Photo: Douglas Stone
REDWOOD VALLEY – A burglary in progress occurred on April 24 at 10:40 p.m. Officers responded to the 7000 block of Block Bart Trail.
Someone was on the outside trying to break into the residence there. 42-year-old Douglas Stone was successful in getting in.
The female resident confronted Stone while on the phone with 911. When she alerted him to that fact, he left the premesis.
The suspect was quickly detained on the same road, put into handcuffs and searched.
Stone had a handgun in his pocket and stolen property in his car. Turns out the items were from previous burglaries, also on Black Bart Trail.
In addition, he had a pry bar that was matched with the marks left on the door of the residence he had just drove away from.
Stone was arrested for burglary, possession of stolen property, possession of an unregistered firearm, carrying a concealed firearm, prowling and vandalism. His bail was set at $75,000.
The further investigation resulted in a search warrant for Stone’s residence, also on Black Bart Trail.
More stolen property was discovered from previous burglaries. The press releases added, “Also located in the residence was a large quantity of firearms, firearm parts, ammunition and explosive device precursors.”
The presence of explosive devices merited the Bomb Squad’s assistance.
In the mean time, Stone bailed out.
This new development led to additional charges and a Be-on-the-Lookout being broadcast.
The suspect turned himself in at the Ukiah station. he was booked for possession of stolen property, possession of marijuana for sale, manufacture of an assault riflr, possession of a silencer and burglary tools.
Now here’s the rub – according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Department, “In accordance with the COVID-19 emergency order issued by the State of California Judicial Council, Stone’s bail was set at zero dollars and he was released after the jail booking process.”
