The following is a press released from Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
On 12-11-2020 at 12:22 A.M., Mendocino County Sheriff’s Deputies were on routine patrol in the area of North State Street and Laughlin Way in Redwood Valley, California.
The Deputies observed a motorcycle traveling northbound on North State Street and noted traffic violations. The Deputies activated their emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop; however the motorcycle continued onto Laughlin Way.
The motorcycle failed to yield and continued to the 9800 block of Laughlin Way at a low rate of speed. The motorcycle eventually turned down a dirt driveway and shortly thereafter stopped.
The rider was contacted and identified as Andre Almeraz who was detained and a probable cause pat search of Almeraz’s person revealed a loaded handgun; which was not registered to him.
The Deputies continued their investigation and developed probable cause to believe Almeraz was a member of a criminal street gang while armed with a handgun.
Almeraz was arrested for the following charges: 25850(c)(6) PC (Carry Loaded handgun Not Registered Owner), 25850(c)(3) PC (Criminal Street Gang Member Carry Loaded Firearm), 25850(a) PC (Carry Loaded Firearm Person/Vehicle Public Place).
Almeraz was booked into the Mendocino County Jail where he was to be held in lieu of $15,000.00 bail.