DATE OF EVENT: July 22, 2022
TYPE OF EVENT: Felon in possession of a firearm/Possession of stolen vehicle
LOCATION: 100 block of W. Wilson Avenue
CHARGES: PC 29800(a)(1) – Felon in possession of a firearm
PC 30305(a)(1) – Prohibited Person in possession of ammunition
PC 23900 – Alter/remove serial number of a firearm
PC 496D(a) – Possession of a stolen vehicle
PC 475(a) – Possession of counterfeit items
VC 14601.1(a) – Driving on a suspended driver’s license
SUSPECT: Joshua Meyer 35 year old Ridgecrest resident
On 07/21/2022, Officer Cushman was dispatched to a local gas station for a report of subjects using fake currency to purchase goods. Officer Cushman was a provided a still shot photograph of the suspect’s vehicle that had unique characteristics. On 07/22/2022, Ofc Cushman noticed the same vehicle driving westbound in the 100 block of W Wilson Avenue. Ofc Cushman initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle at that time where he made contact with the driver of the vehicle who was identified as Joshua Meyer. The passenger of the vehicle admitted to passing the fake bill given to her by Meyer the previous day. Other counterfeit bills were located in Meyer’s possession at the scene.
It was determined Meyer’s driver’s license was suspended at which time Officer Cushman placed Meyer under arrest. While Officers inventoried Meyer’s vehicle, a stolen Honda 50cc motorcycle was located in the back of the vehicle. Due to locating the stolen property in Meyer’s vehicle, Officers rolled back to Meyer’s hotel room to conduct a search. During this search a loaded Springfield XD .45 caliber handgun was located that had the serial numbers filed off so it was unable to be traced. The on duty dispatcher was able to confirm Meyer was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing or owning a firearm.
Meyer was arrested on the above listed charges and transported to the Central Receiving Facility in Bakersfield.
Jed McLaughlin, Chief of Police
PREPARED BY: Sergeant Hallmark