Early Morning Traffic Stop Leads to Narcotics and Firearms Arrest
AMERICAN CANYON, Calif., April 23, 2026 — At approximately 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, an American Canyon Police Officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a blue Nissan Altima after observing an unsafe lane change on American Canyon Road.
During the stop, a police K9 was deployed and alerted to the presence of suspected narcotics inside the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and located suspected methamphetamine, the hallucinogen dimethyltryptamine (DMT), drug paraphernalia and evidence consistent with narcotics sales.
Officers also located firearm components, including a Sig Sauer pistol frame, magazine, and barrel, along with a loaded Ruger .357 revolver. In addition, a forged and altered check bearing the driver's name was found inside the vehicle.
The driver was identified as 40-year-old Antioch resident Chad Otero. He was arrested and booked into the Napa County Department of Corrections on the following charges:
- Identity Theft with a Prior - 530.5(c)2 PC (Felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance While Armed - 11370.1(a) H&S (Felony)
- Possession of a Firearm by a Violent Felon - 29900(a) PC (Felony)
- Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person - 30305(a) PC (Felony)
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm - 29800(a)(1) PC (Felony)
- Altering Serial Numbers of a Firearm - 23900 PC (Felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance - 11377(a) H&S (Misdemeanor)
Media Contact:
American Canyon Police Department
(707) 551-0600
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