Crime & Safety
Armed Parolee Arrested After Traffic Stop
San Jacinto man booked into Smith Correctional Facility in Banning after he's found to be armed with a loaded pistol.
A documented gang member and parolee was arrested with a loaded pistol in his vehicle during a traffic stop in San Jacinto, a sheriff's sergeant said today.
Gabriel Dominic Bentancourt, 20, of San Jacinto, was pulled over in the 700 block of East Main Street about 5:30 p.m. Friday, sheriff's Sgt. Joey Nardone said.
Law enforcement officers do not need warrants or probable cause to search the homes or vehicles of parolees, and deputies found a loaded pistol and some bullets in the vehicle.
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"He is currently on active parole and a documented gang member," Nardone said.
Bentancourt was booked on suspicion of being a felon with a loaded gun, possession of ammunition and violating his parole, Nardone said. He was denied bail and locked in the Larry D. Smith jail in Banning, pending arraignment set for Wednesday at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta, according to jail records.
