The following is a press released issued by the Ukiah Police Department. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
On February 25, 2021 at approximately 2:45 PM, a UPD Officer was on-duty and observed a blue BMW SUV driving in the area of N. State St. and KUKI Road. The Officer recalled a vehicle matching that vehicle had been reported as stolen the previous day to CHP’s Ukiah office. The Officer provided the vehicle’s license plate number to Dispatch and they confirmed it matched the stolen vehicle’s license plate. The Officer requested additional Officers to respond to their location so that a high risk or Felony stop could be initiated. This type of stop is standard procedure, due to the inherent dangers of apprehending suspects in a stolen vehicle. Prior to other Officers arriving in the area, the SUV pulled into an apartment complex driveway. The Officer initiated the Felony stop in the parking lot of the complex. Additional Officers and MCSO Deputies arrived to assist.
The SUV was occupied by two males who were later identified as Mark Nielsen (driver) and Kevin Ford (passenger). Both subjects were taken into custody without further incident.
Officers learned Nielsen was on Summary Probation through DMV, for a prior vehicle theft violation and the terms of his probation included “shall not commit criminal offense”. Officers further learned his driver’s license was suspended for multiple prior violations. Nielsen was found to be in possession of methamphetamine (meth) and a pipe used for smoking meth. The owner of the vehicle was contacted and confirmed they did not know Nielsen nor did he have permission to possess the SUV. Nielson was arrested for the above-mentioned violations and was booked at the MCSO Jail. During a search of his belongings, it was discovered he had received a citation for 496d(a) PC from the Lakeport Police Department, for a separate vehicle, within the previous 9 days.
Ford was found to be in possession of heroin, was issued a citation and was released from the scene.
The vehicle was stored so that the owner could retrieve it at their convenience. UPD would like to thank the MCSO for their assistance in this case.
