Photo: Image of weapon and drug evidence collected | Courtesy of MCSO
“On Tuesday March 26th, 2024, at about 1:00 PM, Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies were in the area of North First Street and East Curtis Street in Salinas. Deputies observed two subjects walking in public with open alcohol beverage containers.
Deputies contacted Mario Pineda (20) and Edward Carranza (35) both of Salinas. Mario Pineda was found to be in possession of a loaded and concealed unserialized firearm, also known as a “ghost gun.” Edward Carranza was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Both were arrested without incident.
Mario Pineda was booked into the Monterey County Jail for violation of 25850(a) PC, Possession of a Loaded Firearm in a Public Place; 25400(a)(2) PC, Carry Concealed Weapon on a Person; 23920; Possession of unserialized Firearm and 25620 BP, Possession of an Open Alcohol Container. His bail was set at $30,000.00.
Edward Carranza was booked for violation of 11377(a) HS, Possession of Controlled Substances and 25620 BP, Possession of an Open Alcohol Container. His bail was set at $20,000.00.”
