El Centro, California - On June 12, 2019, El Centro Police Department Officers working a Stonegarden operation attempted to make contact with two subjects in the area of 700 El Centro Avenue. One subject fled the area as an Officer pursued him through the north alley of 700 El Centro. Other ECPD units deployed to the area and later took the suspect into custody at a residence on the 700 block of El Centro.

A search resulted in the location of methamphetamine and a loaded 9mm pistol. Additional follow up with the other subject led officers to another residence on the same block of El Centro Avenue. During the follow up, three other persons contacted were arrested for outstanding arrest warrants. A probation search of the second residence was conducted and resulted in the location of several ounces of additional methamphetamine along with counterfeit United States Currency.

Arrested and booked at the Imperial County Jail were El Centro Residents Gerardo Acevedo, Edward Montenegro, Michael Thurlow; Robert Zamora and Rudy Fabela were cited and released at the conclusion of the preliminary investigation.

This case was successful due to the teamwork and assistance of ECPD detail and patrol Officers, taskforce officers, and a Canine from the Imperial Police Department, who all responded to assist in the search, detention, arrest and investigation. Another firearm was removed from the streets.