Full Notification

NEWS RELEASE
DATE 11-18-10
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TIME 1:50 PM

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT STOP LEADS TO TWO ARRESTS; SPURS GANG INVESTIGATION

Hughson, CA – A drunk driving arrest over the weekend lead to the identification of a Delhi main believed to be affiliated with the violent Mexican drug trafficking organization, La Familia Michoacana.

Deputies with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department assigned to the Hughson Police Services conducted a traffic stop early Sunday morning at approximately 3:23 a.m. A vehicle driven by a man later identified as 22-year-old Heron Linares Reyes was observed speeding in a residential neighborhood near 7th Street and Hughson Avenue.

The car was stopped and passengers began to exit despite a deputy’s instructions to remain seated. Obscenities were directed towards the deputy, beer bottles were smashed on the ground and one the men was clearly wearing gang clothing. Fortunately, assisting deputies soon arrived and were able to safely control the situation and detain all of the occupants. Reyes and one of his passengers, 22-year-old Jerardo Linares of Hughson, both displayed objective symptoms of obvious alcohol intoxication. Records checks revealed neither man had a valid driver’s license.

Since Reyes refused to submit to field sobriety tests, including a breath test analysis to determine his level of alcohol intoxication, he had to be transported to a local area hospital to have his blood drawn. Reyes then began to make a series of very specific, direct and unequivocal threats towards the transporting deputy. He openly identified himself as a member of the La Familia Michoacana, with a close association to the Los Zetas drug cartel.

Detectives with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department Special Team Investigating Narcotics & Gangs, also known by its abbreviation S.T.I.N.G., have begun an investigation in the aftermath of the Hughson incident. They are working in collaboration with law enforcement partners in Merced County in order to further track, monitor and analyze the latest developments and trends associated with these drug trafficking organizations in Stanislaus County.

The Department of Justice and federal Drug Enforcement Agency cautions the public by explaining that these entities are known to be involved in marijuana and methamphetamine production, kidnapping, extortion and other narcotics trafficking related activities. As a means of educating the general public, and to keep members of the Stanislaus County community informed, Detective Sergeant Anthony Bejaran said, “Drug trafficking organizations are a real threat in Stanislaus County, and we need to monitor their activities, as it relates to the safety of our communities. Not only are they drug dealers, but they openly threaten law enforcement officers.”

Reyes was later booked into the Stanislaus County Men’s Jail for felony resisting and/or deterring an executive officer and driving under the influence of alcohol. He has already made bail and was released on his own recognizance with a promise to appear. Detectives stress the case is still open and the investigation continues. Linares was booked for misdemeanor public intoxication and resisting arrest. He was eventually cited and given an upcoming Superior Court date. Their booking photographs have been attached to this press release.

Sheriff Adam Christianson again reiterated his message that gang members are nothing more than “domestic terrorists” and lauded his deputy’s efforts by saying, “We cannot afford to reduce our staffing levels on patrol given the increase in violent drug and gang activity.”

Anybody with further information regarding this incident is urged to contact Det. Sgt. Anthony Bejaran at (209) 567-4481, or they can choose to remain anonymous and call Stanislaus County Area Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-866-602-7463 or locally at 209-521-4636. For information regarding this press release please contact Deputy Luke Schwartz (209) 652-0211 ([email protected]).