Deputies: Motorist flagged down, assaulted and robbed in Cottonwood

Christopher Miller

A Cottonwood man stopped to help a group of people who flagged him down early Sunday morning. But they ended up assaulting him and stealing his gun.

Joshua Davis was driving down Gas Point Road at about 3 a.m. Sunday when a group of people flagged him down in the area of Rancho Estates Road, according to the Shasta County Sheriff's Office.

When Davis stopped to see what they wanted they assaulted him, sheriff's officials said.

Davis had a 9mm pistol he was licensed to carry, but when he pulled out the gun he dropped it during the struggle, officials said. One of the assailants grabbed the gun and ran off, officials said.

The people ran to a nearby home in the 20000 block of Gas Point Road. Davis told deputies that one of the people stood in front of the home waving the pistol and taunting him, officials said.

When deputies went to the home they used a public address system to call several people out of the house. Deputies detained several people and eventually arrested a 17 year old and a Christopher Miller, 20.

The juvenile is not being named because he is a minor. Both were arrested on suspicion of robbery. Miller was on probation for assault with a deadly weapon.

Deputies searched for the gun, but were unable to find it, and they were unable to find out the gun's location from the suspects, officials said.

Sheriff's officials are asking anyone with information about the incident or the location of the firearm to call 245-6540.

Damon Arthur is the Record Searchlight’s resources and environment reporter. He is among the first on the scene at breaking news incidents, reporting real time on Twitter at @damonarthur_RS. Damon is part of a dedicated team of journalists who investigate wrongdoing and find the unheard voices to tell the stories of the North State. He welcomes story tips at 530-225-8226 and damon.arthur@redding.com. Help local journalism thrive by subscribing today!