SPPD: Routine traffic stop yields guns, known gang members arrested
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Police Department
Published: March 19, 2008
A routine traffic stop led to the discovery of guns and the arrest of two men identified as active gang members by Santa Paula police.
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Times
A routine traffic stop led to the discovery of guns and the arrest of two men identified as active gang members by Santa Paula police. The incident occurred at 1:15 a.m. Saturday, March 15 when Santa Paula Police Department Officer Randy Haumann conducted a routine traffic stop in the 100 block of North Olive Street between Main and Santa Barbara Streets, according to Sergeant Joey de los Reyes.
After stopping the black 2000 Honda Accord, Haumann noticed a handgun sticking out from under the driver’s seat, a loaded 9mm located just below the feet of the driver. “The officer then called for backup,” said Lieutenant Mike Saviers.
The passenger was found to be in possession of a 9mm handgun in the pocket of his sweater. Saviers said that that the second weapon was also found to be loaded.
The driver, John Escoto, 30, and his passenger, 22-year-old Eduardo Tamayo, both of Santa Paula and, according to the SPPD, active members of an area gang, were arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail for numerous weapons violations. The investigation is continuing.
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