While many were celebrating the Independence Day weekend, Madera Police Department night shift officers remained committed to keeping the community safe.
In addition to responding to numerous fireworks-related calls for service, officers continued proactive enforcement efforts throughout the city.
During a DUI saturation patrol, Officer Salvador Rangel and Officer Tyler Collins, conducted a traffic stop that led to the arrest of 20-year-old Leonardo Alvarez.
During the investigation, officers recovered a stolen firearm and narcotics from Alvarez’s possession. He was arrested and booked into the Madera County Jail on the appropriate charges.
Late Tuesday night, Officer Gaige Bonderer contacted two 16-year-old juveniles in the area of 4th Street and Highway 99. During the contact, one of the juveniles attempted to retrieve an unregistered handgun before fleeing on foot.
Officers quickly apprehended the juvenile near the county library without further incident. The juvenile was subsequently booked on weapons-related charges.
These incidents underscore the importance of proactive policing and the dedication of our officers to removing illegal firearms from our streets while helping prevent violent crime before it occurs. Through these efforts we will continue to build a safer community, one contact at a time.