December 13, 2022 - On the evening of December 2, 2022, at about 6:20 P.M., deputies were conducting extra enforcement patrols in the San Andreas area due to reports of increased criminal activity. While patrolling, the deputies observed the driver of a sedan fail to stop at the intersection of Churchill Road and St. Charles Street. Deputies conducted a traffic enforcement stop of the vehicle near the San Andreas Fire Department and contacted the driver Vernon Keith Moore, 38 years of age, San Andreas. During the initial contact deputies observed an open bottle of vodka within reach of Suspect Moore. When the deputies removed suspect Moore from the vehicle, they noticed a clear plastic baggie with suspected methamphetamine in plain sight. During the search a loaded handgun was discovered in the center console. Upon further investigation, it was determined the handgun was reported as stolen from the Valley Springs area approximately one month ago. A records check revealed that suspect Moore was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Suspect Vernon Keith Moore was arrested, transported to the county jail, and booked. He was charged with 25850PC carry stolen loaded firearm (felony), 30305(a)(1) PC prohibited person possessing firearm (felony), 11370.1(A) H&S possession of controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm (felony), 29800 (A) PC addict and possession of a firearm (felony), 25850 (C)(3) PC criminal street gang member carrying a loaded firearm, 11364 H&S possession of drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor), 11377(a) H&S possession of methamphetamine (misdemeanor), 496 (A) PC receive no stolen property (misdemeanor), 22450 CVC failing to stop at a stop sign (infraction) and 23222 (A)CVC possession of open container (infraction).

Due to the ongoing investigation, no further information is available at this time.

Source: Calaveras County Sheriff's Office