Copperopolis, CA… On December 14, 2020, at about 4:50 PM, The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Dispatch Center received a report of a possible intoxicated driver traveling westbound Hwy 4 east of Telegraph Rd., Copperopolis. The vehicle description and direction of travel were rapidly distributed to the deputy working in that area.

While patrolling the area, a deputy located the vehicle and determined the driver was operating the vehicle in a manner consistent with that of a person driving while impaired. The deputy initiated a vehicle enforcement stop on Hwy 4 near the county line and contacted the driver Kevin Russell Szigeti (25 years old, San Jose, CA). During the deputy’s contact, he noted Szigeti had a difficult time standing on his own, a difficult time communicating with the deputy, and other observations consistent with a person who is intoxicated. California Highway Patrol Officer responded and confirmed that Szigeti was driving while impaired. Szigeti was arrested without incident.

A records check via dispatch revealed Szigeti’s driver’s license was suspended, and there was a no-bail arrest warrant issued from the Superior Court in Santa Clara, CA. While searching the vehicle, the deputy located a loaded semi-automatic handgun under the driver’s seat. Upon inspection, the firearm had no serial number. The deputy also located suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia (glass pipes), and suspected Methadone (without a prescription) inside the vehicle.
Szigeti was transported and booked into the Calaveras County Jail. He was charged with Penal Code 25850(C) (6) carrying a loaded firearm (not registered to the owner – felony), Health and Safety 11550 (C) use of controlled substance while possessing a firearm (felony), Vehicle Code 14601(A) Drive while license suspended (misdemeanor), Vehicle Code 23152 driving while impaired (misdemeanor) and the no-bail warrant. He is being held with no bail at this time.

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the citizens for alerting us of this possibly dangerous driver. Their information helped in getting this dangerous person off the street.