MESQUITE, Nev. — A man and woman were recently arrested on drug and gun charges in Mesquite after a police officer observed a suspicious vehicle parked in front of a gas station.
According to a press release from the Mesquite Police Department, at approximately 7:30 a.m. Sunday, the officer took notice of the parked vehicle with the driver’s door open. The adult female driver – later identified as 26-year-old Lacey Giordmaina of West Valley, Utah – was slumped over the steering wheel. An adult male identified as 33-year-old Robert Pelayo of North Las Vegas was also seated in the passenger seat.
The officer approached the vehicle and observed possible drug activity inside. Additional officers arrived to assist in the investigation. After authorities checked the female’s welfare, they continued to investigate the drug activity.
Due to items found in Giordmaina’s possession, officers handcuffed her and placed her in the back of a patrol vehicle, the press release stated. While still on scene, Giordmaina attempted to escape from the handcuffs and dispose of illegal drugs that were concealed on her body. She was in possession of approximately 29 grams of methamphetamine and over 80 pills of a controlled prescription medication. Officers safely stopped her escape attempt and recovered the drugs.
Officers also contacted Pelayo, who was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a loaded 9mm handgun. He was placed into custody without incident.
“Dangerous drugs and firearms are never a good combination,” Mesquite Police Chief MaQuade Chesley said in the press release. “We are fortunate these suspects did not attempt to use their firearm against one of our officers or citizens. Our officers are well-trained and maintained their composure in what could have been a much more serious situation. We will continue to use our training to combat these crimes and keep our residents and visitors safe.”
Giordmaina was arrested for one felony count of trafficking methamphetamine, one felony count of possession of methamphetamine, one felony count of possession of a controlled substance and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Pelayo was arrested for one felony count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, one felony count of trafficking methamphetamine, one felony count of possession of methamphetamine, one felony count of possession of a controlled substance and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Due to the felony charges, the two were transported and booked into the Clark County Detention Center.
This report is based on statements from police or other responders and may not contain the full scope of findings. Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
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