A Chester man was arrested Sunday after a CHP Officer found a loaded weapon, meth, a meth pipe and 30 “not real” $50 bills in his vehicle during a traffic stop on Highway 395 near Doyle.
According to details released by the Susanville Office of the California Highway Patrol, a CHP officer was advised by dispatch about 6:20p.m., of a reckless driver driving a black Pontiac GTO with paper plates on US-395 near South Constantia.
A vehicle matching the description was observed and an enforcement stop was initiated on US-395 south of Flux Road.
Upon contact with the driver, identified by the CHP as 42-year old Chester resident Damion Jay Phillips, the officer noticed the steering column of the vehicle was stripped and there wasn’t a key in the ignition.
Through further questioning it was determined that Phillip’s driver license was suspended.
The CHP officer noticed a clear pipe with black and white residue (commonly used for methamphetamine) that was located between the center console and passenger seat and Phillips was asked to exit the vehicle.
Just before getting out Phillips reached with his right hand down towards the bottom of the driver’s seat before hesitantly exiting the vehicle. Once out of the vehicle he was given a pat search for weapons, placed under arrest for driving with a suspended license, a misdemeanor and placed in the right front of the patrol vehicle while the officer conducted a search of the vehicle.
While searching the vehicle, the officer located a handgun with a full magazine and one in the chamber on the floorboard under the driver’s seat. A criminal history returned showing Phillips was a felon. It is a violation for a felon to be in possession of a concealed firearm.
While conducting a more thorough search incident to arrest, a clear baggy was located in Phillips left jean pocket with a crystalline substance that appeared to be methamphetamine.
Phillips was booked into Lassen County Jail for violation of 29800(a)(1)PC, 25400(c)(1)PC, 25850(a)PC, 25850(c)(1)PC and 25850(c)(6)PC. Phillips was held on $35,000.00 bail. Phillips was released on bail on July 13th, 2020.
