A routine traffic stop by Windsor Police led to the arrest of a local man after officers discovered a loaded firearm hidden in an unconventional compartment of his vehicle. On Thursday, a Windsor Police Department deputy pulled over a car with expired registration tags, initiating what would unfold as a significant search and seizure operation.
According to the Town of Windsor Police Department's social media post, upon stopping Jose Quiroz, 35, of Santa Rosa, the deputy noticed evidence of drug use inside the car, which led to a more extensive scouring of the vehicle. The Deputy's search revealed not only drug paraphernalia, such as syringes and burnt tin foil indicative of narcotics ingestion, but also uncovered approximately 7 grams of what they suspected to be methamphetamine.
The moment when the Deputy's observation became critical was when the vehicle's stereo, improperly fitted, hinted at a possible hidden space. Upon removal of the stereo unit, the Deputy encountered a concealed Glock-style handgun without a serial number, further complicating the situation for the driver, given his prior felony conviction, which prohibited him from firearm possession.
Quiroz was duly arrested and taken to Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility, where he was booked on several charges, including the possession of a firearm by a felon, carrying a loaded firearm, and possession of a controlled substance while armed. The Windsor Police Department has documented the event under case number WI251009-003.
