Willits Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest of Suspended Driver

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

On 07/01/2026 at approximately 10:45 P.M., a Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was conducting a proactive patrol near the south end of Willits, CA when they observed a vehicle traveling north on South Main Street without a front license plate affixed to the vehicle.

The Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic enforcement stop in the 1700 block of South Main Street in Willits and contacted the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, identified as Jennifer Schmitt-Feliz. During the contact, Schmitt-Feliz advised that her driving privileges were suspended pursuant to 14601.1 of the California Vehicle Code and that she was on active formal probation in Mendocino County for a violation of 20001(a) of the California Vehicle Code (hit-and-run resulting in injury).

A records check through the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center confirmed Schmitt-Feliz’s suspended license and formal probation status. Schmitt-Feliz exited the vehicle, and a probation search of the vehicle was conducted pursuant to the terms of her probation. During the search, the Sheriff’s Deputy located a canister of pepper spray beneath the driver’s seat.

A review of Schmitt-Feliz’s criminal history revealed she was prohibited from possessing pepper spray due to prior criminal convictions. Additionally, the pepper spray was determined to be a dangerous weapon, constituting a violation of the terms and conditions of Schmitt-Feliz’s probation.

Based on the investigation the Sheriff’s Deputy established there was probable cause to arrest Schmitt-Feliz for 1203.2 PC – Violation of probation, 22810(a) PC – Prohibited person in possession of pepper spray, 14601.1(a) VC – Driving on a suspended license. Schmitt-Feliz was placed under arrest without incident and transported to the Mendocino County Jail where she is being held on a no bail status.

Anyone with information related to this incident is requested to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086 (option 1). Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the non-emergency tip-line at 707-234-2100.