On 5/15/2019 at 6:30pm, Deputies with the Metro Patrol Section responded to 900 North Chester Ave to investigate a report of a man armed with a sawed-off shotgun at the business. Patrons at the Long Branch Saloon called 911 and reported the male entered the business just north of the saloon armed with the firearm.
Upon arrival, deputies learned the business was operating as an illegal gambling casino. The suspect was inside the business, armed and refusing to allow patrons to leave, Deputies surrounded the business and began calling out the patrons and the suspect. After several attempts to contact the subjects inside, three patrons exited the store front and said a male was still inside armed with a shotgun.
The suspect, 26-year-old Jorge Sandoval, surrendered to deputies after a brief standoff. A search warrant was served on the business and a single two player Fish Game Casino Game was located inside. Deputies located a sawed off 12 gauge shotgun hidden in the roof tiles of the business.
$694.00 in U.S. currency, and the Fish Game was seized from the gambling establishment.
Jorge Sandoval was arrested for violation of, P.C.417a2, Brandishing a weapon. P.C.236, False Imprisonment, P.C.33215, Possession of a Short Barreled Shotgun. P.C.135, Destruction/Concealing Evidence. P.C.337a.5, Engaging in Operation of Illegal Casino, and P.C.337a.3, Illegal Bookmaking. Sandoval was booked into the Kern County Jail.
