On Friday May 24, 2019 at 11:03 PM Officer Viergutz was on patrol in the 2300 block of N. Texas when he heard two loud sequential explosions. Based on Officer Viergutz’s training and experience he knew the sound to be that of gunfire and not fireworks. Officer Viergutz was able to determine that the gunfire was coming west of his location; he proceeded to the 200 block of Pacific Avenue and entered the Pacific Mobile Home Park.
When Officer Viergutz pulled into the complex he immediately noticed two males seated in a parked vehicle facing the wrong direction. As he illuminated the vehicle and approached, the two males exited and initially refused to follow commands. The two occupants of the vehicle showed objective signs of intoxication. Officer Viergutz had personal knowledge of the two males; he knew they were under the age of 21 years and had gang affiliations. An open case of beer was on the rear seat of their vehicle and in plain view.
A search of the vehicle produced an illegally possessed Para Ordinance 1911 .45acp firearm. The loaded handgun was located under the passenger seat within reach of anyone seated in this location. Additional recovered items from the stop included approximately 15 grams of suspected cocaine, 3 grams of suspected marijuana, and several empty beer containers.
Arrested were 19-year-old Fairfield residents Irving Antonio and Joseph Benitez. Both Antonio and Benitez were booked into Solano County Jail on weapons violation charges, and possession of illegal narcotics.
The Fairfield Police Department encourages you to call our dispatch center if you see something that you know is wrong or someone is in possession of a dangerous weapon.
For emergencies dial 911, for non-emergencies dial 707-428-7300.
Thanks to the quick response of Officer Viergutz he was able to remove both a dangerous firearm and illegal narcotics from our streets.
Benitez: Black Top
Irving: White Shirt
