San Andreas, CA…On June 20, 2026, at about 1:30 p.m., a Calaveras County Sheriff’s Deputy contacted the driver of a stalled vehicle on Highway 12 east of Toyon. During the contact, the deputy observed suspected illegal narcotics inside the vehicle and detained the driver. The driver admitted the substance was fentanyl, and deputies located approximately 19 grams packaged for sale, along with drug paraphernalia. The investigation also revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Hayward, California.

While conducting a further search, deputies discovered a suspicious device mounted under the hood, prompting an immediate response from the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office and the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office Explosive Ordnance Disposal Teams. Out of an abundance of caution, Highway 12 was temporarily shut down while the EOD teams rendered the device safe. The device was rendered safe and determined not to pose an immediate threat to the community.

The driver, identified as Robert Peter Sanchez, 61, of Hayward, was arrested and booked into the Calaveras County Jail on felony charges related to vehicle theft, narcotics sales, and transportation of narcotics.

The Sheriff’s Office encourages the community to promptly report suspicious activity to the anonymous tip line at 209‑754‑6030. We thank the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s EOD Team for their assistance and appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation during the incident.