The following is a press release issued by the 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:
Curtis Bettega 
The assault rifle, ammunition, and methamphetamine found in the vehicle
On 10-11-2021 at about 10:00 PM the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office was advised Round Valley Tribal Police had observed a subject, wanted on a felony warrant, driving a silver vehicle in Covelo, California.
They had attempted to stop the person, identified as Curtis Bettega, who failed to stop and fled at a high rate of speed in the vehicle.
Tribal Police followed the vehicle as it went northbound on Mina Road but had lost sight of the vehicle. They located the vehicle abandoned in a ditch on Hulls Valley Road with the engine still running. They then contacted the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff’s Deputies began responding and prior to arriving, Tribal Police advised they had located Curtis Bettega hiding near the vehicle. They detained Bettega until Sheriff’s Deputies arrived.
Sheriff’s Deputies arrived and found the vehicle, a silver Dodge sedan had been stolen from a residence in Ukiah, California. The Dodge was displaying plates which belonged on a Chevrolet Camaro.
In the back seat, in plain view, was a load rifle with a detachable 40 round magazine. The rifle also had other characteristics classifying it as an assault weapon. Also in the vehicle, Deputies located various caliber live ammunition.
On Bettega’s person and in the vehicle, they located at total of 24.9 grams of suspected methamphetamine. Bettega further had the key to the stolen vehicle on his person.
Sheriff’s Office Dispatch confirmed Bettega was prohibited from owning, or possessing firearms or ammunition. Bettega’s felony arrest warrant was also for possession of a stolen vehicle, and he had been released on bail from a prior case.
Bettega was arrested for the felony warrant, possession of a stolen vehicle (496(D) PC), possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person (29800(A)(1) PC & 30305(A)(1) PC), possession of an assault weapon (30605(A) PC), possession of controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm (11370.1 HS), and committing a crime while on bail (12022.1 PC).
Bettega was booked into the Mendocino County Jail where he was to be held in lieu of $113,500.00 bail.
Bail? Why any bail for this guy? The legal system in this county is exposing the citizens to dangers. Just about every time an arrest is made the arrested person has a massive rap sheet, out on bail or probation. Tantamount to the furtherance of the social decay of our communities. This guy is found with a 40 round clip, an assault rifle!! What’s up with that? And meth! A known drug that creates anxiety and violence. What a combo!! Why is this county DA catch and release system not put on notice. That’s what should be on probation, if not halted outright.
Bail is right afforded to all of us in the constitution under the 8th amendment. All rights have costs and scumbags out on bail are one of those costs. I for one am willing to pay the price of keeping our inalienable rights.
Me too. But It’s hardly sane to release violent offenders, most who have rap sheets a mile long. One phrase that belongs to you and me is: The right to life, Liberty, andthe pursuit of happiness. I believe repeat offenders, paroled thugs raping and assaulting law abiding citizens, forfeit those rights. They all have their day in court.
You are so rite
If the engine was still running, how was the key found on his person? Who was found hiding nearby.