Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest of Man on Firearms and Drug Charges

This is a press release from the Ukiah Police Department. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:

On 05/08/2024, at approximately 8:20 p.m., Ukiah Police Department (UPD) Officers contacted a suspicious
vehicle in the 1100 block of Airport Park Boulevard in Ukiah. The driver of the vehicle was identified as, Robert
Gardner [Age 36 from Ukiah].

UPD Officers during their investigation observed a controlled substance in plain view. A search of the vehicle was conducted, and a loaded, Charter Arms .38 special revolver was located under Gardner’s driver seat. UPD Officers also located drug paraphernalia and a digital scale inside the vehicle.

Gardner was determined to be a convicted felon (prior conviction for violation of 11378 H&S) and unable to possess a firearm and/or ammunition.

Gardner was placed under arrest for the above-mentioned violations and transported to the Mendocino County Jail.

As always, UPD’s mission is to make Ukiah as safe a place as possible. If you would like to know more about
crime in your neighborhood, you can sign up for telephone, cellphone, and email notifications by clicking the
Nixle button on our website; www.ukiahpolice.com..

Violation(s): 29800(a)(1) PC – Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person -Felony

25850(c)(6) PC – Possession of an unregistered loaded firearm in a vehicle – Felony

30305(a)(1) PC – Possession of ammo by a prohibited person – Felony

11350(a) H&S – Possession of a controlled substance – Misdemeanor

11364(a) H&S – Possession of drug paraphernalia – Misdemeanor