9 Arrested On Weapon Charges In 3 Different Incidents: PD

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY - Suffolk Police arrested nine people and recovered five illegal handguns during three different incidents within the Third Precinct on Thursday.

"In less than 24 hours, Third Precinct officers and Third Squad detectives in three separate incidents made nine arrests, and seized five illegal guns from people who had no right possessing the weapons,” Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said. "Because of the tireless efforts of the officers and detectives, a violent act or acts may have been prevented."

First in Brightwater, officers responded to a report of shots fired near Orinoco Drive at about 1:20 a.m.

Responding officers saw a car leaving the area and initiated a traffic stop, police said.

After a brief foot pursuit, officers arrested four West Babylon men and two loaded handguns were recovered, police said.

According to police, the following men were arrested:

• Michael Salanitri, 18, was charged with second degree criminal possession of a weapon and fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon.

• Jeremy Rivera, 21, was charged with second degree criminal possession of a weapon and fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon.

• Tyleek Fields, 18, was charged with second degree criminal possession of a weapon and fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon.

• Noel Vanparys, 18, was charged with second degree criminal possession of a weapon and third degree criminal possession of a weapon.

The second instance occurred at 5:50 a.m. in Bay Shore when officers arrested 29-year-old Kevin Cuevas and his girlfriend 36-year-old Jaysha Pastrana on drug and weapon charges, police said.

Officers found the drugs and weapons in their home with their four children, police said.

The third instance occurred at 3:30 p.m. during a traffic stop on Cone Avenue in Central Islip.

Patrol officers spotted a car with illegally tinted windows and initiated a traffic stop, police said.

After an investigation by the officers, and a search of the car, a loaded handgun was recovered, police said

According to police, the three occupants of the car were arrested:

• Jhonata Garcia Gomez, 22, of, Central Islip was charged with second degree criminal possession of a weapon.

• Kyle Daly, 22, Central Islip, was charged with second degree criminal possession of a weapon.

• Jiovanni Trujillo, 21, of, Central Islip, was charged with second degree criminal possession of a weapon.

All nine arrestees were held overnight at the Third Precinct, and are scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Friday.

Mug shots courtesy of Suffolk Police

Main photo credit: Shutterstock