Sentinel staff report–
Citrus Heights police announced Friday night that a SWAT team operation resulted in the arrest of a 31-year-old felon who was allegedly found in possession of a stolen handgun from a recent burglary in the city.
Officers began an investigation after a burglary was reported at a home on the 6600 block of Wellsboro Way on Jan. 10, where a gun safe and firearms were stolen from inside. Police said in a news release that the home had been boarded up after a fire and said the stolen safe was fire-rated.
Through the investigation, police detectives were able to secure a search warrant for a home on the 6500 block of Bitterbush Way, located about three miles from the burglary in the northwest portion of Citrus Heights. SWAT officers subsequently executed the search warrant on Wednesday and detained several people, including suspect George Nelson.
According to the news release, Nelson was located in the backyard of the residence where officers “observed him drop something,” which was identified as a stolen handgun from the burglary incident on Wellsboro Way. Nelson, who is a Citrus Heights resident, was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of stolen property, police said.
Online inmate records for the Sacramento County Jail indicate he has also been charged with felony endangerment of the life or health of a child. His bail has been set at $140,000.
From Tuesday: Citrus Heights police make arrest following tip; seize $2500 of Xanax
Police said Nelson was on felony probation for grand theft and vehicle theft, and has an “extensive criminal history” that includes three prior felonies for vehicle theft, and an additional pair of felonies for grand theft and burglary. His criminal history also includes violating parole.
“Although there are criminals like Mr. Nelson who have been convicted of several felony crimes and continue to commit felony crimes, the Citrus Heights Police Department wants our community to know we will continue to work hard to ensure their safety,” police said in Friday’s announcement of Nelson’s arrest.
