Citrus Heights - Former Plymouth police chief Buddy Trumbo was convicted of two felonies after brandishing a firearm in what was an apparent case of road rage in Citrus Heights. According to probation reports, Trumbo followed victim James Torrez, 46, an Antelope-based construction worker, then blocked him off with his vehicle and flashed his badge, ordering Torrez out of his car. Trumbo was apparently upset after Torrez cut him off. The incident took place at the intersection of Auburn Boulevard and Van Maren Lane in Citrus Heights. Trumbo then pulled out his weapon which witnesses said was pointed “in all sorts of directions.” Trumbo had a concealed weapon permit issued to him by the Placer County Sheriff’s Department. According to a statement from Torrez, Trumbo “got out of his truck waiving his badge and telling me to get out of my vehicle,” and “later pulled his weapon on me and literally pointed it directly at me on several occasions.” Torrez said later in a statement that Trumbo was “really acting like a lunatic, yelling, screaming and waiving his gun around.” The Citrus Heights District Attorney’s office filed a misdemeanor case on March 26 accusing Trumbo of brandishing a firearm and impersonating an officer. He was convicted on both counts. As a result of Trumbo’s no-contest plea, he was sentenced last week to 90 days in jail and three years probation. Judge Gary Ransom recommended Trumbo serve his sentence in the sheriff’s work furlough program. He is also banned for life from ever again owning a weapon. Torrez and his attorney were both dissatisfied with the verdict. Torrez said Trumbo’s “abuse of power and his life-threatening actions should not be tolerated in our society.” The verdict was arguably influenced by letters received from seven retired police officers who spoke glowingly on Trumbo’s behalf and cited his unblemished history as a law enforcement officer. Trumbo, now 79, served as Plymouth police chief for 3 years and has since worked in a variety of capacities, including two years as a California Highway Patrol Officer, 10 as a Placer County Deputy and 15 as a Department of Defense Police Officer at McClellan Air Force Base. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.