Blythe Bust Lands Calexico Man In Jail

On Wednesday June 12th 2024, members of the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force responded to the U.S. Border Patrol Station in Blythe to assist with a weapon seizure.

During the investigation, Border Patrol Agents at the California and Arizona border contacted the driver of a Honda CRV, 25 year old Jose Palma Almendarez of Calexico, and his 17 year old brother who was a passenger in the vehicle.

Agents discovered a large cache of 25 assault rifles and 2 handguns and magazines, hidden in the rear of the vehicle. Through interviews, Task Force Officers later learned the firearms were picked up in Phoenix, AZ, and were being trafficked back into California.

Palma Almendarez was booked into the Blythe Jail on several weapon-related charges. The male juvenile was released to his parents.

Weapons Found by Border Patrol in Blythe June 13th 2024

Photo from Riverside County Sheriffs Dept