Handguns, rifles found in Covelo man’s home
At approximately 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23, a Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Deputy was conducting follow-up investigations regarding a case of alleged fraud at a residence in the 23000 block of Henderson Road in Covelo.
According to a press release, as the Deputy stood at the door of the residence he saw a black semi-automatic rifle with a pistol grip and forward grip with a detachable magazine through an open door. (The firearm was later found to be unloaded.)
The Deputy had prior knowledge of a 39-year-old man who lived at the residence and was also a convicted felon prohibited from owning or possessing firearms, which the Deputy confirmed with MCSO dispatch.
Due to this information, the Deputy contacted a MCSO Sergeant who authored a search warrant for the location. The search warrant was then presented to and approved by a Mendocino County Superior Court Judge.
“While waiting for the warrant, two subjects exited the residence, which included the 39-year-old male,” said the press release. The Deputy talked to the individuals who reported that additional firearms were also located inside the residence. During the execution of the search warrant, five firearms and ammunition were found.
“The handguns were a loaded .38 caliber revolver and a loaded .45 caliber semi automatic handgun. The .45 caliber handgun was later confirmed to be stolen,” stated the press release.
Along with the semi automatic rifle seen by the Deputy, MCSO Deputies also found a second loaded semi automatic rifle with similar assault weapon type characteristics. In addition, Deputies located an unloaded 30.06 bolt action rifle with a scope located in a trailer on the property.
All of the firearms were seized and an investigative report will be submitted to the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office for determination of potential charges related to the subjects present at the residence.