Press Release: MCSO Deputies Arrest Subject With Loaded Handgun During Sideshow Activity in Salinas

DATE/TIME: 4/13/26 at 3:30 PM

TYPE OF INCIDENT: Sideshow Activity Leads to Arrest of Subject Armed with Concealed Firearm, 3 Others Cited, Vehicle Impounded

LOCATION: Van Buren Avenue at Fillmore Street, Salinas, California

MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov

Monterey County Sheriff’s Office deputies have arrested a passenger in a vehicle that was observed driving recklessly after he was found in possession of a concealed and loaded firearm.

On Friday April 11th, 2026, at about 1:30 AM, Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies were informed of multiple calls regarding vehicles involved in “sideshow” activity in the cities of Salinas, Marina and other areas of Monterey County. Marina PD, Salinas, PD, CHP and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office coordinated efforts to disperse the activity and conduct traffic enforcement stops.

A Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputy observed a vehicle driving recklessly in the area of North Main Street and Bolivar Street. When he activated his lights, his vehicle was immediately surrounded by 20 to 30 subjects who began vandalizing the vehicle. The deputy was able to drive away and attempted to catch up to the fleeing vehicle. As he did, another vehicle began driving recklessly and into oncoming traffic. The deputy was able to stop the vehicle and detain the driver and three passengers.

During a search of the vehicle, a loaded and concealed firearm was located in the area where one of the passengers was seated. Francisco Julian Gutierrez, age 18 of Gonzales, was arrested and booked into the Monterey Conty Jail for 25400(a) PC, Carrying a Concealed Weapon in a Vehicle. The driver Rudy Nathan Montoya, age 19 of Soledad, was issued a citation for reckless driving. His vehicle was impounded. The two passengers were issued citations for aiding and abetting a speed contest.