SAPD Officers Locate Drugs and Gun Inside Stolen Vehicle

In another arrest this weekend, San Angelo Police officers detained Manuel Justin Rivas, 25, for drugs, a gun and outstanding warrants after a traffic stop.

Officer Trace Gonzalez, public information officer for SAPD, said on Friday, July 22, 2016, officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of N. Bryant Blvd. for a possible stolen vehicle that was being followed by witnesses. 

When officers arrived in the area, they located the suspected vehicle traveling in the 1800 block of Junius Street. 

"Officers caught up to the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of the New Bella Apartments, 2010 Greenwood," said Gonzalez. "Officers made contact with the vehicle’s driver, identified as 25-year-old Manuel Justin Rivas. A 28-year-old male passenger was removed from the vehicle and detained."

Gonzalez said a records check confirmed the black 2008 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup had been reported stolen on July 3, 2016 from the Sands Motel.

The records check also confirmed that Rivas had eight outstanding city warrants. Police also located an empty handgun magazine in Rivas’s pocket and a loaded handgun inside the vehicle. Additionally, they located suspected narcotics and drug paraphernalia concealed inside the vehicle. The substance field-tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine. 

"Rivas was charged with Felony 2 Manufacture Delivery of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, Unlawful Carrying Weapon, and his outstanding warrants," said Gonzalez.

His bond is set at $35,500.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges concerning the stolen vehicle investigation may be forthcoming. 

The passenger was not charged.