SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Friday, September 20 that Emilio Valencia of Greenfield was convicted of one felony count of possessing an unregistered firearm and one misdemeanor count of resisting arrest after a four-day jury trial.
On January 13, 2018, King City police officer Jace Bernal conducted a routine traffic stop near Sherwood Avenue and Soberanes Street. When the driver pulled over, he immediately stepped out with a handgun and started walking toward the officer. The officer drew his own gun, took cover behind his patrol vehicle, and ordered the passenger, Emilio Valencia, to remain where he was. Within seconds, the driver dropped his gun near the rear of his vehicle and fled. At the same time, Valencia crawled over the center console, exited through the driver’s door, and then ran north on Sherwood Avenue. As the officer watched where the driver was headed, Valencia had picked up the gun unnoticed.
The officer chased Valencia into an apartment complex where he was detained. When they walked back to the scene, the officer noticed the gun was gone. He then traced the path where Valencia ran, however, he found a handgun just several feet from the sidewalk. The gun’s location, appearance, and condition indicated Valencia tossed it there during the chase. Valencia was subsequently arrested for possession of an unregistered firearm and resisting arrest.
This case was investigated by District Attorney Investigator Jennifer Mendoza and King City Police Officer Jace Bernal.
The trial was heard before Judge Mark E. Hood. Valencia is scheduled to be sentenced on October 24, 2019.
Comments
Post a Comment