Plumas County Sheriff's Office 08/03/2026
Office of the Sheriff
1400 E. Main Street, Quincy, California 95971 • 530-283-6300 •
PRESS RELEASE
Chester, Calif. — On Monday, August 3, 2026, just after 2:40 a.m., the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center began receiving calls reporting gunshots heard from several locations along First Avenue in Chester, California.
A deputy swiftly responded and began checking the area. At approximately 3:20 a.m., a caller from the 400 block of Lassen Street reported a male subject on their porch. The caller stated the subject appeared to be intoxicated. Minutes later, a deputy arrived on scene and contacted the subject.
The subject was identified as Elijah Hernandez, 20 years old, of Lake Almanor. Through the investigation, it was determined the suspect had been shooting off several rounds from a small caliber handgun in a negligent manner. A firearm and magazine were located in Hernandez’s possession. Shell casings were located in the areas of the reported gunshots.
A later search of Hernandez’s bedroom resulted in the collection of additional evidence.
There was no further threat to the public after the arrest. No injuries were reported, and there was no known property damage.
Residents of the Chester area, especially from the First Avenue and Lassen Street areas, are asked to check cameras from around 2:40 a.m. to 3:23 a.m. to see if they captured any suspicious activity and report any findings to the Sheriff’s Office by calling 530-283-6300 and reference case number 26-658.
The case is being referred to the Plumas County District Attorney’s office for review.
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Charges
Hernandez was booked on the following charges:
- · 29180(C) PC – Possession of a firearm without a serial number
- · 29800(A)(1) PC – Prohibited person in possession of a firearm
- · 32310(A) PC – Possession of a large capacity magazine
- · 246.3(A) PC – Willful discharge of a firearm in a negligent manner
- · 148(A)(1) PC – Obstruct/resist a peace officer
- · 1203.2 PC – Probation violation
- · 25850(C)(3) PC – Criminal street gang participant carrying a loaded firearm in public
Contact information:
Sergeant Chandler Peay
Public Information Officer
Plumas County Sheriff’s Office 530-283-6397 [email protected]
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