The following is a press release from the Fort Bragg 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 October 23, 2024, at approximately 11:33 A.M., a Fort Bragg police officer conducted a traffic stop in the 700 block of N Main St for the driver not wearing a seatbelt.
While the driver, later identified as Elmer Vichi, 65, of Fort Bragg, was being contacted, the officer noticed he was attempting to conceal something under his seat. When asked about what he was trying to hide, Vichi produced a small plastic bag which contained a shard of a crystalline substance the officer recognized as methamphetamine.
The officer demanded the suspected illegal substance and Vichi put it under his seat, then pulled out several empty bags. The officer told him that wasn’t the right bag and Vichi began dumping the suspected methamphetamine onto the floorboard of the vehicle. Vichi refused orders to exit the vehicle, and was removed. After a short struggle, he was taken into custody.
Vichi had further evidence of narcotics sales concealed on him when searched. While searching the vehicle, the officer located two one-gallon size plastic bags containing suspected methamphetamine. The total weight of the two large plastic bags and one small bag was two pounds. The officer also located over $2,000 in cash.
Vichi had four cellular phones in his possession. One phone received dozens of calls from different numbers throughout the evidence booking process.
Vichi was booked into Mendocino County Jail on the charges of 11378 HS – Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale (felony); 11379(a) HS – Transportation of a Controlled Substance (felony); 22210 PC – Possession of a Leaded Cane (felony); 11364(a) HS – Possession of Narcotics Paraphernalia (misdemeanor); 135 PC – Conceal/Destroy Evidence (misdemeanor); and 148(a)(1) PC – Resist Arrest (misdemeanor).
Chief Neil Cervenka said, “This is an example of great police work. This began as a traffic stop for an infraction, but turned into the recovery of two pounds of dangerous narcotics which would’ve been on the streets of our community.”
The Fort Bragg Police Department can assist those with substance use disorders into treatment. Please call the Care Response Unit at (707)961-2800 and choose option 6.
Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact Officer Beak of the Fort Bragg Police Department at (707)961-2800 ext 224.
This information is being released by Chief Neil Cervenka. All media inquiries should contact him at ncervenka@fortbragg.com.
I’m a bit of a stickler for correct usage of the English language by government officials so I’ll just say that I don’t think the word “narcotic” is being used appropriately here.
Thank you LEO’s. Vote YES on 36 my friends!