Salinas police arrest convicted felon with gun near Rossi Street

A traffic violation Tuesday morning led to the arrest of a convicted felon believed to have been involved in a recent riot at the Monterey County Jail.

A Salinas Police officer pulled the driver over on Sherwood Drive at the intersection with Cherry Street. One of the passengers, 19-year-old Elijah Hernandez, fled the vehicle holding his waistband, leading the officer to believe he had a gun.

After a search,Hernandez was apprehended on California at Ross Street. Two guns were found nearby. Convicted felons are not legally allowed to possess firearms.

Police believe Hernandez was involved in a recent jail fight in which a sheriff’s deputy was injured.

Hernandez was booked into Monterey County Jail on suspicion of violating probation, unlawful possession of a gun and gang involvement.