SALINAS VALLEY — A passenger was arrested on a concealed firearm charge and three other people were cited following a series of reckless driving incidents tied to sideshow activity in Monterey County earlier this month.
Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies were alerted about 1:30 a.m. on April 11 to multiple reports of vehicles involved in sideshow activity in Salinas, Marina and surrounding areas. Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, along with Salinas and Marina police and the California Highway Patrol, coordinated efforts to disperse the gatherings and conduct traffic enforcement stops.
A sheriff’s deputy observed a vehicle driving recklessly near North Main Street and Bolivar Street in Salinas. When the deputy activated emergency lights, the vehicle was surrounded by 20 to 30 individuals who began vandalizing the patrol vehicle, according to authorities. The deputy drove away and attempted to follow the fleeing vehicle.
While doing so, another vehicle began driving recklessly into oncoming traffic. The deputy stopped that vehicle and detained the driver and three passengers.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies found a loaded and concealed firearm in the area where one of the passengers had been seated, officials said.
Francisco Gutierrez, 18, of Gonzales, was arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle and booked into Monterey County Jail.
The driver, Rudy Montoya, 19, of Soledad, was cited for reckless driving, and his vehicle was impounded. Two passengers were cited for aiding and abetting a speed contest, authorities said.
