Berwick police arrest three on gun, drug charges

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)

Berwick police made three arrests on gun charges over the weekend, all in conjunction with arrests involving drug possession.

Berwick
Police Chief David Leonard Sr. reported these arrests:
—Emilio Gonzalez 32, Mississippi, was arrested at 9:13 a.m. Saturday on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute marijuana (over 28 grams), possession of Suboxone, possession of Xanax, transactions involving drug proceeds, possession of drug paraphernalia, speeding 78 mph in a 55 mph zone, driving under suspension, obstruction of justice and two counts of resisting an officer.
About 8:14 a.m. Saturday, an officer conducting stationary radar in the area of U.S. 90 observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. The vehicle’s speed was indicated to be 78 mph in a 55 mph zone.
A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle, and officers made contact with Gonzalez. During the course of the stop, it was learned that his driver’s license was suspended and he showed signs of nervousness. A K-9 was contacted and deployed around the vehicle, resulting in a positive indication of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle.
A search of the vehicle was done, at which time a firearm was located inside along with a large amount of marijuana, items of drug paraphernalia, U.S. currency, Xanax and Suboxone.
. It was learned that Gonzalez was a convicted felon, prohibiting him from possessing a firearm. Gonzalez was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he was booked.
Officers allowed Gonzalez to make a phone call. During this time, Gonzalez attempted to destroy evidence from his previous arrest and began to fight with officers. Officers were able to secure Gonzalez. and he was rearrested and booked on the obstruction and resisting charges.
—Saul X. Garcilazo, 22, Todd Lane, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:26 p.m. Sunday on charges of illegal discharge of a firearm, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, violation of a protective order by possession a firearm, possession of marijuana (under 14 grams), possession of drug paraphernalia, open container, modified exhaust and reckless operation.
—Juvenile male, 17, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:26 p.m. Sunday on charges of illegal discharge of a firearm, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, illegal possession of a firearm by a juvenile, possession of marijuana (under 14 grams), possession of drug paraphernalia and open container.
About 9:25 p.m., officers were in the area of Fairview Drive when they heard several gun shots. Officers observed a truck leaving the area, and it was noticed to be the only vehicle on the roadway at the time.
The vehicle was noted to have a loud exhaust. Officers observed the vehicle driving recklessly through a neighborhood in a clear attempt to elude the officers. A traffic stop was conducted, and officers made contact with the occupants of the vehicle and could smell an odor of marijuana from the vehicle.
Both subjects were removed from the vehicle and detained in handcuffs. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and located two semi-automatic handguns, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and alcoholic beverages inside the vehicle. The items were recovered as evidence.
One of the firearms was found through the Morgan City Police Department to be stolen. Gracilazo was found to have an active protective order prohibiting him from possessing a firearm due to a charge of domestic abuse battery by strangulation.
The passenger was found to be 17 years old.
Both subjects were placed under arrest and booked into the Berwick Jail. The juvenile was released to his mother pending juvenile proceedings. Garcilazo re-mains in jail with no bond set at this time.
—Pavel Gaevoi, 36, Oregon, was arrested at 4:34 a.m. Friday on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense) and speeding 84 mph in a 55 mph zone.
About 4:07 a.m. Friday, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding. Officers met with the driver, Gaevoi.
Gaevoi showed signs of impairment. Gaevoi performed poorly on field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department. Upon arrival at the Berwick Police Department, Gaevoi provided a valid breath sample of 0.158G% BAC. Gaevoi was then booked on the and later posted a cash bond of $1,500.