34-year-old Redwood Valley man Douglas Whipple was arrested Monday night by the Ukiah Police Department for the felony possession and use of “tear gas weapons” and the possession of controlled substances, according to information presented by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s booking logs.
UPD’s Public Information Officer Cedric Crook explained that on Monday evening a vehicle Whipple was a passenger in made a u-turn near the site of the active investigation of that evening’s Ukiah Westside shooting.
Officer Crook said that when officers approached the vehicle, the scent of mace emanated from the vehicle and officers saw a can of bear mace on the floor. Crook explained that officers determined that in attempts to conceal the can of bear mace, Whipple had accidentally discharged it.
Upon search of his person at the scene, Crook said officers located a suspected bag of methamphetamine in his pocket and later that evening during a search at the jail, a bag of heroin was found in his pants pocket.
Officer Crook made note that due to Whipple’s criminal history and probation status, the bear mace was illegal for him to possess.
According to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s booking logs, Whipple’s bail was set at zero dollars which could be in compliance with the State of California COVID-19 zero bail orders.
It’s important to note this information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
