CLEARLAKE ? A Lower Lake man was arrested Friday on several possession charges including those for firearms and drugs. Brandon Charles Thomas, 26, was taken into custody following a traffic stop in area of Old Highway 53 and Highlands way in Clearlake.
California Highway Patrol Officer Forslund initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle Thomas was driving at approximately 8:45 p.m. for a seat belt violation. Upon contact, the officer reportedly detected a “strong smell of marijuana” in the vehicle. A sobriety test was conducted which concluded that Thomas was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, while searching the vehicle, Officer Forslund discovered an undisclosed amount of marijuana and a loaded hand gun. According to the press release issued by the CHP, Thomas is believed to have gang affiliations.
Thomas was placed under arrest and transported to the Lake County Jail. According to his booking detail, he was arrested on the following charges: possession of narcotics controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance while armed, felon/addict etc. in possession of a firearm, committing a felony while armed with a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, prohibited person owning ammunition, participation in gang crimes, bringing alcohol/drugs into prison/jail and violation of probation.
