In the early morning hours of October 18, 2024, Santa Clara Police Department officers demonstrated extraordinary dedication and vigilance that ultimately led to the arrest of six suspects and the seizure of illegal firearms, drugs, and stolen property.
At approximately 2:48 a.m., SCPD officers identified a vehicle at a Denny’s restaurant on El Camino Real that was wanted in connection with a felony case from a neighboring agency. Officers observed a female walking away from the vehicle and entering the restaurant. Inside, they contacted the female, who admitted to possessing the keys to the car but provided limited information about the vehicle’s ownership. A records check revealed that the registered owner had an outstanding warrant and was on Post-Release Community Supervision (probation). Using a prior booking photo, officers were able to identify the vehicle’s owner inside the restaurant.
The suspect was arrested, and during the search that followed, methamphetamine was discovered in his possession. A loaded Glock 19 pistol, reported stolen during an auto burglary in San Francisco, was found hidden in a bathroom trash can inside of the restaurant. The vehicle also contained additional evidence of drug possession and sales. Detectives uncovered further evidence connecting the suspect to additional criminal activity, including illegal firearm sales and identity theft.
The investigation led detectives to two residences linked to the suspect. On October 22, 2024, SCPD detectives obtained a search warrant for the first address in Santa Clara. On their way to execute the warrant, detectives observed a suspicious vehicle near the residence. Surveillance confirmed that the driver was an associate of the original suspect, known to be on parole. After conducting a traffic stop, detectives searched the vehicle under the parole terms and discovered a pistol magazine hidden under the driver’s seat. The suspect was arrested, adding another layer to the unfolding investigation.
At the Santa Clara residence, detectives made contact with a woman on Federal Probation for narcotics trafficking. A search of the home uncovered a stolen Glock pistol, a black powder pistol, ammunition, methamphetamine, brass knuckles, and evidence of identity theft.
Later that same day, detectives executed a search warrant at the second residence in San Jose. There, they discovered several unsecured firearms, including an AK-47, a short-barrel rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol. A large quantity of methamphetamine, packaged as a “brick,” was also seized.
After extensive efforts and countless hours of investigation, SCPD officers arrested six individuals on charges ranging from felon in possession of a firearm to drug possession while armed, identity theft, and possession of stolen property. One of the recovered firearms was linked to a homicide in another Bay Area city, highlighting the significant impact of this case.
This investigation underscores the dedication and expertise of SCPD officers, who work tirelessly every day to keep our community safe. Their proactive patrols and thorough investigations ensure that dangerous criminals are taken off the streets and illegal weapons and drugs are removed from our neighborhoods.
