RIPON - Ripon Police officer Mario Ysit was on patrol in the area of Van Dyken Way and Fourth Street on Tuesday at 1:15 a.m. when he conducted a welfare check on a female in a parked, black VW Jetta.

Upon making contact with the female, the officer saw a quantity of suspected marijuana in plain view.  Narcotics paraphernalia, a digital scale, marijuana and prescription drugs were located in the vehicle.

Veronica Michelle Rodriguez, 22, of Ripon was taken into custody.  She was later released on a citation for possession of controlled substance paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, and possession of marijuana.

The Ripon Police Department has increased holiday burglary patrols.  If citizens see suspicious activity in their neighborhoods, they are being encouraged to contact the police department.