A county police officer with the Holiday Alcohol Task Force stopped three men on Nov. 29 after a traffic violation in the Takoma Park area who were then charged with offenses including driving under the influence and handgun possession.
The officer observed the incident in the area of in the area of University Boulevard East and Merrimac Drive. The driver, identified as Cristian Ayala, age 24, of the 2600 block of Terrapin Road in Silver Spring, was determined to be driving under an expired Maryland learners permit.
“The officer noted that Cristian Ayala had a strong odor of alcohol on his person and was exhibiting signs of being under the influence of alcohol,” according to a Dec. 4 press release. “Officers also observed several empty beer bottles (along with several unopened beer bottles) in the back seat of the vehicle.”
Officers located a half-empty bottle of alcohol in the car during a search as well as two handguns, one of which was loaded, and a loaded magazine for the unloaded gun.
Christian Ayala was arrested for DUI.
The passengers were identified as Erick Cordova-Reyes, age 25, of the 13500 block of Keating Street in Rockville, and Ricardo Ayala, age 24, also of the 2600 block of Terrapin Road.
“Officers determined that Cristian and Ricardo Ayala are prohibited from owning a firearm due to prior criminal convictions,” the release continued.
The two were arrested and transported to the Central Processing Unit and are being held without bond. Cordova-Reyes, under whose seat the guns were found, was released after posting a $5,000 bond.
Photos from MCPD