Photo: old mugshot of Mark Andrew Nielsen
Originally published as a Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office press release –
“On 04-07-2021 at about 5:30 P.M, a vehicle pursuit in the Redwood Valley area led to a large scale search of the area for the suspect, who was later identified as Mark Andrew Nielsen.
Nielsen was not located on that date. A Be-On-The-Lookout (B.O.L.O) was issued requesting Nielsen be arrested for multiple Felony offenses if located/contacted. Throughout the following days, continuous follow-up and attempts to locate and arrest Nielsen were conducted.
On 04-17-2021 at about 2:20 A.M, a Deputy observed a vehicle known to be associated with Nielsen in the area of Calpella, California.
The Deputy noticed the male driver and solo occupant of the vehicle ducked down, possibly attempting to conceal his identity. The Deputy noticed several lighting equipment violations on the vehicle as it drove past his patrol vehicle.
The Deputy conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and contacted the male, who was positively identified as Mark Andrew Nielsen.
Nielsen was taken into custody without incident and he was booked into the Mendocino County Jail on the following charges:
2800.2(a) VC – Reckless Driving while Evading a Peace Officer
2800.4 VC – Driving in Opposite Lane of Traffic while Evading a Peace Officer
12002(a)(1) PC – Armed in the Commission of a Felony
25850(c)(6) PC – Carrying an Unregistered, Loaded Handgun
29800(a)(1) PC – Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person
30305(a)(1) PC – Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person
25400(a)(2) PC – Carrying a Concealed Weapon
1203.2 PC – Violation of Probation
Due to the severity of the crimes and risk posed to the community, a bail enhancement was requested by Sheriff’s Deputies. The request was granted and Nielsen was to be held at the Mendocino County Jail in lieu of $125,000.00 bail.
The positive identification and ultimate apprehension of Nielsen was the direct result of cooperative effort between the community and the Sheriff’s Office. This type of teamwork is vital to the continued protection of our community against violence and disorder.”
