Press Release: Subject Arrested After Brandishing Loaded Firearm in Castroville
DATE/TIME: 3/20/2026 at 11:30 AM
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Monterey County Sherriff Deputies Arrest Wanted Felon Who Pointed Firearm Towards Them
LOCATION: 10700 block Merritt Street, Castroville, California
MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov
Monterey County Sheriff’s Office deputies have arrested a subject that brandished a firearm in a Castroville bar. He was arrested after resisting arrest which resulted in minor injuries to two deputies. The loaded firearm was recovered.
On March 19th, 2026, about 7:45 PM, deputies were dispatched to the 10700 block of Merritt Street in Castroville for a report of a person that had just brandished a firearm inside the establishment. The subject was reported to possibly be intoxicated.
Deputies arrived on scene and saw a male matching the description provided enter the establishment. The reporting party met with deputies and told them the subject had entered the restroom. Deputies entered the establishment. As a deputy pushed open the door to the restroom, he saw the subject holding a gun pointed towards deputies. The door quickly closed on its own, forcing deputies to retreat from the door for safety. Deputies gave the subject commands to come out and he exited the restroom. Less lethal tools were utilized in an attempt to effect an arrest, but the subject fled through an open door and was immediately caught. He continued to resist arrest resulting in minor injuries to two deputies.
A non-serialized 9mm handgun was located in the restroom. It contained one chambered round and additional rounds in the magazine.
40-year-old Martin Vasquez Valle of Chualar was booked into the Monterey County Jail for charges including:
PC 29800(a)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm; PC 25850(a) – Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public;
PC 25400(a)(c) – Carrying a Concealed Firearm; PC 417(a)(2) – Brandishing a Firearm; PC 148.9 – False Identification to Peace Officer; PC 148(a)(1) – Resisting / Obstructing an Officer. He was also found to have an outstanding felony, no bail warrant.