Known Gang Member Arrested For Probation Violation

SONOMA COUNTY, CA - A known gang participant was arrested earlier this month in Windsor after violating several of his probation terms, according to police.

Police said Benjamin Cervantes was on felony formal probation for two different cases when Sonoma County Probation and law enforcement officers conducted a search of Cervantes' residence on March 11 in the 400 block of Boyd Street.

During the search of the residence officers learned Cervantes had a business address in the 11000 block of Old Redwood Highway. Police said at 1:12 p.m. detectives from the gang crimes team followed Cervantes from his business and initiated a traffic enforcement stop.

According to police, Cervantes pulled into a Chevron gas station located at 9120 Old Redwood Highway and was detained as he and his vehicle were searched pursuant to his probation terms. Police said Cervantes' probation terms included not being allowed to possess alcohol or weapons, and not to own, possess have custody or control of firearms or ammunition.

During the search of Cervantes' vehicle, officers found several cans of unopened alcohol.

A passenger was also briefly detained and released with a citation for an outstanding warrant.

An additional search of Cervantes' business was conducted where the gang crimes team found additional alcohol and a .45 caliber semi-automatic firearm.

Cervantes was arrested and later booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility.

--Bay City News; Photo by Renee Shiavonne, Patch