3 Adults Busted Between Soledad and Greenfield for Child Endangerment, Weapons, and Narcotics violations on May 31

 

On Tuesday, May 31 at 2:00 PM, a South Monterey County Task Force Detective spotted a known parolee in a vehicle driving in a known gang area. The parolee observed the detective, then fled at a high rate of speed down Metz Road, with the detective following and calling for backup units. Additional Task Force members, Soledad Police Officers, and Greenfield Police officers responded to the area to assist.

The suspected vehicle finally stopped on Metz Road between Soledad and Greenfield. Officers then conducted a high-risk traffic stop on the vehicle, where they found 3 adults, 3 toddlers, and a 10 day-old baby. 

The driver, Gabriel Quezada, was found with a firearm in his waistband, while Jenise Hernandez-Tejada and Raymundo Rodriguez were also removed from the vehicle. A rifle was found in the trunk of the vehicle. 2 additional loaded firearms were hidden in the baby carrier with the 10 day-old baby still in it. All 3 adults were immediately taken into custody. Gabriel Quezada and Jenise Hernandez-Tejada are the parents of all the children. The suspects and the children were all transported to the Soledad Police Department.

A search warrant was then executed on the 800 block of Prado Drive, where Gabriel Quezada, Jenise Hernandez-Tejada, and their children reside. An additional 6 weapons were found, along with ammunition, various knives, and 26 grams of cocaine, in the room they all share. Several of the weapons were determined to be "Ghost Guns."

Quezada, Hernandez-Tejada, and Rodriguez were transported and booked into the Monterey County Jail charged with child endangerment, weapons, and narcotics violations. A Superior Court Judge was contacted and ordered that the children be placed in protective custody. 

The South Monterey County Task Force consists of the Soledad Police Department, Greenfield Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Homeland Security Investigations.

The South Monterey County Task Force can be contacted at (831) 223-5139 with any information regarding firearms, narcotics, human trafficking, and gang activity.