On October 31, 2016, investigators of the Kern County Auto Theft Task Force (KernCATT) observed a stolen 2014 Toyota Tacoma parked in a parking lot on Mount Vernon Avenue, just south of Highway 178.
A suspect, identified as 25-year-old Nathan Smith, was seen near the vehicle washing it. Smith was safely detained with the assistance of a California Highway Patrol K-9 officer.
Upon detaining Smith it was found that he was armed with a loaded handgun in his waistband.
A stolen handgun, a stolen AR-type rifle and an additional handgun were located in the stolen vehicle along with over 300 rounds of ammunition and $4,200 in cash.
Smith was determined to be on Post Release Community Supervision in Kern County, which is a felony. He was then arrested for a variety of felony charges and booked into the Kern County Jail.
