Thursday evening, Washington Township officers conducted a routine patrol in the 400 block of Orchard Island Road.
They initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Guillermo Mata, 50, of Brownsville, Texas, and occupied by Jason Mendiola, 48, of Kenton.
The stop was made due to a turn signal violation and an equipment issue.
Upon making contact with the vehicle’s occupants, officers noticed the odor of alcoholic beverages coming from the car.
Both individuals stated that nothing illegal was inside the vehicle and consented to a search.
During the search, officers discovered a loaded firearm belonging to Mendiola, as well as several open containers of alcohol.
A criminal history check revealed that Mata had an active arrest warrant, while Mendiola’s violent criminal record prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
As a result, both individuals were taken into custody.
Mata was arrested on his outstanding warrant, while Mendiola was charged with having a weapon under disability, due to his prior criminal history.
