriff shared. A few years ago, Leikauf and Apollo appeared together in a KP performance review video seen by
thousands. “At the time we made the video, Sacramento lawmakers had introduced a bill to completely do away with law enforcement
apprehension K9 programs in California,” Leikauf recalled. “Apollo’s video was meant to both ■ See APOLLO, page A9
FROM DEEP SPACE TO DEEP SEA DIVERS
How U.S. Navy divers recovered Orion and its crew
PLACE ADDRESS LABEL HERE
■ EDH man among
team to recover space crew
Lt. Erin Wiley
Defense Visual Information Distribution Services SAN DIEGO — A small team of U.S. Navy divers, assigned to units under Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1, recovered the Artemis II crew and Orion space craft upon their return to Earth and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean following a historic 10-day lunar mission April 10. ■ See RECOVERY, page A9
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class August Clawson
U.S. Navy divers and explosive ordnance disposal technicians pose for a group photo ahead of Artemis II recovery operations while on Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) in the Pacific Ocean on April 10. Among those who assisted in the recovery is former Oak Ridge High School student Chase Marini.
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