Sonoma County Man Arrested for Allegedly Driving Intoxicated with Loaded Ghost Gun in Car
SANTA ROSA — A man was recently arrested after allegedly being caught with a ghost gun and driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana late last week.
According to a Santa Rosa PD press release, on the night of Friday, March 17th, an officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop for several alleged vehicle code violations in the area of College Avenue and Mendocino Avenue.
The driver of the black Nissan Sentra, identified as 27-year-old Santa Rosa resident Martel Nelson, was reportedly found to be driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana.
Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer detected the strong odor of alcohol and “freshly burnt” marijuana emanating from inside the car. Nelson also displayed visible signs of impairment and was subject to sobriety tests, and was ultimately placed under arrest, police said.
Officers conducted a search of Nelson’s vehicle and reportedly confiscated a loaded Glock-style .40 caliber ghost gun, which was concealed inside a backpack.
Nelson was later booked at the Sonoma County jail on charges of possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of a concealed firearm in a vehicle, and possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle, and possession of a loaded firearm in public.
Law enforcement officials are urging residents to report any suspicious activity related to firearms or drug use, and to always practice responsible gun ownership.
