CHP Discover Heroin After DUI Stop on Boulder Creek Man

California Highway Patrol officers arrested Christopher Cotroneio of Boulder Creek on four drug charges related to a suspected DUI stop on Tuesday evening. Although he seemed dazed and confused at the time, Cotroneio surrendered without serious incident.

Cotroneio's Nissan Pathfinder was stopped at a stop sign on State Route 1 when he was observed pulling out in front of another car, almost resulting in a collision, according to CHP reports.

Cotroneio, 21, was stopped at Ocean Street and Graham Hill Road where he was given a DUI test after he seemed confused and couldn't identify himself. At one point he raised his hands and seemed prepared to fight officers, but never tried to hit them. He was handcuffed as a safety precaution.

A search of his vehicle revealed hypodermic needles with traces of heroin and methamphetamine residue.

Cotroneio was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on three misdemeanor charges: driving under the influence; driving while addicted to a controlled substance; and being under the influence of a controlled substance. He was also charged with felony possession of a narcotic.

Reminder: Suspects are innocent until proven guilty.