On Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at approximately 12:45 p.m., Santa Rosa Junior College District Police Department (SRJC PD) Officer Wright was monitoring traffic on Elliott Avenue for traffic violations when he observed a black Infinity coupe exit the SRJC Bech Parking Lot and turn west on Elliott Avenue. The Infinity then accelerated rapidly in excess of the posted 25 MPH zone. Officer Wright initiated a traffic enforcement stop on Armory Drive, directly in front of the SRJC PD Station. Upon contact, the officer asked the driver, and sole occupant, for his driver’s license, registration, and insurance. When the driver opened the glove box, Officer Wright saw a black semi-automatic handgun inside. A high risk enforcement stop was immediately initiated and the driver was taken into custody without further incident.
Afterwards, Wright retrieved the handgun and found it to be a replica Sig Sauer semi auto handgun that fired pellets (picture attached). The only difference between an authentic Sig Sauer handgun and the pellet gun was a small mark on the frame reading ".177 cal". Also found was a machete with an 18 inch blade.
The driver who was in possession of the weapons was Christian Eric Candelas-Garcia, a 19 year old Santa Rosa resident. Candelas-Garcia was arrested for felony possession of a weapon on school grounds. He was booked into the Sonoma County Jail and his bail was set at $10,000.
Anyone with information regarding this case can contact the Santa Rosa Junior College District Police Department at (707)527-1000.
