Covelo Man Allegedly Caught with Stolen Gun after Fleeing Traffic Stop
COVELO, CA — A man on probation was arrested after allegedly fleeing from a traffic stop and being caught in possession of a stolen gun.
According to a press release by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were patrolling the area of Henderson Lane on the night of Thursday, Feb. 19, when a deputy observed a vehicle with inoperable brake lights. The driver was identified as Oscar Lil Bear Martinez, 26, of Covelo.
When a deputy attempted to move closer to initiate a traffic stop, Martinez allegedly drove away at a high rate of speed. While speeding, he also passed other vehicles while allegedly traveling on the wrong side of the road.
Deputies later observed the vehicle come to a sudden stop io the 23700 block of Biggar Lane, reportedly due to a collision with a tree.
Martinez then exited the vehicle and reportedly fled on foot toward an open field with abandoned cannabis greenhouses.
Deputies determined he had two active arrest warrants out of Mendocino County. They also determined he was on formal probation from the county for assault with a deadly weapon.
Deputies searched the area and reportedly located Martinez lying on the ground and hiding from law enforcement. He was detained without incident.
Because Martinez was involved in a collision, deputies requested medical personnel to treat him for minor injuries. Deputies searched the vehicle and allegedly found a loaded handgun, which turned out to have been reported stolen.
Deputies also determined Martinez was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to previous criminal convictions.
Martinez was arrested on suspicion of the possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, carrying a loaded firearm, grand theft of a firearm, violation of felony probation, and the two outstanding felony warrants.
He was booked into the Mendocino County jail and is being held on a no-bail status due to probation violations, according to the sheriff’s office.
