Hemet man arrested for weapons and drug charges after traffic stop

HEMET – A Hemet resident was arrested after police officers found narcotics, narcotics-related paraphernalia and an illegal and loaded assault-style weapon during an early-morning traffic enforcement stop, Wednesday, April 20, according to a Hemet Police official.

The arrest came after a Hemet Police officer saw a vehicle in the area of Santa Fe Street and Whittier Avenue at 1:30 a.m. When the driver saw the officer’s patrol vehicle, he turned off his headlights and fled from the officer at a high rate of speed.

A few minutes later, another Hemet Police officer in the area saw the vehicle fail to stop for a posted stop sign at Leslie Drive and South San Jacinto Street. The officer activated his overhead lights and initiated a stop on the vehicle for the observed traffic violation. The driver yielded to the officer near the intersection of South San Jacinto Street and Mayberry Avenue.

Officers identified the driver as Adan Rodriguez, 25, of Hemet. During a search of Rodriguez’ vehicle, investigating officers located and seized methamphetamine, smoking pipes, and a loaded, short-barreled, “assault-style” weapon, according to Hemet Police officials.

Based on the recovered evidence, officers arrested Rodriguez. He was later booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility for two felony and three misdemeanor violations.

A jail records search revealed Rodriguez was booked for suspicion of possessing a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm and transportation of narcotics for sale while armed with a firearm. Both are felony charges. Additionally, Rodriguez was booked for three misdemeanor charges, including suspicion of carrying a loaded firearm, possession and transportation of a short-barrel rifle – which is illegal to own or possess in California – and possession of a controlled substance.

 

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