Monterey County Detectives Seize Unlawful Assault Rifle Following Probationer Traffic Stop
MARINA, CA – Detectives with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office recovered an assault rifle and ammunition during a residential search warrant execution following the arrest of a 28-year-old man on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
The investigation began at approximately 4:00 p.m. when deputies conducted a traffic stop near Lapis Road and Del Monte Boulevard in Marina. The stop was initiated for multiple vehicle code violations. Upon identifying the driver as Ricardo Javier Martinez of Soledad, deputies determined he was a convicted felon currently on active probation. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded ammunition and methamphetamine. Martinez was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on charges of possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, violation of probation, and possession of methamphetamine.
Following the initial arrest, detectives obtained a search warrant for Martinez’s residence, located in the 200 block of Pine Street in Soledad. At approximately 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2026, the warrant was served at the property. During the search, investigators located an assault rifle and additional ammunition. Authorities have since submitted further charges against Martinez for the possession of an assault weapon by a prohibited person. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office received assistance during the investigation from the Salinas Police Department and Rex, a firearms detection K9.
