Full Notification

August 23rd, 2017
Public Information Release
Sergeant Corey Paulich


On August 22, 2017 at approximately 7:55PM Lakeport Police units were dispatched to the 900 block of Boggs Lane in Lakeport for a report of 4-5 subjects physically fighting. Lake County Sheriff’s units also responded to assist. It was reported that one of the subjects ran from the scene and had blood on him. Units from the Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene within five minutes. The Sheriff’s units observed a large group in front of a residence on Healton Circle. The deputies observed a bloody subject run into the woods. Sheriff’s Deputies searched the area locating the male subject who was later identified as Alex Michael Castillo, 21, of Nice. The deputies attempted to take Castillo in to custody, but he physically resisted. Deputies deployed a taser and were able to place Castillo under arrest. Castillo was arrested for a domestic violence incident that was related to the original call. Castillo also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for failing to appear in court related to a domestic violence charge.

Shortly after police and sheriff’s units cleared the scene, a sheriff’s patrol unit struck a tree on Hartley Road north of 20th Street. Sheriff’s units on scene requested medical assistance. Paramedics from Lakeport Fire Department responded and began life saving measures. The deputy was transported to Sutter Lakeside Hospital where further life saving measures were attempted. Unfortunately the deputy did not survive. It is believed that the deputy suffered some type of medical emergency while driving just prior to the crash.

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Deputy Robert “Rob” Rumfelt. Rob was 50 years old and a lifelong resident of Lake County. He started his law enforcement career as a police officer with the Lakeport Police Department in 1997. He left the police department in 2006 to work as a private contractor overseas conducting law enforcement training. Rob returned to Lake County and was hired as a Deputy Sheriff with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in 2014. Rob was a Firearms Instructor, FTO and mentor to many newer deputies with the Sheriff’s Office. Rob was also active in the community as an assistant football coach at Clear Lake High School. He is survived by his wife, Kelly; daughters, Brittany and Nicole; sister, Amy; parents Leslie and Robert “Bob” Rumfelt, mother Juanita Dixon.

The Lake County District Attorney’s Office is handling the investigation of this incident pursuant to the county wide critical incident protocol. Additional information will be released at a later date.