Sonoma police news: Springs man busted on gun, drug charges

Suspect charged with multiple felonies... and more from the cop shop.|

A 21-year-old Springs resident ended up in jail facing numerous felony charges after he was pulled over in a traffic stop.

At about 5:41 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23, a deputy pulled over a vehicle in the area of Falcon Lane in Agua Caliente. The deputy recognized the driver as an active street-gang member with priors. The man had no driver’s license, and so during a search of the vehicle, the deputy discovered concentrated cannabis, two bags of marijuana, ecstasy tabs in the shape of Bart Simpson and a .22 caliber handgun.

The deputy arrested Oscar Santana Ornelas, 21, of Boyes Hot Springs, on charges of felony commission of a felony with a handgun; felony possession of a loaded firearm not registered; transportation of a controlled substance; transportation of a controlled substance for sale; possession of a controlled substance while armed, and a bail enhancement. Ornelas was transported to jail.

In other incidents reported to Valley law enforcement:

Wednesday, Feb. 21:

7:50 a.m. – A 31-year-old resident of the 2500 block of Fremont Drive was arrested on charges of being under the influence of a controlled substance after he was reportedly disturbing other tenants. He was transported to jail.

7:40 p.m. – A Valley resident who lost his phone in Santa Rosa received a call that somebody found his phone. The man soon discovered that whomever originally found his phone, used it to transfer money out of the man’s bank account and also left some inappropriate photos on the camera.

Monday, Feb. 26:

12:20 a.m. – While on patrol in the vicinity of Highway 12 near West Spain Street, a deputy found an unconscious driver in the turning lane. The motorist showed signs of intoxication, so the deputy put him through some field sobriety tests and a preliminary alcohol screening (PAS). On the PAS, the man blew a .22. At the police station on a breath test, the man blew a .21 and a .20. Joel Anthony Rodriguez, 35, of Sonoma, was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, and transported to jail.

Tuesday, Feb. 27:

10:32 a.m. - A domestic violence suspect turned himself in to the Valley Substation for an incident that occurred two days earlier when he got into an argument with his girlfriend. The argument turned physical and Robert Alfred Church, 29, of Sonoma, was arrested on charges of felony domestic violence assault with injury.

10:22 p.m. - A 28-year-old Springs resident ended up in jail after deputies found more than 100 full and empty nitrous oxide containers scattered around his car. Deputies were sent to a report of a suspicious vehicle parked on Cherry Avenue near Barrett Avenue. As he approached the vehicle, the deputy saw the driver was reclining. When he got up to the car, he noticed a whippet dispenser and more than 60 full nitrous oxide containers and 70 empty containers. While it’s legal to purchase nitrous oxide, it’s not legal to inhale it. The 28-year-old male was charged with possession of nitrous oxide and transported to jail.

Thursday, March 1:

3:43 p.m. – While on patrol in El Verano, a deputy noticed a subject that the deputy knew was on searchable probation. During a search, the deputy found a canister of pepper spray. Since the man had a previous felony conviction, he was not allowed to possess pepper spray. Morgan A. Plumere, 31, of Sonoma, was arrested on charges of felony prohibited use of tear gas by a convicted person and a probation violation and was transported to jail.

Saturday, March 3:

12:36 p.m. – A deputy on Broadway stopped a motorist he knew had no driver’s license and was on active probation. The 21-year-old Sonoma resident was arrested on charges of driving while suspended, habitual offender; driving while suspended for DUI and a probation violation. The man received a ride to the county jail.

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