Man Arrested for Brandishing a Loaded Firearm in Public, Say Willits Police

This is a press release from the Willits Police Department. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:

On Thursday, June 23^rd 2022 at about 7:15am, Willits Police Department (WPD) Officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Holly Street, for a male subject reportedly brandishing a firearm. A description of the male suspect was broadcast and he was last seen in the general area. Upon contact with the male subject, (WPD) Officers detained him in handcuffs. The male subject was later identified as Cody Caldwell, a nearby resident.

It was later discovered that Cody Caldwell had been in an argument with a known male subject and brandished a loaded weapon at the male. Caldwell asserted he felt threatened by the male’s behavior and that is why he pointed the weapon at him. As a result, (Caldwell) was detained in handcuffs while further investigation was conducted.

During the course of the investigation and according to eyewitnesses, it was determined that Caldwell brandished a firearm in a threatening manner, was in possession of a loaded and un-registered firearm and also had a concealed firearm in his person.

Caldwell was initially transported for booking at the Mendocino County Jail, for violation of PC 417(a)(2) brandishing, PC 25850, carrying an un-registered firearm and PC 25400, carrying a concealed weapon. However, en route to the jail, Caldwell experienced a medical emergency and was subsequently transported by ambulance to Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits. He was cited to appear on the above charges at the Hospital.

The Willits Police Department would like to thank the witnesses from the community, for their valuable assistance in this case.