On April 8, 2016 at approximately 11:47 PM, Covina Police Officers were proactively deployed in an area that has shown a recent spike in criminal activity. While in the area, officers initiated a traffic stop of a suspicious vehicle with no license plates in the area of the 1000 W. Cypress. During the traffic stop, officers determined the three occupants of the vehicle were all documented gang members and were coming from an area associated with narcotic sales. A records check of the vehicle’s “vehicle identification number” showed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Las Vegas. As officers continued their investigation, they noticed the vehicle had an apparent bullet hole in the driver’s door and the driver, Ricardo Castillo (35 year old resident of Baldwin Park) later admitted he had been shot in the City of Baldwin Park approximately 8 days ago. The front passenger in the vehicle, Mary Leos (26 year old resident of Baldwin Park) was found to have a no bail warrant and was in possession of property not belonging to her. The rear passenger in the vehicle, Marco Villaneda (35 year old resident of West Covina) was found to be in possession of approximately 2 ounces of methamphetamine and a loaded hand gun was also located concealed in the engine compartment of the vehicle.
Richard Castillo was arrested for VC 10851(a) – Unlawful taking of a vehicle/ VC 29800(a)(1) – Felon in possession of a weapon/ VC 25850(a) – Possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle and VC 14601(a) – Driving on a suspended license. He is currently being housed at the Covina Police Department on a $35,000 bail is scheduled to be arraigned at Citrus Superior Court on April 12, 2016.
Marco Villaneda was arrested for VC 10851(a) – Unlawful taking of a vehicle/ Possession of a controlled substance for sale and VC 29800(a)(1) – Felon in possession of a weapon. He is currently being held at the Covina Police Department on $35,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned at Citrus Superior Court on April 12, 2016.
Mary Leos was arrested for VC 10851(a) - Unlawful taking of a vehicle, PC 485 – Misappropriation of found property, a felony warrant and a misdemeanor warrant. She is being held with no bail at the Covina Police Department and is scheduled to be arraigned at Citrus Superior Court on April 12, 2016.
