A deputy stopped a car for expired registration and tinted windows and found the driver, Uriel Alvarado, 28 years old, Cotati, in possession of marijuana and a loaded handgun.
The event unfolded on December 9 at 11:40 pm, when the deputy made a traffic stop on Highway 37 near the intersection of Noble Road. The deputy was immediately overcome by the fresh smell of burned marijuana coming from inside Alvarado’s car, as he rolled down his window. Alvarado had a half burnt joint in the car. In California, it is legal to possess marijuana but when transporting inside a vehicle, it must be kept inside a sealed container. The marijuana joint was loose sitting on the center console.
When the deputy conducted his search, he discovered over 3 pounds of marijuana and a 9mm black Glock handgun with a live round in the chamber. In October, Alvarado was arrested by Sonoma County narcotic/property crime detectives for possession of multiple firearms and narcotics, and was out on bail for that case.
Alvarado was booked into the Sonoma County Jail on possession of more than one ounce of marijuana, felony charges of being a person prohibited from possessing a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, convicted felon in possession of a concealed firearm, loaded firearm in public and committing a felony while out on bail. He is being held on $30,000 bail.
Prepared by: Sergeant Juan Valencia, Public Information Officer
Case No: 191210-001
Media Inquiries: (707) 565-3941
