Update: Charges, bail given for H.C. men busted for guns

Glenn County Observer

On Sunday, the Glenn County Jail released a list of the charges for the two Hamilton City men accused late Thursday night of firearm violations.

Also released were the amounts for their bail.

As reported previously, at about 10:45 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, a shots fired call was received. Sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers responded to the area.

While on their way, the law enforcement officers received a report from another caller that a person in a white four-door sedan was firing a gun from the vehicle while traveling on Fourth Street, two blocks south of Highway 32. Deputies then stopped a white 2002 Toyota four-door sedan at Fourth and Broadway. (The jail’s media released gives a slightly different location: Fifth and Broadway.)

The Toyota was being driven by Gerardo Mendoza Solorzano, 40, of 195 Los Robles, Hamilton City. His passenger was Moises Francisco Cortez, 23, of 211 Third Street, Hamilton City.

When deputies and a CHP officer contacted the occupants of the Toyota, a handgun was seen in plain view. A search of the vehicle was initiated by Deputy Chavez, resulting in a loaded revolver being found, and an AK-style rifle being located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

A high-capacity magazine and multiple rounds for the rifle were also found in the car.

Solorzano and Cortez were arrested and booked into the Glenn County Jail in Willows. Cortez is charged with alleged possession of a large capacity magazine; carrying a loaded firearm in public; carrying a loaded firearm by a member of a criminal street gang; illegal possession of an assault weapon; participation in a criminal street gang; and willful discharge of a firearm in a grossly negligent manner.

All of these charges are felonies. Bail for Cortez was set at $300,000.

The charges against Solorzano allege: possession of a firearm by a felon; possession of ammunition by a prohibited person; possession of a large capacity magazine; carrying a loaded firearm by a person with a prior felony conviction; carrying a loaded firearm by a member of a criminal street gang; illegal possession of an assault weapon; and participation in a criminal street gang.

All of these charges are felonies, but Solorzano was also charged with the following misdemeanors: driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs; and driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Solorzano’s bail was set at $80,000.

The Observer will continue to seek the booking photos for Solorzano and Cortez.