Mendocino County Man Accused of Destroying Evidence in Burglary Investigations
REDWOOD VALLEY, CA — “On 07/31/26 at approximately 2:30 P.M., a Mendocino County Sheriff’s Deputy contacted Benjamin Miller in the area of Tomki Road and Cave Creek Road in Redwood Valley, CA. Miller was being sought in connection with several ongoing burglary investigations and had a misdemeanor warrant issued for his arrest for 135 PC – Destruction of evidence.
Upon contact with the Sheriff’s Deputy, Miller fled the scene in a Dodge SUV. The vehicle was later located and seized as evidence in connection with the ongoing investigations, but Miller fled the area and was not located. A search warrant for the vehicle was subsequently authorized by a Mendocino County Superior Court Judge.
During the execution of the search warrant, Sheriff’s Deputies recovered personal property and documents associated with Miller, along with live ammunition. Sheriff’s Deputies determined that Miller was prohibited from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior criminal convictions.
Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, Sheriff’s Deputies obtained an arrest warrant for 30305(a)(1) PC – Prohibited person in possession of ammunition, and a search warrant for a residence in Willits that was associated with Miller.
On 08/01/26 at approximately 4:00 A.M., the Mendo-Lake Regional SWAT Team served the search warrant at a residence on East San Francisco Avenue in Willits, CA. There was a brief standoff where Miller initially refused to exit the residence, but he was later arrested without further incident.
During the search of the residence, Sheriff’s Deputies recovered multiple firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories.
Among the firearms recovered was an SKS rifle that Sheriff’s Deputies are examining as possible evidence related to an ongoing residential burglary investigation.
Miller was transported to the Mendocino County Jail where he was booked on the Felony Warrant – 30305(a)(1) PC – Prohibited person in possession of ammunition, Misdemeanor Warrant – 135 PC – Destruction of evidence, along with new charges of 29800(a)(1) PC – Prohibited person in possession of a firearm, 30305(a)(1) PC – Prohibited person in possession of ammunition. Miller remains in custody and is being held in lieu of $37,500 bail.
Anyone with information related to this incident is requested to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086 (option 1). Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the non-emergency tip-line at 707-234-2100.”
