Traffic stop leads to drug bust
During a traffic stop and subsequent search, a Lassen County Sheriff’s deputy seized this loaded weapon, methamphetamine and paraphernalia. Photo submittedA Susanville man and a Westwood woman are in custody facing alleged drug charges after a 9 a.m. Tuesday Dec. 7 traffic stop on Commercial Road in Susanville.
According to a statement from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy made a traffic stop on a white Ford pickup. Upon making contact with the driver and passenger of the pickup, the deputy learned the driver was on felony parole and could possibly be in possession of a firearm.
During a search, the deputy located and seized a loaded .38 caliber pistol, approximately 32.2 grams (1.13 ounces) of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
The driver, Ceasar Lucatero, 34, of Susanville, and the passenger, Melanie Hines, 40, of Westwood, were arrested and booked into the Lassen County Jail.
Lucatero is charged with possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, prohibited person in possession of ammunition and parole violation. Lucatero’s bail has been set at $35,000.
Hines is charged with possession of a controlled substance for sale and possession of drug paraphernalia. Hines’ bail has been set at $22,500.
The LCSO would like to specially thank the Susanville Police Department and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Parole for their assistance in this incident.
