San Andreas, CA…On December 13th, 2023, at approximately 11:00 p.m., deputies from the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Highway 49 in San Andreas. During the stop, they arrested a 57-year-old resident of Angels Camp named Alexander Dirienzo, who was driving the vehicle.

Upon contact, Dirienzo displayed signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance and was detained by deputies. They contacted officers from the California Highway Patrol to further investigate the offense. During the stop, Sheriff’s Office Canine Titan was deployed by his handler, Corporal Buie, into the vehicle. Titan alerted to the presence of narcotics, prompting a further search by Corporal Buie. During the search, he found an array of illegal items, including psilocybin mushrooms, methamphetamine, marijuana, and a .22 caliber scoped rifle.

These findings led to Dirienzo’s arrest on multiple charges, which included operating a vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of narcotics, and firearm-related offenses.

Dirienzo was booked into the Calaveras County Jail without further incident. The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office is proud to partner with and thanks the California Highway Patrol for their response and part in the investigation.