Two Suspects Arrested in Tehachapi Drug Bust

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Tehachapi police arrested two 30-year-old residents on Sunday after executing a search warrant at a home in the Golden Hills neighborhood and finding a loaded firearm, ammunition, a high-capacity magazine, digital scales, packaging material, a large sum of cash, and about half a pound of methamphetamine. The suspects, Rumaldo Rodriguez and Brittany Leanne Hernandez, face several charges including maintaining a drug house, possession of narcotics for sales, felon in possession of a firearm, and child endangerment.

Why it matters

This drug bust highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the methamphetamine trade in the Tehachapi area, which has seen an increase in meth-related crimes in recent years. The seizure of a loaded firearm and high-capacity magazine also raises concerns about the potential for violence associated with the drug trade.

The details

Acting on a tip, Tehachapi police executed a search warrant at a home in the 20400 block of Dawn Avenue in the Golden Hills neighborhood. During the search, they found a loaded firearm, ammunition, a high-capacity magazine, digital scales, packaging material, a large sum of cash, and about half a pound of methamphetamine. Police also located police scanners and a video surveillance system at the home, indicating the suspects may have been monitoring law enforcement activity. The two suspects, Rumaldo Rodriguez and Brittany Leanne Hernandez, were arrested and booked into the Kern County Jail.

• The search warrant was executed on Sunday, March 23, 2026.

What’s next

The judge will determine whether to grant bail for Rodriguez and Hernandez at their upcoming arraignment hearing.