Full Notification

Proactive Enforcement Leads to Arrest of a Street Racer in Possession of Firearms
 
Officers arrested a reckless driver for street racing.  While impounding his vehicle, officers seized loaded firearms and learned the suspect was prohibited from possessing them.
 
San Mateo, CA – On August 2, 2023, at 1:25 p.m., SMPD officers were in the area of South El Camino Real and Barneson Avenue proactively enforcing traffic violations.  An officer saw a gray Chevrolet Camaro racing another car on El Camino Real.  While stopped at a red light, the Camaro’s driver revved the engine, spinning the rear tires and caused smoke to pollute the air.  Officers conducted an enforcement stop and contacted the driver, Jose Menchaca Ramirez.  Menchaca Ramirez was issued a citation for exhibition of speed and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days.    
 
As SMPD officers were conducting an inventory search of the Camaro prior to the car being towed, officers located a loaded 9mm handgun under the driver seat, a loaded .22 caliber rifle in the trunk, and a bb-gun.  Menchaca Ramirez was found to be a prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to a restraining order.  During the investigation SMPD officers learned the 9mm handgun was previously reported stolen.  Menchaca Ramirez was placed under arrest for multiple gun related charges.   
 
ARRESTED
Jose Menchaca Ramirez, a 28-year-old San Mateo resident
Charges: 25400(a)(1) PC- carry a concealed weapon in a vehicle.  25850(a) PC- carry a loaded firearm in public. 29825(b) PC- possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. 30305(a)(1) PC- possession of ammunition by a prohibited person. 
 
MEDIA CONTACT
Jerami Surratt
Public Information Officer | Support Services
City of San Mateo Police Department
200 Franklin Pkwy, San Mateo, CA 94403
650-522-7626 | [email protected]