Salinas Police: Gang member arrested in First Awakenings Restaurant

The Salinas Police Department said officers arrested a gang member who nearly pulled a gun at First Awakenings Restaurant Sunday.

It all started when an off-duty officer recognized Alberto Ramirez, 23, from a previous encounter, and then realized Ramirez had a handgun on him.

The off-duty officer called the police department, and on-duty officers responded.

Once the on-duty officers arrived and approached Ramirez, police said Ramirez suddenly reached for his gun. The department reports officers were close enough to keep Ramirez from pulling the firearm.

Ramirez was arrested. Officers took his handgun and also found drugs and cash on him.

Ramirez was booked into jail on several gun, gang and narcotics charges, along with a probation violation.