Two arrested in Sonoma park on drug charges

Two men were arrested Saturday evening in Sonoma’s Larson Park on suspicion of committing drug violations, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.

Humberto Gutierrez Lopez, 41, of Boyes Hot Springs was booked into county jail on suspicion of committing three drug felonies, including possession of a controlled substance for sale and carrying a loaded firearm.

Pedro Gonzalez Pulido, 41, of Sonoma was booked on suspicion of illegal drug activity and being under the influence of a controlled substance, both misdemeanors, and has been released after posting $5,000 bail, the sheriff’s office said.

The two men were spotted by a deputy who was part of increased patrols of the park because of several recent incidents there, including a shooting and vandalism, according to the sheriff’s office.

At about 7 p.m. on Saturday, a deputy reportedly saw a man later identified as Pulido leaning into a parked car that had an expired registration tag. When the deputy approached he spoke to Pulido and the driver of the car, later identified as Lopez. They told the deputy they were friends who were talking.

The deputy reported seeing signs that suggested the men were involved in a drug transaction, including a bag that is commonly used for packaging methamphetamine and cash alongside the driver’s seat.

A search of the car found additional baggies of drugs, a scale, two cell phones and a loaded 9mm pistol under the driver’s seat.

Lopez was booked and released on $35,000 bail, according to jail records.

You can reach Staff Writer Elizabeth M. Cosin at 521-5276 or elizabeth.cosin@pressdemocrat.com.