The original item was published from 2/12/2025 10:42:16 AM to 2/12/2025 10:43:11 AM.

News Flash

Police Department

Posted on: February 12, 2025 | Last Modified on: February 12, 2025

[ARCHIVED] MAMMOTH LAKES POLICE DEPARTMENT’S K9 JAX LOCATES GUN USED IN ARMED ROBBERY

German Shepherd laying next to Police Vehicle

On the afternoon of Sunday, December 22, 2024, a Mammoth Lakes Police Officer was conducting a patrol check near Mammoth Pacific’s Geothermal Plant and unexpectedly interrupted an armed robbery in progress. The suspect identified as Pablo Ruelas Castro (33-year-old Mammoth Lakes resident) immediately fled on foot into a wooded area, leaving two victims behind. The victims advised MLPD Officers their belonging was stolen at gunpoint by Castro. Additional Mammoth Lakes Police Officers responded to the area, with the assistance of California Highway Patrol and Mono County Sheriff’s Office personnel. A perimeter was set up in the area and Castro was apprehended without incident.

K9 “Jax” was deployed in the wooded area to conduct an article search for evidence. K9 “Jax” successfully located the victim’s property along with an unregistered loaded firearm allegedly used in the robbery.

Castro was subsequently arrested for violations of 211PC-Robbery, 245(A)(2)2PC-Assault with a firearm, 422(A)PC-Criminal Threats, 24610PC-Possession of undetectable firearm (Ghost Gun), 32310(A)PC- Possession of high-capacity magazine and 1203.2 PC-Probation violation.

We would also like to express our gratitude to our allied agencies of the California Highway Patrol and the Mono County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.