After a lengthy investigation, Santa Clara police in October arrested six people on suspicion of crimes including felon in possession of a firearm and drug possession while armed, and also seized illegal firearms, drugs and stolen property, police said Thursday.
The operation began Oct. 18, when 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. A records check revealed that the registered owner of the vehicle allegedly had an outstanding warrant and was on probation.
Using a prior booking photo, officers identified the suspect and arrested him — also allegedly finding methamphetamine in his possession, as well as a loaded Glock 19 pistol, reported stolen during an auto burglary in San Francisco, hidden in a bathroom trash can inside of the restaurant.
Police said the vehicle also contained additional evidence of drug possession and sales, and detectives uncovered further evidence connecting the suspect to illegal firearm sales and identity theft, according to police.
The investigation led detectives to two residences linked to the suspect. On Oct. 22, 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 allegedly confirmed that the driver was an associate of the original suspect, known to be on parole, according to police.
After conducting a traffic stop, detectives searched the vehicle under the parole terms and, police said, 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 found a woman on federal probation for narcotics trafficking, according to police. A search of the home allegedly uncovered a stolen Glock pistol, a black powder pistol, ammunition, methamphetamine, brass knuckles, and evidence of identity theft, police said.
Later that same day, detectives executed a search warrant at the second residence in San Jose. According to police, the detectives found unsecured firearms, including an AK-47, a short-barrel rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol at the residence. Police said a large quantity of methamphetamine, packaged as a “brick,” was also seized.
After an extensive investigation, SCPD officers arrested six individuals on suspicion of crimes 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 allegedly was linked to a homicide in another Bay Area city, highlighting the significant impact of the case, police said.
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So now SVVoice is distributing police press releases? Where’s the reporting in this article?