CLEARLAKE – Late last week Clearlake Police officers shut down an illegal marijuana grow, found marijuana worth an estimated $600,000 and made several arrests.

Police made the find at a residence at 3350 13^th St., where they responded to investigate a complaint of an illegal marijuana grow at 8:17 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, according to a report from Clearlake Police Chief Allan McClain.

McClain said Officer Regan Stuller arrived on scene first, and as he approached the residence to conduct a compliance check he was overwhelmed by the distinct odor of fresh marijuana emitting from the residence and property.

As Stuller attempted to contact the occupants, he was able to observe inside a nearby window four Hispanic males manipulating what he believed to be marijuana, McClain said.

After Stuller knocked on the door of the residence a voice from inside the residence asked who was there. McClain said Stuller identified himself as a police officer and the four occupants immediately fled out the back door.

Stuller pursued the suspects, jumping a fence into the backyard. McClain said Stuller apprehended two suspects who were attempting to flee in the backyard of the residence and while he was there Stuller discovered an outdoor marijuana grow in the backyard as well.

Clearlake Police officers who came to assist conducted a security sweep of the property to search for the suspects who fled, McClain said.

During the sweep of the house and property, officers discovered that the house and surrounding property was being used for an illegal commercial marijuana growing operation, according to McClain.

McClain said crime suppression officers were called to the scene and took over the investigation, during which they found Mark Frye, 45, of Clearlake was involved in the illegal growing operation and was arrested in connection with the operation.

Police also arrested two Hispanic males later identified as Francisco Cantu-Gutierrez, 23, and Sergio Palma Hernandez, 24, McClain said.

A search warrant was obtained for the residence and surrounding property. As a result, McClain said officers seized 200 pounds of fresh high grade growing and drying marijuana with an estimated street value of $600,000.

In addition, he said police seized two firearms, one of which is believed to have been stolen from the state of Nevada.

He said it also was discovered that the suspects allegedly were stealing power to operate the indoor marijuana grow.

McClain said the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Suppression Officer Mike Ray at 707-994-8251.