Firearm suspect set for preliminary examination

A local suspected of firearm and drug charges related to a Sept. 23 arrest on Meridian Street faces a preliminary examination.

The San Benito County District Attorney’s Office charged Joey Jimenez of Hollister alleging felony possession/selling a short-barreled shotgun rifle and misdemeanors that include carrying a loaded firearm in a public place, possessing a controlled narcotic and driving under the influence of a drug.

It’s related to a Sept. 23 traffic stop in Hollister. Jimenez is set for his next court hearing, a pre-preliminary hearing, at 2 p.m. Tuesday before a scheduled preliminary examination at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 11, according to court records.

A preliminary examination is where a judge will decide if there’s enough evidence for a jury trial.

According to the HPD:

On September 23, 2018, at about 12:49 A.M., Officer Evan Umstead was on patrol in the 1000 block of Meridian Street area when he stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation.

Officer Umstead contacted the driver of the vehicle, Joey Jimenez (18) and noticed a very strong odor of marijuana coming from the car. Officer Umstead continued his investigation and eventually determined Jimenez was driving under the influence of drugs. Jimenez was subsequently placed under arrest.

Officer Umstead contacted the driver of the vehicle, Joey Jimenez (18) and noticed a very strong odor of marijuana coming from the car. Officer Umstead continued his investigation and eventually determined Jimenez was driving under the influence of drugs. Jimenez was subsequently placed under arrest.

As Officer Umstead was searching Jimenez, incident to arrest, he found suspected cocaine on his possession. Officer Umstead then searched Jimenez’ vehicle where he found short barreled, loaded shotgun. A short barreled shotgun is a strictly prohibited weapon in California.

Jimenez was transported and booked into the San Benito County jail for possession of a short barrel rifle, possession of a controlled substance while armed, under the influence of a controlled substance while armed, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of any drug and possession of a controlled substance.Anyone with information regarding these investigations is requested to contact Officer Evan Umstead at 831-636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.