Cosme Daniel Gonzales, 32, from Greenfield, who previously had been convicted for a felony, was pulled over by police officers while he was traveling on Highway 101 near King City, after observing multiple vehicle code violations on the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 4.
When pulled over, Sheriff’s deputies found a Beretta Px4 Storm .40-caliber pistol and a loaded magazine beneath Gonzales' seat, according to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office.
"The illegal possession of firearms by prohibited individuals poses a serious risk to public safety,” said Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto in a statement. “Our deputies remain vigilant in enforcing the law and will continue working every day to remove illegal firearms from our communities and hold offenders accountable."
Gonzales admitted to possessing the firearm and was taken into custody, according to the Sheriff's Office. He is currently booked at the Monterey County Jail on multiple firearm-related charges, including felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, according to Monterey County Sheriff's Office.
Gonzales’ bail is set at $65,000.