Residents in several parts of Chester were awakened early Monday morning by the sound of gunfire, prompting a response from the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office that ended with the arrest of a 20-year-old Lake Almanor man.
According to the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office, the Emergency Communications Center began receiving multiple reports of gunshots shortly after 2:40 a.m. on August 3 from locations along First Avenue. A deputy responded immediately and began searching the area.
At approximately 3:20 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of Lassen Street called authorities to report an apparently intoxicated man on their front porch. Deputies arrived within minutes and contacted the individual, who was identified as Elijah Hernandez, 20, of Lake Almanor.
Investigators determined Hernandez had allegedly fired multiple rounds from a small-caliber handgun in what authorities described as a negligent manner. Deputies recovered a handgun and magazine from Hernandez, and investigators later located shell casings in the areas where gunshots had been reported.
A subsequent search of Hernandez’s bedroom resulted in the collection of additional evidence, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said there was no continuing threat to the public following the arrest. No injuries or property damage were reported.
The investigation has been forwarded to the Plumas County District Attorney’s Office for review.
Hernandez was booked on the following alleged charges:
Possession of a firearm without a serial number
Prohibited person in possession of a firearm
Possession of a large-capacity magazine
Willful discharge of a firearm in a negligent manner
Obstructing or resisting a peace officer
Probation violation
Criminal street gang participant carrying a loaded firearm in public
The Sheriff’s Office said Hernandez is being held without bail.
Investigators are asking residents in the First Avenue and Lassen Street areas of Chester to review home security camera footage recorded between approximately 2:40 a.m. and 3:23 a.m. Monday. Anyone with information or video that may assist the investigation is asked to contact the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office at 530-283-6300 and reference case number 26-658.
