Alleged Brandishing Incident Leads to Felony Warrant Arrest in Kings County
Above: Gun recovered during search of Dodge Journey | Kings County Sheriff’s Office
A report of brandishing a handgun led to the arrest of a man wanted on a felony no-bail arrest warrant.
On Saturday, May 13, 2023, law enforcement deputies responded to a report regarding an individual who allegedly brandished a handgun. Deputies arrived at the scene and located the suspect, later identified as Lennie Ignacio, along with another individual identified as Robert Martinez, on the 16000 block of Yokut Court.
As deputies arrived on scene, Robert Martinez reportedly entered a black Honda Pilot and left the scene at a high rate of speed. Martinez was a wanted individual with a no-bail felony warrant issued for his arrest. One deputy reported seeing Martinez holding an object that appeared to be a handgun.
Despite efforts to pursue Martinez, law enforcement lost sight of him due to the reckless driving within the Rancheria, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies turned their attention to the red Dodge Journey, where Lennie Ignacio was still sitting in the front seat. Ignacio had been previously investigated for brandishing a firearm, and it was discovered that he was under Post Release Community Supervisor (PRCS) and had prior felony convictions for evading a peace officer and possessing a firearm as a felon. Ignacio had received a four-year prison sentence in 2021.
Based on the available information and the recent sighting of Ignacio in possession of a firearm, deputies conducted a search of the Dodge Journey. During the search, deputies reportedly found a loaded 9mm Glock-style handgun underneath the front passenger seat. The handgun lacked serial numbers, making it untraceable. A 34-round “Amend2” brand high-capacity magazine was also discovered with the firearm.
Ignacio also reportedly displayed signs of being under the influence, and a search of his person revealed 0.7 grams of methamphetamine.
Ignacio was arrested and booked at the Kings County jail on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of an untraceable firearm, possession of a high-capacity magazine, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, and being under the influence while in possession of a firearm. Bail has been set at $95,000.
The charges of evading a peace officer and resisting arrest were recommended to the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for Robert Martinez, who reportedly fled the scene in the Honda Pilot.
