MEDIA RELEASE
Contact: Sgt Chris Hewitt
Release Date: 09/05/13
Release Number: 1
Railroad Flat Man Arrested for Assault with a Firearm
(Railroad Flat, CA) On 09/01/13 at approximately 12:30 am, Calaveras Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatch to a residence on the 2300 block of Wagner Road in Railroad Flat for a report of a dispute involving firearms. Upon arrival the deputies spoke to three adult victims who reported that two males walked into their residence, pointed a shotgun and rifle at them, and accused them of being “rats”. One of the males, later identified as suspect Richard Gastelum, Jr. (34) of Railroad Flat, also pointed a handgun at the victims. During the incident one of the victims began to struggle with Suspect Gastelum when she feared that Gastelum was going to shoot her father. At the time of the incident there were also several children sleeping inside the home. Suspect Gastelum and the other male suspect fled the house and drove away.
As the suspects drove away from the victims’ residence sheriff’s deputies intercepted the suspects’ vehicle, at which time a vehicle pursuit ensued. The deputies located Suspect Gastelum at his residence in Railroad Flat and arrested him without incident. The identity of the second male suspect is still being determined. The deputies attempted to interview Gastelum, but he declined to give a statement. He was positively identified by the victims as one of the people who had pointed the firearms at them. The guns were not located. Suspect Gastelum was previously arrested on 08/26/13 for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Suspect Richard Gastelum was booked into the Calaveras County Jail on the charges of Assault with a Deadly Weapon (firearm), Felon in Possession of firearm, Carrying a Loaded Firearm with Intent to Commit a Crime, Commit Felony While Out on Bail, Burglary, and Conspiracy to Commit a Crime (all felonies).
