Friday, 21 March 2025

CHP arrests two for drugs and weapons during dog mauling investigation

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Two Arizona residents were arrested in Middletown Saturday on a number of drug charges.

Lance Boyd Smith, 43, and Annette Marie Hunkler, 41, both of Cottonwood, Ariz., were arrested Saturday afternoon following a traffic stop by California Highway Patrol Officer Rob Hearn, according to a CHP report.

Hearn was flagged down at around 2:30 p.m. Nov. 13 while he was driving in Middletown. The report from CHP Officer Steve Tanguay said Hearn was advised of a dog mauling incident that had just occurred a block away from his location.

Hearn responded to the corner of Armstrong and Lincoln streets to meet with the victim. Tanguay said witnesses reported that there were two pit bull dogs running loose that attacked another dog. The witnesses then reported that the owners of the dogs were leaving the area.

Tanguay said Hearn located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. Smith exited the vehicle and approached Hearn, who could smell the odor of marijuana coming from inside a trailer that was being towed by Smith.

During a search of the vehicle Hearn located a loaded sawed off shotgun, more than 2 pounds of processed marijuana, other drugs, drug paraphernalia, drug packaging equipment and approximately 43 growing marijuana plants, Tanguay said.

Smith and Hunkler were arrested and booked into the Lake County Jail.

Smith was charged with eight felonies related to marijuana and firearms, including being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, with bail set at $30,000. Hunkler faced four felonies related to drugs, with her bail set at $20,000.

Both remained in the Lake County Jail Tuesday night.

Tanguay said Lake County Animal Control also arrived on scene to assist with investigating the dog mauling incident.

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