Replica Firearm, Meth Found In Car At River Rock Casino: Deputies

GEYERSVILLE, CA – At least one arrest was made after deputies patrolling parking lots Wednesday afternoon at the River Rock Casino spotted a "suspicious vehicle parked in a quiet corner of the parking garage," the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said.

After speaking with the car's occupants, officials conducted a search which allegedly produced a replica firearm and a baggie of methamphetamine, deputies said,

"Clothing indicative of involvement in the Nortenos criminal street gang was inside the vehicle," the department said, adding "The male occupant is a known gang participant. Needless to say, the County Jail's population increased last night."

Sonoma deputies also issued to the public the following advisory: "Replica firearms have been and continue to be utilized by criminals to commit crimes in lieu of a real firearm to avoid steep sentencing enhancements associated with being armed with firearms during the commission of crimes."

"Had this firearm been pointed at one of our Sonoma County citizens, the emotional trauma and fear the victim feels is the same as a real gun," the department said. "It's still terrifying. Hopefully we stopped this gangster before he had the opportunity to use his fake gun to instill real fear."

Read more on replica firearms laws here.

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--Image via Sonoma Co. Sheriff