Orignally published as a Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office press release –
“On 08-16-2021 at 1:58 A.M. a Mendocino County Sheriff’s Deputy was on routine patrol when he observed a vehicle traveling southbound on Highway 101 in Redwood Valley, California.
The Deputy observed a traffic violation as the vehicle exited Highway 101 onto Highway 20. The Deputy performed a traffic stop and contacted the adult female driver and the adult male passenger (Maric Arriaga).
The female driver was found to be on formal probation with terms to include a fourth amendment waiver (Search). A search of the female revealed a commercial quantity of blue pills, which the Deputy suspected were counterfeit oxycodone pills. Other Deputies arrived on scene and continued the investigation.
Through their investigation, the Deputies developed probable cause to believe the pills belonged to Arriaga.
It was also determined Arriaga possessed a commercial quantity of suspected methamphetamine concealed in his clothing. The Deputies attempted to arrest Arriaga for possession of the illegal drugs.
When the Deputies attempted to handcuff Arriaga, he squared off into a fighting stance and began physically resisting.
The Deputies eventually gained control of Arriaga and wrestled him to the ground where he was eventually handcuffed. Arriaga was not injured during the altercation and the female was released from the scene with the vehicle.
Arriaga was arrested for 69 PC (Felony Resisting Arrest Threatening Officer), 11351 HS (Felony Possession Controlled Substance/Narcotic For Sale), 11352 HS (Felony Transportation of Controlled Substance/Narcotic For Sale), 11378 HS (Felony Possession of Controlled Substance For Sale), 11379 HS (Felony Transportation of Controlled Substance For Sale).
Arriaga was booked into the Mendocino County Jail where he was to be held in lieu of $50,000.00 bail.”
