Traffic Collision Leads to Drug and Weapons Arrest 

August 24, 2026 – Yuba City Police Department officials report that on Friday, August 14, 2026, at around 3:30 p.m., Yuba City Police Department officers responded to the intersection of Colusa Avenue and Stafford Way for a reported traffic collision.

During the investigation, the driver, identified as 31-year-old Joel Caldwell of Yuba City, was determined to be under the influence of drugs.

During the investigation, officers located a loaded Glock 23 handgun concealed under the driver’s seat, along with an AR-15.

Officers also located a large quantity of small baggies commonly used for drug sales and a scale containing a white powdery substance. Throughout the vehicle, officers discovered several methamphetamine pipes, burnt tin foil, additional baggies containing white powdery residue, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.

Caldwell was arrested and booked into the Sutter County Jail for multiple violations, including driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, carrying a loaded firearm, and various drug-related offenses.

This incident serves as another reminder of the dangers associated with impaired driving and the importance of thorough investigations when officers encounter evidence of additional criminal activity.

Source & photo: Yuba City Police Department