Woman found with sawed-off shotgun near Clearlake Walmart

Clearlake police arrested an Oakland woman Wednesday night near a Walmart on suspicion of carrying a loaded sawed-off shotgun in her backpack.

Police responded to a call of man and a woman arguing around 9:40 p.m., Sgt. Elvis Cook said. As they were detaining the man, Quintin Celestine, 32, Oakland, the woman, Ashley Bell, 29, began yelling at police from a nearby bus stop.

Bell then began walking toward the officers, who noticed a sawed-off shotgun sticking out of a camouflage backpack held in her left hand, Cook said. She then attempted to back away but police grabbed her and seized the firearm.

Officers determined the shotgun was loaded with the safety off, Cook said. The gun was allegedly stolen.

Celestine and Bell were booked in Lake County Jail on various felony weapons charges and obstructing a peace officer, Cook said. Bell also had an outstanding warrant from Oakland.

You can reach Staff Writer Nick Rahaim at 707-521-5203 or nick.rahaim@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @nrahaim.