On 02/04/2023 at approximately 1:24 A.M., Shakopee Police Officers were on patrol near County Rd. 83 and 17 Ave., Shakopee, Scott County, Minnesota, when the officer saw a vehicle driving with expired tabs, Nov. 2022. The officer stopped the vehicle. The officer spoke with the driver, an identified adult male. As the officer spoke with the driver, he smelled the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The driver stated he just bought the vehicle and did not have insurance. The officer asked how much marijuana was in the vehicle.
A passenger, later identified as Jose De Jesus Garcia, [DOB REDACTED], (“Defendant”), reached down and grabbed a bag from the floor and handed it to the officer. These was also a rear seat passenger, who was also an identified adult male. The officer had the occupants of the vehicle get out. Officer searched the vehicle and found a Polymer80 pistol with no serial number, and an extended magazine with two 9mm rounds inside a black bag between the passenger and driver seat, under the center console.
Suspected marijuana and paraphernalia was located inside the vehicle as well. After receiving information regarding Defendant, Officer Kavanaugh spoke to Defendant over the phone on January 21, 2026. Defendant admitted to owning and possessing the firearm. Defendant was able to provide a detailed and accurate description of where the firearm was located and its appearance. Defendant claimed the driver did not know about the firearm. Defendant stated he did not admit at the time of the search because he was scared.
Defendant regretted not saying anything. Defendant stated the black bag and its contents were the only item in the vehicle that belonged to him. Defendant stated he had not spoken to the driver since and they were not close friends. Defendant did not have a permit to carry a pistol.
