SOLEDAD — Monterey County Sheriff’s detectives recovered an unlawfully possessed assault rifle and additional ammunition following a probation-related arrest and subsequent search warrant service, authorities said.
The investigation began April 15 when deputies conducted a traffic stop around 4 p.m. in the area of Lapis Road and Del Monte Boulevard in Marina for multiple vehicle code violations, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
During the stop, deputies determined the driver was a convicted felon on active probation. A search of the vehicle turned up ammunition, which is prohibited for felons to possess, officials said.
The driver, identified as 28-year-old Ricardo Martinez of Soledad, was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on suspicion of possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, violation of probation and possession of methamphetamine.
Following the arrest, detectives obtained a search warrant for Martinez’s residence in the 200 block of Pine Street in Soledad. On April 16, detectives served the warrant and located an unlawfully possessed assault rifle along with additional ammunition, according to authorities.
Additional charges for possession of an assault weapon by a prohibited person have been submitted against Martinez.
Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said it was assisted in the investigation by the Salinas Police Department and firearms detection K-9 Rex.
