Traffic Stop on Hwy 101 Leads To Bust For Pot, Assault Rifle

Four men were arrested Wednesday in Sonoma County after a traffic stop led to the discovery of drugs, guns and possible evidence of a recent strong-armed robbery, deputies said.

Christopher Montoya, 29, Jose Israel Cabrera, 24, and Johnathan Otero-Cruz, 25, all of San Bernardino, and Filomino Nunez, 38, of Compton, were all arrested on suspicion of conspiracy, transportation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale, possession of brass knuckles and possession of an assault rifle, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.

Cabrera and Nunez, who have prior felony convictions, were also arrested on suspicion of being felons in possession of a firearm.

Cruz was also arrested on suspicion of smuggling a quarter ounce of methamphetamine into the jail.

Deputies said the men were pulled over at 11:39 a.m. on U.S. Highway 101 in the Geyserville area for a vehicle infraction.

Deputies said the vehicle reeked of marijuana, and the men were acting suspicious, giving conflicting stories of their recent travels.

After searching the vehicle with a police dog, deputies ultimately found 10 pounds of marijuana in various forms of packaging and stages of processing.

Deputies also located an assault rifle with a pistol grip and collapsible stock, a shotgun, zip ties, three black bandanas, a black ski mask, three sets of binoculars, 15 live shotgun shells, brass knuckles, a paintball gun and two computers in the trunk of the vehicle.

Deputies said investigators are looking into whether the suspects were also involved in a recent strong-armed robbery in Mendocino County.

-Bay City News