Traffic Stop Leads to Discovery of Illegal Firearm, Drugs, and Paraphernalia

On Dec. 5 at about 2:45 a.m., a Humboldt County Sheriff's Deputy conducted a traffic stop near Fern St. and Vista Dr. in Eureka on a 1998 Toyota 4-Runner that had a license plate belonging to a 2009 BMW attached to the vehicle.

Deputies contacted the driver, Zachary Osborne, age 27, of Eureka, and inquired about the false plate on the vehicle. By running the VIN, deputies confirmed that the vehicle had not been registered with the DMV for the past 2 years. Upon contact, deputies observed that Osborne was displaying symptoms of drug intoxication such as erratic movements, inability to speak coherently, and rapid speech. This caused the deputies concern that Osborne was operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs.

Osborne was asked to exit the vehicle to conduct a sobriety check. When he exited, Osborne was asked if he had any weapons in his vehicle. Osborne replied, "No, but there is one on me." Osborne was detained and searched. Deputies then located a loaded glock-style handgun in his waistband. Osborne was then arrested for carrying a concealed loaded firearm in public (PC25850(a)). A search incident to arrest was conducted-drug paraphernalia and a glass tube containing fentanyl were found in his possession. The vehicle was then searched and deputies also located small baggies used for storing illicit substances and a glass methamphetamine pipe.

Osborne was transported and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for the following charges:

• Possession of a controlled substance while armed-HS 11370.1(a)
• False evidence of vehicle registration-VC 4463
• Possession of a controlled substance-HS 11350
• Possession of a controlled substance paraphernalia-HS 11364
• Carrying a loaded firearm in a public place-PC25850(a)
• Carrying a firearm capable of being concealed-PC 25400(a)(2)
• Felon in possession of a firearm-PC 29800(a)(1)

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff's Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

Evidence seized | Humboldt County Sheriff's Office