Railroad Flat Man Arrested for Assault with a Firearm
(Railroad Flat, CA) On 09/01/13 at approximately 12:30 am,
Calaveras Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatch to a residence on the 2300
block of Wagner Road in Railroad Flat for a report of a dispute
involving firearms. Upon arrival the deputies spoke to three adult
victims who reported that two males walked into their residence, pointed
a shotgun and rifle at them, and accused them of being “rats”. One of
the males, later identified as suspect Richard Gastelum, Jr. (34) of
Railroad Flat, also pointed a handgun at the victims. During the
incident one of the victims began to struggle with Suspect Gastelum when
she feared that Gastelum was going to shoot her father. At the time of
the incident there were also several children sleeping inside the home.
Suspect Gastelum and the other male suspect fled the house and drove
away.
As the suspects drove away from the victims’ residence sheriff’s
deputies intercepted the suspects’ vehicle, at which time a vehicle
pursuit ensued. The deputies located Suspect Gastelum at his residence
in Railroad Flat and arrested him without incident. The identity of the
second male suspect is still being determined. The deputies attempted to
interview Gastelum, but he declined to give a statement. He was
positively identified by the victims as one of the people who had
pointed the firearms at them. The guns were not located. Suspect
Gastelum was previously arrested on 08/26/13 for being a felon in
possession of a firearm.
Suspect Richard Gastelum was booked into the Calaveras County Jail
on the charges of Assault with a Deadly Weapon (firearm), Felon in
Possession of firearm, Carrying a Loaded Firearm with Intent to Commit a
Crime, Commit Felony While Out on Bail, Burglary, and Conspiracy to
Commit a Crime (all felonies).
