2 Men in Soledad Busted for Firearms Possession and Other Charges on August 5

On Friday morning, August 5 Soledad officers were dispatched to 150 West Street, regarding an armed home invasion that occurred on the evening of August 4. The victims had reported that a male subject entered their home, pointed a firearm at them and demanded money. A struggle ensued for control of the firearm and during that time, the firearm discharged one round striking the ceiling.

The victims were ultimately able to disarm the suspect at which point the suspect threatened to kill the victims then fled the residence on foot. The victims were to fearful to report the incident. Through the SPD's investigation, the suspect was positively identified as 21-year-old Lazaro Ortega, a documented Norteno criminal street gang member.

While officers were actively investigating the case, County Communications advised that the suspect returned to the residence accompanied by three other males, and the suspect’s four-year-old daughter. As officers arrived on scene, they were able to quickly locate the vehicle and conduct a high-risk traffic stop. In the car, officers located the suspect from the home invasion along with an additional firearm tucked under a seat where 20-year-old Gabriel Hernandez was seated.

Lazaro Ortega was booked into the Monterey County Jail on the charges of burglary, attempted robbery, exhibiting a firearm, discharge of a firearm, child endangerment, possession of a firearm, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, and other weapons charges. Gabriel Hernandez was also booked into the Monterey County Jail on violations of possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded firearm along with other weapons charges.

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