Yesterday, a street racer in San Mateo, CA, learned the hard way that law enforcement is becoming more proactive about cracking down on dangerous driving behaviors and the crimes that often coincide with them. This driver, who is now facing serious legal charges, found himself in a world of trouble after being pulled over for racing and dangerous speeding, when law enforcement officers uncovered loaded firearms during a vehicle impound search, according to an official report from the San Mateo Police Department (SMPD).
Jose Menchaca Ramirez, a 28-year-old San Mateo resident, was arrested by the SMPD after officers spotted him recklessly driving his gray Chevrolet Camaro. At the time of the arrest, Mr. Ramirez was cited for exhibition of speed, and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days per usual protocol, following which, officers discovered the aforementioned loaded firearms in the course of conducting an inventory search of the Camaro.
During these searches, a loaded 9mm handgun was found under the driver's seat, a loaded .22 caliber rifle in the trunk, and a BB gun. To make matters worse, Mr. Ramirez is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because of a restraining order. Investigators later learned that the 9mm handgun had been reported stolen, which only added to his legal woes according to the SMPD's statement.
As a result, Jose Menchaca Ramirez was ultimately charged with multiple gun-related offenses, including carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm in public, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person.
