Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies Recover Loaded Unregistered Firearm and Arrest Four Following Salinas Traffic Contact
MONTEREY, CA – On July 2, 2026, at approximately 0814 hours, deputies responded to the area of Cornwall Street and Bellinzona Avenue in Salinas following a report of individuals drinking alcohol and urinating in public near a silver 2010 Chevrolet Traverse.
Upon arrival, deputies located seven occupants inside the vehicle, several of whom appeared to be under the age of 21. Deputies observed a strong odor of alcohol and multiple empty beverage containers on the floorboards.
During the response, deputies attempted to detain a 15-year-old male juvenile who resisted the officers. A 20-year-old passenger, identified as Elizabeth Sandoval of Salinas, intervened by pushing a deputy. Deputies utilized pepper spray on Sandoval and a taser on the 15-year-old juvenile. The juvenile attempted to flee but fell into a nearby ditch. Both individuals were subsequently detained. During the incident, three other occupants—two males and one female—fled the scene on foot through a drainage ditch.
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a loaded 9mm unregistered firearm, referred to as a “ghost gun,” beneath the rear passenger seat.
Courtesy of Monterey County Sheriff
American Medical Response (AMR) and fire department personnel evaluated the individuals at the scene. The 15-year-old juvenile was transported to Natividad Hospital, cited, and released to his parents. Sandoval and another occupant, 29-year-old Maritza Aguilar of Watsonville, were booked into the Monterey County Jail.
A subsequent investigation by Sheriff’s Detectives identified a second 15-year-old male juvenile as the individual who possessed and concealed the firearm before fleeing. Detectives located and arrested him at his residence, and he was booked into Monterey County Juvenile Hall.
The legal charges resulting from the investigation are as follows:
Elizabeth Sandoval was booked on charges of felony resisting an executive officer, felony accessory after the fact, misdemeanor battery on a peace officer, and misdemeanor delaying, resisting, or obstructing a peace officer.
The first 15-year-old juvenile was cited for misdemeanor delaying, resisting, or obstructing a peace officer, misdemeanor public intoxication, and misdemeanor battery on a peace officer.
Maritza Aguilar was booked on charges of misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor and an infraction for an open container of alcohol in a vehicle.
The second 15-year-old juvenile was booked on multiple weapons charges as well as delaying, resisting, and obstructing a peace officer.
Sheriff Tina M. Nieto stated that the incident highlighted the role of community notifications and law enforcement cooperation in addressing public safety.
