SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KRON) – The Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) said an unrelated incident of a sounded burglary alarm led to officers arresting a convicted felon who was dumpster diving to retrieve a “fully operable” .22 caliber rifle.
Vallejo man arrested after high-speed chase Thursday
Santa Rosa police said the incident happened 1:50 a.m. Thursday when two officers were dispatched on the 1700 block of Piner Road to investigate an activated burglary alarm. After investigating and determining it was false, the officers said “they heard a loud banging sound coming from across the street” and discovered it was Justin Caldwell, 57, of Santa Rosa, rummaging through a dumpster.
SRPD said that “one of the officers knew” Caldwell had an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court and instructed him to sit down on a nearby curb. As Caldwell walked toward the curb, an officer spotted Caldell throw a “small baggie” into the bushes, which turned out to be methamphetamine, said police.