2019-03-19

On March 19, 2019 The Potter County Sheriff's Office Special Operation Division was conducting surveillance at 1601 S. Buchanan after receiving information of narcotics trafficking. At approximately 0000 on 3-19-19 a dark colored Dodge Charger parked at the residence. A subject later identified as RIVERA, Renee was seen exiting the vehicle and retrieving items from the trunk. Approximately 40 minutes later the subject exited the apartments carrying duffel bags. RIVERA stood outside the apartments talking on his cell phone, and walked into the street. RIVERA stood in the middle of the intersection of S. Buchanan, and SE 16th until a white SUV pulled up, and parked in front of the apartments. RIVERA got into the vehicle sitting in the front passenger's seat with the duffel bags. The SUV left traveling south on Buchanan. The SUV drove through the neighborhood erratically turning in different directions and traveling at high rates of speed. It appeared that the driver, ultimately identified as Manuel Saldana, was trying to get away from the surveillance team. Unmarked surveillance vehicles followed, and observed the SUV commit multiple traffic violations including swerving into the oncoming lane of travel, speeding above the posted speed limit, and improper turns.

DEPUTY J. NEWLUN was assisting in a marked patrol unit, and caught up to the vehicle at SE 24th and South Taylor where he activated his emergency lights to initiate the traffic stop. The SUV stopped, and DEPUTY NEWLUN had all occupants exit the vehicle. DEPUTY NEWLUN, and DEPUTY SIMPSON could smell the distinct odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle giving them probable cause to search. Upon search of the vehicle two black duffel bags were located in the front passenger seat area containing over 500 grams of crystal substance believed to be methamphetamine. There were also 3 firearms located with the suspected methamphetamine. The driver of the vehicle was identified as SALDANA, Manuel. After locating the contraband subjects were placed under arrest. Both RIVERA, and SALDANA were found to be convicted felons. The vehicle was driven to the Potter County maintenance shop located at 13103 NE 29th where the vehicle was processed, and subjects were interviewed. This quantity of Methamphetamine is consistent with distribution, as opposed to someone's personal use.

TFO David Ponce and TO Vern Wilson along with Potter County Deputy KC Simpson and Stelton Crain interviewed SALDANA, Manuel. SALDANA told Agents that his friend Berkley TUCKNESS had called Renee and that Renee needed a ride. SALDANA and SCOTT, Cody had come by to pick up Renee and give him a ride. SALDANA stated SALDANA knew Renee from prison in Pampa, Texas. SALDANA thread with a subject that SALDANA stated was Renee.

showed Agents a text message In the thread of text messages, TFO Ponce observed a thread of messages from subject known as Ricky. In the messages there are text messaging of what TFO Ponce knows from training and experience is text messaging in the sale of narcotics and messaging in the payment of narcotics obtained and sold. SALDANA transported RIVERA from the apartments and where stopped with the load of methamphetamine and guns. SALDANA was attempting to evade marked uniform police vehicle in making heat turns and speeding up and attempting to evade the police.