5 arrested by police officers working Operation Stonegarden
Editors note: A previous version of this story stated Michael Thurlow’s brother was the one arrested, according to a press release issued by ECPD . His name has been removed from this story.
Five suspects were arrested Wednesday by police officers working an Operation Stonegarden in El Centro.
According to the El Centro Police Department ( ECPD ), officers were searching for two suspects in the area of the 700 block of El Centro Avenue. One suspect fled the area as an officer followed him through the north alley of 700 El Centro Avenue. Other police units were sent to the area and later took the suspect into custody at a home on the 700 block of El Centro Ave. A search led to the discovery of methamphetamine and a loaded 9mm pistol.
The other suspect led officers to another home on the same block of El Centro Ave. As authorities sought the second suspect, three other individuals were arrested for outstanding warrants. A search of the second residence resulted in the discovery of several ounces of additional methamphetamine, along with fake U.S. $100 bills.
Authorities arrested and booked El Centro residents Gerardo Acevedo, 30, 29-year-old Edward Montenegro, and 40-year-old Michael Thurlow into Imperial County Jail. Robert Zamora and Rudy Fabela were cited and released at the end of the preliminary investigation.
ECPD patrol officers, task force officers, and a canine from the Imperial Police Department all responded to assist in the search, detention, arrest, and investigation.
