Date: 03-10-2024
Location: 1340 North State Street, Ukiah (Motel 6 North)
Victim(s): People of The State of California
Suspect(s): Donald Earl Willett Jr. 40-Year-Old Willits male
Violation(s): 25400(c)(6) PC-Carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle/person (Felony).
11377(a) H&S-Possession of a controlled substance (Misdemeanor).
11364(a) H&S-Possession of drug paraphernalia (Misdemeanor).
Misdemeanor Arrest Warrant (MCSO warrant).

On 03/10/24 at approximately 1000 hours, a Ukiah Police Department (UPD) Officer was on routine patrol in the parking lot of the Motel 6 North at 1340 North State Street, Ukiah. The UPD Officer observed Donald Willet, a Mendocino County resident that the UPD Officer was familiar with from previous law enforcement contacts, and knew Willet to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

The UPD Officer observed Willet, who was carrying a backpack, get into a parked vehicle on the west end of the parking lot. The UPD Officer approached Willett, who was still seated in the vehicle, and placed him under arrest for the outstanding warrant. While affecting the arrest, the UPD Officer observed a plastic bag containing suspected methamphetamine in Willett’s sweatshirt pocket, along with drug paraphernalia.

Due to Willett being in possession of a controlled substance, the UPD Officer conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle Willett had been seated in, to include the backpack that the UPD Officer had observed Willett carrying. A .22 caliber Berretta handgun was located inside of the backpack, and multiple rounds of .22 caliber ammunition were located in a subsequent search of an additional backpack inside the vehicle.

In addition to the outstanding warrant for his arrest, Willett was placed under arrest for concealing a firearm in his vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Willett was booked into the Mendocino County Jail for charges of 25400(c)(6) PC, 11377(a) H&S, 11364(a) H&S, and the warrant issued out of the Mendocino County Superior Court.

As always, UPD’s mission is to make Ukiah as safe a place as possible. If you would like to know more about crime in your neighborhood, you can sign up for telephone, cellphone, and email notifications by clicking the Nixle button on our website; www.ukiahpolice.com.

Download: 24-0467.pdf