Gun, vehicle theft and DUI charges among weekend crimes in Lodi

The Lodi Police Department had a busy weekend, beginning with an arrest for firearms charges and continuing with arrests for driving under the influence and vehicle theft, according to Sgt. Steve Maynard.

At approximately 11:24 p.m. Friday, officers responded to reports of a disturbance in the area of South Central Avenue and East Pine Street, where they located two males who matched the description of the suspects.

One male, a minor, was stopped while the other attempted to walk away. The male who walked away, Lizandro Hernandez, 20, of Lodi, was found to be concealing a handgun in the front waistband of his pants, police reported.

Hernandez allegedly reached toward his waistband, although officers were able to subdue him and located a loaded .45 caliber handgun that had fallen down his pant leg, police said.

Hernandez was arrested on suspicion of felony and misdemeanor firearms charges, resisting arrest and possession of stolen property. The minor was ultimately released into the custody of his parents.

Later in the weekend, at approximately 1:02 a.m. Sunday, Officer Jose Nuno was working DUI enforcement when he attempted to stop a driver in the area of East Lockeford Street and South Cherokee Lane.

When the driver failed to yield, a pursuit began that led officers to Simmerhorn Road in Galt, where the driver yielded and exited the vehicle.

A felony traffic stop was conducted, and the driver and passenger were detained without incident. The driver, who police identified as Jose Garcia, 48, of Galt, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence while the passenger was released at the scene.

At approximately 6:45 a.m. Sunday, officers located William Langstaff, 21, who was suspected of vehicle theft, on the 200 block of West Lockeford Street. Langstaff was found in possession of the stolen vehicle and was arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft and possession of a stolen vehicle, police said.

Officers also located Larry King, 44, who had several warrants for his arrest, in possession of a shaved car key frequently used in vehicle thefts, police said.

King was arrested on suspicion of possessing burglary tools.