In the wake of commemorating Gun Violence Awareness Month, the Campbell Police Department made a noteworthy bust of illegal firearm possession coupled with a stash of drugs and suspected identity theft materials. In an early morning traffic stop on June 7th, a red Hyundai Elantra caught the attention of the CPD for several infractions, ultimately leading to the arrest of two individuals with significant criminal histories.
The vehicle, which displayed a makeshift license plate and defective brake lights, also veered unsafely into a bike lane, prompting officers to quickly intervene. Upon approach, it didn't take long for the police to spot drug paraphernalia visible within the car. Occupants Rene De La Cruz, age 47, and Mindy Bernal, age 46, were identified and found to be carrying much more than just drugs. According to the Campbell Police Department, a loaded and illegal firearm was discovered on Bernal, a convicted felon, and therefore unlawfully carried. A treasure trove of personal identifying information (PII) and burglary tools were found on and around De La Cruz.
Digging deeper, a cache containing various drugs, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, and MDMA, and additional PII items pointed to intentions beyond personal use, suggesting a business of illegal distribution. Bernal’s rap sheet already includes stints for stolen vehicles, substance charges, and DUIs over the past quarter-century. De La Cruz, with a history touching nearly three decades, bears marks of child endangerment, substance possession, and burglary, among other charges. Now they both face multiple charges; Bernal for illicit firearm possession, PII possession, and drug offenses, while De La Cruz for drug offenses, possession of PII, and having burglary tools.
