Sonoma County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a 27-year-old Santa Rosa man for possession of assault rifles during a traffic stop. Just after 3:00 PM a Sheriff’s Deputy made a traffic stop on a gold, 1995 Saturn for an inoperative brake light on Guerneville Rd and Cleveland Ln in Santa Rosa. The deputy contacted the driver, Cory Upchurch at the driver side window. Upchurch wasn’t able to provide any identification, stating his license was suspended.
The deputy was able to confirm his license was suspended and he was on probation. The deputy had Upchurch step from the vehicle and detained him so he could tow it. When the deputy searched the car, he found two rifles in a black garbage bag on the back seat. The rifles had pistol grips and flash suppressors, making them illegal to possess. One rifle was a KelTech .223 caliber rifle, and the other was a CN Romarm Par 1 7.62 x 39 mm rifle.
The deputy also located a small amount of methamphetamine and some syringes in a backpack, which belonged to Upchurch’s girlfriend who was a passenger in the car. She was issued a misdemeanor citation and released from scene.
Upchurch was arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Jail on charges of driving on a suspended license, possession and transport of assault rifles and violation of probation. He is being held on $60,000 bail.
Prepared by: Sgt. Spencer Crum
CR 170815019
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