BAKERSFIELD — Six people were arrested on Thursday as the result of a routine traffic stop in central Bakersfield.
Clement Rhodes, 28, Laure Bustamonte, 34, Juan Zazueta, 40, Jose Velez, 35, Jose Lopez, 34, and Luis Montenegro, 33, were all arrested on various charges ranging from possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia to outstanding warrants, sales of methamphetamine and contributing in a criminal street gang.
According to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when deputies initiated a traffic stop of Rhodes at the intersection of South H Street and LaFrance Drive on Feb. 20. Deputies searched Rhodes as a condition of his electronic monitoring program and discovered approximately 11.9 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded firearm, an unloaded firearm and approximately $900 in the vehicle he was driving.
“Because of their discovery, deputies then initiated and investigation with the assistance of the California Multi-Jurisdictional Methamphetamine Enforcement Team,” said Ray Pruitt, spokesperson for the sheriff’s department.
While conducting their investigation at a motel in the 300 Block of Golden State Avenue, officers made contact with the other subjects. Two were taken into custody without incident, but Velez, Lopez and Montenegro tried to flee on foot but were caught moments later. Montenegro was in possession of approximately 8 grams of methamphetamine.
All of the subjects were booked into the Central Receiving Facility.
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