CHP Arrests Ukiah Man in Cloverdale on Drug, Weapon Charges

A Ukiah man stopped for suspicion of speeding in Cloverdale was arrested on drug and weapons charges Wednesday the California Highway Patrol said today in a news release.

CHP spokesman Jonathan Sloat said the incident occurred Wednesday, at approximately 2:50 p.m. At the time, CHP Officer William Brown was on routine patrol on southbound 101 near Citrus Fair in Cloverdale, Sloat said.

"Brown observed a Toyota pickup at a high rate of speed, which he confirmed as 80 mph," Sloat said. "The officer made a stop on the vehicle and contacted the driver."

According to Sloat, the driver was identified as Raphael Saunders Knapp, 25, of Ukiah.

Brown immediately smelled the strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, police said.  Knapp initially claimed that he did not have any marijuana in the vehicle.

When informed that the vehicle would be searched, Knapp stated that he had the marijuana legally, but could not produce any paperwork to substantiate his claim.

Brown located a large amount of marijuana and cash. Between the front seats, the officer located a hammer that had been modified as a weapon. Knapp was placed under arrest, and transported to the CHP Sonoma County office in Rohnert Park for further investigation.

Approximately 11 pounds of processed marijuana, and approximately $4,000 in cash were confiscated. Knapp was booked on charges of transportation of marijuana for sale and possession of an illegal weapon.