SAN BERNARDINO, CA — Law enforcement officials at the Central Detention Center arrested two women on November 20, 2025, on multiple felony charges, including possession of deadly weapons and controlled substances on jail grounds.
At approximately 1:39 PM, deputies at the facility made contact with Melinda Russell, a 53-year-old resident of Nipomo, California, who was present at the location for an inmate visit. During the contact, Russell was found to be in possession of a folding razor knife concealed in the waistband of her pants. Russell was subsequently arrested for Possession of Deadly Weapon on Jail Grounds (PC 4574).
Deputies also contacted Elizabeth Travis, a 40-year-old resident of Santa Barbara, California, in the jail’s parking lot. Travis was the passenger in Russell’s vehicle. The subsequent investigation determined that Travis had utilized methamphetamine earlier in the day. Travis was found in possession of methamphetamine and two loaded firearms.
Travis was arrested for Possession of Deadly Weapon on Jail Grounds (PC 4574), Possession of a Controlled Substance on Jail Grounds (PC 4573.5), and Possession of a Controlled Substance While Armed (HS 11370.1(A)).
The arrests were made during proactive patrols of the jail grounds, which law enforcement state are conducted to enforce all applicable laws and deter the presence of contraband. The San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department confirmed that all laws are fully enforced in this area.
The Central Detention Center is requesting that anyone with additional information regarding this incident contact the facility at (909) 386-0910. Callers may also submit anonymous tips through We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or via wetip.com.
