NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Westchester County Police arrested a Texas man on felony drug and weapons charges on Thursday after a loaded handgun and a quantity of marijuana were found in his car following a traffic stop, said WCPD Spokesperson Kieran O’Leary.
The handgun was determined to have been stolen in Texas. The suspect, who has a lengthy criminal record, is also wanted for burglary in Atlantic County, New Jersey.
The incident began about 12:15 p.m. when Westchester County Police Officer Christian Gutierrez stopped a 2016 Hyundai Sonata for a traffic violation on the northbound Hutchinson River Parkway near Webster Avenue in New Rochelle. The driver did not have a valid driver’s license and was not listed on the rental agreement for the rented sedan he was driving. Gutierrez also detected a strong odor of marijuana inside the car.
After the driver was taken into custody, a search of the vehicle was conducted by Gutierrez and his canine partner Jax, a narcotics detection canine. A loaded handgun was found inside a duffle bag and 13 ounces of marijuana were found inside a plastic container hidden near a wheel well in the trunk.
Jose Ramirez, 35, of Bowie, Texas, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree and Criminal Possession of Marijuana, which are felonies; and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, a misdemeanor.
He was arraigned in New Rochelle City Court and was ordered held without bail at the Westchester County Jail in Valhalla.