Arrests overnight on August 29 in Monterey County

“Deputies received multiple reports of 4×4 vehicles trespassing in south Salinas, to make access to the Salinas riverbed for some nighttime four-wheeling.

A team of Deputies responded to the riverbed to make contact with the many subjects in the riverbed ordering them to leave the property.

While responding, Deputies contacted a vehicle leaving the property and a search of the vehicle resulted in a firearm being located improperly stored. The firearm was collected as evidence and the suspect was cited and released.

After all the vehicles left the property Deputies located a vehicle parked down the road with a trailer and Polaris off-road vehicle.

Deputies contacted the four occupants of the vehicle and a vehicle search was conducted. Deputies located a yet another firearm concealed under the front seat. Jose Vera accepted responsibility for the firearm.

We later determined the firearm had been reported stolen from a neighboring state. We also located evidence of Vera being involved in narcotics sales.

A 17-year-old in the vehicle was also found in possession of cocaine for sales. A second juvenile was found in possession of marijuana. Vera was arrested for narcotics sales while carrying a concealed firearm and possession of a stolen firearm.

The two juveniles were cited and released to their parents and the vehicle, trailer, and Polaris were towed.

Just a few hours later, one of these same Deputies stopped another vehicle in Pajaro, conducted a vehicle search and located evidence of methamphetamine sales. They also were arrested.”