Peninsula Regional Violence & Narcotics Team arrests 4

The Peninsula Regional Violence and Narcotics Team (PRVNT) arrested four people in Monterey and Seaside last Thursday.

Jose Eduardo Ruiz, 20, was arrested after detectives observed what they described as suspicious activity in the area of Casanova and North Fremont streets.

Ruiz initially gave a false name and was found to have a loaded handgun. A fingerprint check later revealed he was a prior deported felon.

A second subject, Juan Ruiz-Figueroa, 19, was contacted after walking away from the area. He was found to have marijuana packaged for sale on his person.

Ruiz and Ruiz-Figueroa were booked into Monterey County Jail.

Later that day, in Seaside, detectives located two known gang members in a rental car. As the detectives attempted a probation search on one of the men, Hassan Beyah started the car, drove onto a sidewalk and then crashed a short distance away.

Beyah and passenger Joseph Rios were detained. Cash, cocaine, marijuana and an assortment of pills were found inside the car. Both subjects were arrested. A search was conducted at Rios’ home. Five firearms and more than $8,000 in cash were seized from the home.

Beyah, 26, was arrested on suspicion of violating probation, resisting arrest, transportation and possession for sale of cocaine, marijuana and prescription pills, and gang participation.

Rios, 21, was arrested on suspicion of transportation and possession for sale of cocaine, marijuana and prescription pills, as well as committing these crimes for the benefit of a street gang and multiple weapons charges.