After nine months on the run after failing to show up in court on a drug charge, Christopher Diaz has been arrested in Mendocino County California Sunday afternoon after an anonymous tip, according to Brown County Sheriff’s Office.
Diaz was indicted in July of 2010 for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver. Sunday’s arrest of Diaz made good on the promise by Brown County Sheriff Bobby Grubbs when Diaz failed to show for his trial on January 18, 2011.
“We’ll find him again,” stated Grubbs in January after Diaz jumped bail. “It’ll take a little time, but he’ll be back. If he can’t satisfy the court, he’ll be back in custody.”
According to BCSO investigator Carlisle Gover, an anonymous tip came in from California Sunday afternoon from a person who had “unfavorable dealings” with Diaz. The tipster was concerned for their safety due to the encounter with Diaz and another man, Sean Gunn, said Gover. The tipster “googled” the pair and found that Diaz had a warrant for his arrest, Gover stated. The men were seen again by the tipster Sunday afternoon and a call was made to BCSO who then alerted authorities in California.
“Once the tipster saw them today, gave a good location and a vehicle description, within 10 minutes Diaz was arrested by the U.S. Marshal,” said Gover.
Gover said that Diaz was reported as being uncooperative during his apprehension and had to be identified with a photo from BSCO. Diaz refused to identify himself when originally arrested in Brown County and remained speechless in Brown County District Court appearances.
Extradition has been requested by Brown County Sheriff Bobby Grubbs. An extradition hearing will take place before Diaz is returned to BCSO custody. According to BCSO officials, Diaz will most likely fight extradition.
A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper arrested Diaz on June 27, 2010 when he was charged with Possession of Marijuana (less than two ounces) and Manufacture of Controlled Substance, over four grams and under 400 grams. Prosecutors claimed in court that Diaz was in possession of 14 grams of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) or “hash” (a more potent form of marijuana), which has a street value of $2400. Supporters of Diaz have explained that the marijuana was in his possession due to a prescription from California and is used as medication for relief from asthma. Pictured above is Diaz when booked into the Brown County Jail June 2010.
