Red Light Stop Ends In Gun Bust, Chase In Sonoma Valley

SONOMA VALLEY, CA — A routine traffic enforcement stop in Sonoma Valley quickly turned into a criminal investigation when a driver allegedly ran a red light, fled from deputies, and was later found carrying a loaded, unserialized handgun, authorities said.

The incident began about 3:31 p.m. Tuesday, when a Sonoma County Sheriff's deputy saw a vehicle run a red light at the intersection of Arnold Drive and Leveroni Road, according to the Sheriff's Office.

When the deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver allegedly sped away and failed to yield, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The pursuit ended when the vehicle pulled into a driveway in the 60 block of Temelec Circle, according to Sgt. Juan Valencia.

Deputies identified the driver as Jacob McDonald, 28. During a search, deputies said they found a loaded, unserialized handgun concealed in his waistband. The firearm contained 11 rounds of ammunition and featured a threaded barrel, Valencia said.

A records check revealed McDonald was on probation with search terms, prompting deputies to conduct a probation search of his residence.

There, investigators said they found a Remington .30-06 rifle, a Stoeger 12-gauge shotgun, and a 50-round drum magazine. Deputies also learned that two children lived in the home.

McDonald was arrested on suspicion of multiple misdemeanor traffic violations, felony possession of an assault weapon, and child cruelty charges. He was booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility, where bail was set at $50,000.

Authorities said McDonald later posted bail and was released pending future court proceedings.