March 19, 2023 -  Amador County Sheriff's Office officials report that on March 18, 2023, at approximately 7:29 p.m., a deputy was patrolling Highway 88 near Homestead Road in Pioneer, when he conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge Durango for a vehicle code violation. Upon contacting the two occupants, the driver told the deputy there was a firearm located near the front passenger seat. Once the two occupants were safely detained, the deputy located a handgun with a loaded magazine between the front passenger seat and center console, well within reach of both the driver and passenger. With additional assistance from K9 Zidan, the vehicle was searched and the deputy located nearly an ounce of methamphetamine, a digital scale, drug packaging materials and drug paraphernalia.

The driver, identified as 41-year-old Nickolaus Holgate of Rock Springs, Wyoming and the passenger, identified 34-year-old Amber Baker of Rock Springs, Wyoming, were arrested and booked into the Amador County Jail for possession of a controlled substance for sale, unlawful possession of a firearm and additional firearm and drug related charges.

Source & photo: Amador County Sheriff's Office