RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENTSheriff Chad Bianco |
| Press Release: | Felon in Possession of Firearm, Ammunition, and Explosives
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| Station Area: | Blythe |
| Written Date: | June 2, 2021 | Time: | 9:00 PM |
| Incident Date: | June 2, 2021 | Time: | 12:05 PM |
| Incident Location: | 16th Avenue x South Broadway, unincorporated area of Blythe
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| Reporting Officer: | Lt. Michael Moulton
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| File Number(s): | A211530015
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| Andre Armstrong |
Details:
On Wednesday, June 2, 2021, a deputy assigned to the Colorado River Station was conducting routine patrol in the unincorporated county area south of Blythe. Near the intersection of 16th Avenue and South Broadway, the deputy noticed a Buick towing a trailer, neither of which had any license plates. The vehicle also did not have a windshield. The deputy contacted the driver and sole occupant, Andre Armstrong, age 51, who claimed to be a transient currently living in Blythe. A records check found that Armstrong was a previously convicted felon and the vehicle was not registered in any state. During a search of the vehicle prior to towing, deputies located a loaded handgun and ammunition, as well as several homemade explosive devices. The Sheriff’s Hazardous Device Team was contacted and they responded to take possession of the explosives. Armstrong was arrested and booked into the Blythe Jail for Felon in Possession of a Loaded Firearm and Felon in Possession of Ammunition. Additional charges will be filed by the Hazardous Device Team pending their investigation of the explosive devices.
Anyone with further information on this case is encouraged to contact Deputy Spivey of the Colorado River Station at 760-921-7900.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.