Madera PD Traffic Officer Alvaro Sanchez conducted a vehicle stop near the 400 block of W. Yosemite Street.
The Thursday stop resulted in the arrest of two individuals, and the recovery of two illegally possessed “ghost guns.”
During the stop, the driver, 19-year-old Eric Calzada, and his passenger, 18-year-old Alexander Pimentel, were detained.
While officers were conducting their investigation, Pimentel fled on foot. Officer Joshua Gibbs quickly apprehended Pimentel approximately one block from the original stop.
During the arrest, Pimentel was found to be in possession of a ghost gun. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a second ghost gun.
Both Calzada and Pimentel were arrested and booked into the Madera County Jail on weapons charges.
“Traffic enforcement is about much more than enforcing the rules of the road,” said the Madera PD in a statement. “Proactive traffic stops help identify impaired drivers, recover illegal firearms, apprehend wanted individuals, and prevent crime before it occurs. Thank you, Officer Sanchez, for your commitment to making our roadways safer and for enduring the inclement weather while working to remove illegal firearms from our community’s streets. We also thank Officer Gibbs for his quick response and assistance in safely apprehending the fleeing suspect.”