City of Santa Rosa, CA, CivicReady Public Safety Alerts & Notifications
SRPD News Release: Officers contact a wanted felon in possession of a firearm following investigation of an unrelated incident
Officers contact a wanted felon in possession of a firearm following investigation of an unrelated incident.
At approximately 1:50 am on Thursday, October 10, 2024, two Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Piner Road to investigate a burglary alarm activation. After searching the area and inspecting the building where the activation occurred, the officers determined it was a false alarm. While still in the area, the officers heard a loud banging sound coming from across the street. The officers moved toward the noise and discovered Justin Caldwell, a 57-year-old Santa Rosa resident, digging through a dumpster.One of the officers knew Caldwell had an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court and instructed him to sit down. As Caldwell moved toward the curb to sit, an officer observed Caldwell throw a small baggie into nearby bushes. The baggie was retrieved by the officer, who determined it was suspected methamphetamine.
As officers investigated the reason why Caldwell was rummaging through the trash, they learned a firearm in Caldwell’s possession was in the dumpster. An officer located a fully operable .22 caliber rifle in the dumpster. Caldwell is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.
Caldwell was detained in handcuffs and searched incident to his arrest for several charges. During the search, a glass pipe commonly used to smoke methamphetamine was located in his backpack.
Caldwell was transported to Sonoma County Jail and booked for his outstanding warrant and for the following charges:
29800(a)(1) PC – Felon in possession of a firearm
11377(a) HS – Possession of a controlled substance
11364(a) HS – Possession of drug paraphernalia
Violent crime reduction is Chief John Cregan’s top organizational priority. Removing illegally possessed firearms from the street through proactive policing prevents future violent crimes from being committed with these guns. Through innovative techniques, data-led policing, and proactive police work, the SRPD is helping make Santa Rosa a safe place to live, work and play.
Santa Rosa Police Department case number 24-11958.
Media Contact:
Sgt. Nick Gillotte
Ngillotte@srcity.org
