Local police stop erratic driver and passenger, a felon with guns and ammo

The arrest occurred Thursday, Nov. 9, when an officer with the Lemoore Police Department made the traffic stop on South Lemoore Avenue and Highway 198 after watching the vehicle swerve and cross over a median.

The car was driven by Vanessa Garcia, 23, from Lemoore. She had a male passenger, identified as Vernon Lewis, 29, also from Lemoore.

While talking with the suspects, officers found a black .308 caliber semi-automatic rifle in plain view on the back seat. It had a high-capacity magazine affixed to it.

Lewis is a convicted felon, restricted from having possession of a firearm and ammunition. Lewis was arrested and transported to Kings County Jail. While processing in the jail, Lewis was found to be in possession of a controlled substance (Cocaine). He also had a .308 caliber bullet in his possession.

Garcia was arrested and booked for driving under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Garcia’s bail was set at $10,000.

Police booked Lewis for possession of a firearm, a felon in possession of ammunition, possession of a high capacity magazine, and bringing a controlled substance into a jail facility. Lewis’ bail was set at $55,000.