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Parolee arrested for armed robbery

A 22-year-old parolee is back in jail after an armed robbery early Tuesday evening.

According to a report from the Sonoma Police Department, a local woman told police on Tuesday, that she had been robbed at gunpoint by an acquaintance.

The victim told police the suspect picked her up at the Sonoma Market Shopping Center, and that once she was inside the car, the suspect took a handgun from under the dash, pointed it at her and demanded cash. Fearing for her life, the victim gave the suspect $1,200 in cash. The suspect then threatened to kill her if she told anyone, before dropping her off nearby.

Shortly after that, the suspect was spotted in his vehicle near the intersection of Fifth Street West and Andrieux Street.

Officers pulled the car over, searched it and found a .22 caliber handgun and a large quantity of cash.

Police arrested Joseph Kauth, 22, of Sonoma. He was booked into Sonoma County jail for robbery, threats, being an ex-felon in possession of a handgun, possession of a loaded gun in a vehicle and a parole hold. While Kauth was being booked into jail, a correctional deputy located a .22 caliber bullet matching those found in the gun, as well as methamphetamine and heroin hidden in his clothing. Kauth was also charged with possession of a controlled substance and bringing drugs into a detention facility.

Anyone with additional information about the case can contact the Sonoma Police Department at 996-3602.