Police Use New Fingerprint Device in ICE Arrest
Posted: Sep 14, 2010 2:26 PM PDT
Updated: Sep 14, 2010 2:26 PM PDT

On September 13, 2010 at approximately 10:30 am Santa Cruz Police Department officers responded to a report of a solo vehicle accident near the corner of River Street and Encinal. Witnesses stated that the driver of the vehicle, later identified as Pedro Gomez, had fled the scene. Witnesses were able to direct officers to his location and he was detained. The individual gave officers a false name; however, using the new mobile fingerprint system the officers were able to determine his actual identity was Pedro Gomez. Officers were able to immediately determine that Mr. Gomez appeared under the influence of narcotics and placed him in custody. Mr. Gomez was not injured in the crash.

While searching the vehicle officers located heroin, marijuana, pills and drug paraphernalia. Parks Unit officers were able to determine that Mr. Gomez was an individual that had repeatedly been mentioned as a higher-level heroin dealer in the Pogonip area. Additionally, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers had been looking for Mr. Gomez in association with his heroin dealing in the area. Once in custody ICE placed an immigration hold on Mr. Gomez.

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