CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Service of search warrants this week resulted in the arrests of three out-of-county residents on charges related to illegal marijuana cultivation in the city of Clearlake.

On Wednesday Clearlake Police officers served search warrants on properties located on Second and Third avenues that were involved in the commercial cultivation of marijuana, according to Lt. Tim Celli.

The two grow sites were within 50 yards of each other, but are not believed to be connected, he said.

At a location in the 16500 block of Second Avenue officers seized 643 marijuana plants in various stages of growth. Some of the plants were near mature with large marijuana buds, according to Celli.

Celli said there was no one found at this location, however, two canines were impounded by Clearlake Animal Control.

A possible suspect later drove by this location and once he saw officers on scene, he sped away in an off-road truck toward areas where the patrol cars were unable to follow, Celli said.

Celli said the suspect has not been identified, and the only description was a Hispanic male, between 25 and 30 years old, last seen driving north toward Third Avenue in a late model, lifted Chevy Silverado truck. 

Officers also served a search warrant in the 16400 block of Third Avenue. At this location, three suspects identified as 56-year-old Timothy Bones out of Humboldt, 19-year-old Thomas Christie also out of Humboldt and 30-year-old Redlands resident Ade Wijaya-Karre were arrested for cultivation, possession of marijuana for sale, armed during the commission of a felony and conspiracy, according to Celli.

Both Christie and Wijaya-Karre admitted they were hired to trim marijuana, Celli said.

At this location, investigators seized 495 marijuana plants in various stages of growth along with drying marijuana and a thirty gallon container full of marijuana buds. In addition, Celli said a loaded handgun and a “billy club” also were seized.

Celli said the three suspects were contacted in a motor home located on the property. An apparent sewer line from the motor home appeared as though it was draining into the ground. It did not appear there were any legal connections, Celli said.

Employees from Lake County Environmental Health were contacted, however, Celli said a representative was unable to respond during the time officers were on scene.

Code Enforcement also was requested to scene and will follow up with Environmental Health for possible additional charges, Celli said.

Anyone with information regarding either of these grow sites is asked to Call Det. Elvis Cook at 707-994-8251, Extension 315.