Snowboarder arrested with handgun, drugs

A 19-year-old California snowboarder in possession of a handgun and marijuana was arrested Tuesday after he was pulled over for driving with expired license tags.

Gavin Shields of Willits, Calif., was jailed on more than $28,000 bail for several charges including possession of a firearm while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, driving under the influence of marijuana, possession of marijuana and minor in possession of alcohol.

According to reports, Shields was stopped on Highway 50 near Kingsbury Grade for driving with expired registration stickers.

The deputy noticed a strong odor of marijuana, and questioned the suspect who turned over a plastic bag with a small amount of marijuana and a pipe.

According to the report, Shields admitted smoking marijuana while snowboarding at a Tahoe ski resort. He told the deputy he smoked marijuana twice daily. He said he did not drink and there was no alcohol in his system.

The deputy confiscated a grinder, plastic bag, mesh filters for marijuana pipes, a flask and an unopened 12-ounce can of beer.

An unloaded .45-caliber handgun was discovered under the front passenger seat.

Shields told the deputy the gun belonged to his father, but he used it for shooting with his friends.

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