License Plate Reader Leads to Arrest for Illegal Firearm and Woodland PD’s Ninth Weekend DUI
WOODLAND, CA – The Woodland Police Department (WPD) reported an arrest and the seizure of an illegal firearm on Sunday night, October 26, 2025, an incident which also marked the department’s ninth Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrest over the weekend.
The incident began when officers responded to the 1600 block of Meikle Avenue following reports that a female was threatening others with a firearm. The individual was identified as 25-year-old Rickelle Lancaster of Seaside, who was a passenger in a vehicle that departed the scene before officers arrived. Witnesses provided a partial license plate number to the responding officers.
Investigators utilized the FLOCK license plate reader system to identify the vehicle. The technology enabled officers to locate the vehicle within minutes and conduct a high-risk traffic stop. Lancaster was subsequently taken into custody without incident.
During the stop, an unserialized firearm was located. The driver of the vehicle, 27-year-old Donald Willis of Woodland, was determined to be under the influence of alcohol.
Based on the investigation, both Lancaster and Willis were charged with possession of an unserialized firearm, assault with a deadly weapon, and conspiracy. Willis faces an additional charge associated with driving while under the influence of alcohol. The arrest of Willis represented the ninth DUI apprehension made by the WPD since Friday evening. These weekend arrests included cases involving both alcohol and marijuana intoxication, with some drivers registering blood alcohol levels nearly three times the legal limit.
The WPD highlighted its commitment to DUI enforcement and the advanced training officers receive for detecting impaired driving.
