Angels Camp, CA…On March 1, 2024, at about 7:00 AM, deputies were dispatched to a verbal dispute regarding the ownership of a trailer. Prior to responding, the deputy telephoned the reporting party to begin the investigation. While parked on the side of the road and speaking to the reporting person, the deputy observed the trailer in question being towed past him. The deputy pulled in behind the trailer and noted that neither the tow vehicle nor the trailer had a visible license plate. The deputy initiated an enforcement stop and contacted the driver, Paul William Fowler, age 38, from Sonora, near Bret Heart High School.

A records check showed Fowler’s license to be suspended and the truck’s registration to be expired by ten years. During the investigation, the deputy located drug paraphernalia. The deputy began issuing him a citation when the reporting party arrived at the traffic stop. As the deputy began to explain the matter was civil and how the reporting person could proceed, he noted the reporting person’s vehicle registration was also expired for nearly eight years.

The deputy began issuing a citation to the reporting party, Paul Dwayne Virdell Sr, age 54, from Angels Camp, for the expired registration when he noted common symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance.

The deputy began an investigation for Suspect Virdell, believing that he was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. The deputy conducted a thorough investigation and subsequently placed Virdell under arrest. A search of Suspect Virdell’s vehicle yielded a .38 caliber revolver and suspected methamphetamine. A records check showed Suspect Virdell to be prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Suspect Fowler was issued a citation for the infractions and misdemeanors and released at the scene. Suspect Virdell was transported to the county jail for booking on several felony charges.