Press Release: Arrest of Probationer in Possession of a Loaded Firearm

Written By c o

DATE/TIME: 6/24/25 at 0214 hours

TYPE OF INCIDENT: Bicycle Stop Leads to Arrest of Probationer with Firearm

LOCATION: E. Lamar Street near N. Main Street, Salinas

MEDIA CONTACT: Scott Davis, Acting Commander; Phone: 831-253-6017; Email: davissy@countyofmonterey.gov

On June 24, 2025, at about 0214 hours, deputies arrested a documented gang member in Salinas for multiple felony charges following a proactive enforcement stop.

Deputies contacted 41-year-old Salinas residence Raul Vela, a documented Salinas gang member, on East Lamar Street near North Main Street in Salinas. Vela was seen riding a bicycle in violation of California Vehicle Code.

During the contact, Vela discarded a backpack. Deputies recovered the backpack and found a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 special revolver and narcotics paraphernalia.

Vela is a convicted felon and on probation. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Monterey County Jail on the following charges:

  • 29800(a)(1) PC Felon in possession of a firearm

  • 25850(a) PC Carrying loaded firearm in public

  • 30305(a)(1) PC Felon in possession of ammunition

  • 21510(b) PC Possession of switchblade knife

  • 11364(a) H&S Possession of drug paraphernalia

  • 1203.2(a) PC Violation of probation

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Press Release: Suspect Arrested After Vehicle Pursuit and in Possession of Drugs, Stolen Property, and an Unregistered Loaded Firearm