FRESNO - Early Friday morning officers from the Fresno Police Department were in the 1200 block of W Kearney Boulevard when they attempted a traffic stop on a 2003 BMW for expired registration. The BMW stopped near the intersection of Eden Avenue and West Avenue and both Officer Montgomery and Davis approached the car. As the officers were approaching, the driver sped off, fleeing from the officers, southbound West Avenue. The officers quickly entered their police car and gave chase.
The BMW drove southbound through the intersection of West Avenue and California Avenue where it began to lose control and crashed into an open field. Officers Montgomery and Davis were able to quickly apprehend an occupant of the vehicle, identified as 19yr old Andrew Montelongo. During a search of the BMW, officers located a stolen 9mm Glock 17 semi-automatic handgun inside. The gun had been reported as stolen in a 2014 burglary that occurred in the City of Clovis.
Montelongo, who admitted to being a Westside Bulldog prospect was arrested and booked into the Fresno County Jail for possession of a stolen firearm and several additional charges. Over the past three months, Southwest District Officers have recovered 40 firearms in the hands of gang members.
The Fresno Police Department would like to remind the public that Crime Stoppers has enhanced the rewards for information related to gang members who are involved in narcotic sales, firearm possession, and human trafficking. The new campaign consists of the following monetary rewards for anonymous tips. If a gang member is arrested for possessing a handgun, the reward is $2,000.
If a gang member is arrested for possessing an assault rifle, the reward is $3,000. If a gang member is arrested for human trafficking, the reward is $3,000 and if a gang member is involved in drug sales, the reward is $1,000. Anyone with information is urged to call crime stoppers at (559)-498-STOP (7869) with information. Your information is kept confidential