On November 13th, 32-year-old Joel Tinoco was arrested by the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office on suspicions of being a felon in possession of a “ghost gun” in the early hours of Monday morning. The incident occurred when patrol deputies observed a 2011 black Honda running a red light at the intersection of Highway 99 and Franklin Road in Yuba City around 1:30 a.m. The vehicle was seen swerving and unable to maintain its lane, prompting the deputies to take action.
Tinoco, the driver of the Honda, was subjected to a field sobriety test by the original patrol deputy, during which a sergeant noticed a handgun in the back pocket of the front passenger seat. Tinoco, a convicted felon, was found to be in possession of an unregistered gun, leading to his arrest and booking in the Sutter County Jail on charges including driving under the influence, felon in possession of a firearm, and illegal possession of ammunition.
Simultaneously, 21-year-old Jose Salgado was arrested for illegal possession of ammunition by the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies encountered a parked car near Whitaker Hall along Second Street in Yuba City and made contact with the occupants – Salgado, 22-year-old Jose Gallardo, and 23-year-old Heriberto Gallardo. The trio appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
Upon conducting a search of the vehicle, officials found a 12-gauge shotgun shell and a box of 17HR ammunition in the glove box, in front of Salgado. It was also discovered that Salgado was on formal probation in Sutter County for assault with a deadly weapon, leading to his arrest for illegal possession of ammunition. Jose Gallardo and Heriberto Gallardo were released without charges, and their father later arrived to take possession of the vehicle.
