The following is a press release from 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 10/13/2024, at approximately 1:17 p.m., Ukiah Police Department (UPD) officers were dispatched to the Royal Motel (750 South State Street) to conduct a welfare check on a female subject inside a room, screaming and banging on the wall.
UPD officers arrived on the scene and contacted the room occupants, Ashtyn Taylor, Priscilla Ronco, and an 18-year-old female subject. The 18-year-old female subject appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis, and a Mendocino County Behavioral Health unit responded to assist officers.
UPD officers conducted a record check on Taylor and Ronco. Officers determined that Taylor had a previous felony conviction, which prohibited him from possessing firearms and ammunition. Taylor was out of custody on pre-trial release for felony charges with a search waiver, and Ronco was on California Department Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Parole out of Mendocino County with a search waiver. Ronco was on CDCR Parole for a previous violation of 451 PC-Arson.
During the UPD officers’ investigation, they observed the slide of a pistol was in plain view, protruding from under a pillow on a bed in the room. Officers inspected the firearm and found it to be an un-serialized Polymer 80 brand 9mm pistol, commonly referred to as a “Ghost gun.” The pistol had a threaded barrel, classifying it as an assault weapon. A search of the room was conducted, and officers located a 9mm magazine loaded with hollow point ammunition under the pillow were the firearm was located. A second magazine and ammunition were also located in a “fanny pack” belonging to Taylor. The officers’ investigation determined the firearm and ammunition belonged to Taylor.
Taylor was arrested for violations of 12022.1(a)(1) PC, 23920(b) PC, 29800(a) PC, 30305(a)(1) PC, and 30605(a) PC. Ronco was arrested for a parole violation-3056 PC. Taylor and Ronco were booked and lodged at the Mendocino County Jail. The Mendocino County Behavioral Health unit determined the 18-year-old female subject was having a mental health crisis. The 18-year-old female subject was transported to an area hospital and placed on a 5150 W&I hold.
As always, our mission at UPD is to make Ukiah as safe a place as possible. If you would like to know more about crime in your neighborhood, you can sign up for telephone, cell phone, and email notifications by clicking the Nixle button on our website; www.ukiahpolice.com.
