SoHum Man Arrested with Drug Paraphernalia and Stolen Firearm

This is a press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. The information has not been proven in a court of law and the individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:

On 01-11-2016, at approximately 8:00 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office responded to a commercial burglary that occurred in the 600 block of Fir Lane, Garberville. The victim stated that unknown suspect(s) broke into his property and stole several firearms from a gun safe. It is believed the burglary occurred between 01-08-2016 and 01-09-2016.

Throughout the course of the investigation, and following up on investigative leads, Sheriff’s Deputies were able to identify Scott Arreguin (age 27) as a possible suspect.

On 01-12-2016, at approximately 9:30 p.m., two Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to the Garberville Station were patrolling in the downtown Garberville area. The Deputies conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle in the 900 block of Redwood Drive for an observed traffic violation. The front passenger in the vehicle was identified as Scott Arreguin. Deputies detected marijuana from within the vehicle and were able to establish probable cause to search the vehicle.

During their search of the vehicle, a Browning .22 caliber handgun was located under the front passenger seat. This handgun was identified as one of the stolen firearms from the above mentioned burglary. Deputies also located the barrel to a shotgun which was also stolen from the burglary. In addition, the vehicle contained over an ounce of marijuana, hypodermic needles, and other forms of drug paraphernalia.

At the conclusion of the investigation, it was determined that Arreguin was in direct possession of the stolen firearm and drug paraphernalia. When attempting to place Arreguin under arrest, he resisted and attempted to flee on foot. A brief struggle ensued and Arreguin was eventually taken into custody. The driver of the vehicle was released from the scene with a citation for possession of marijuana.

Arreguin was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked on the following charges:

• PC 25400(a)(1) – Possession of a concealed firearm inside a vehicle
• PC496 – Possession of stolen property
• PC 148(a)(1) – Resisting arrest
• H&S 11364 – Possession of drug paraphernalia.

There are still three firearms outstanding from the burglary. They are described as (1) Winchester 94, 30-30 lever action rifle, (1) Beretta 21A, .22 caliber handgun, and (1) CZ 527, .223 rifle. Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding these firearms, or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriffs Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Garberville Station at 707-923-2761.