Reckless motorist arrested on gun charges

A 30-year-old Richmond, Texas man was arrested Friday after he was stopped on U.S. 1 for reckless driving and an altered handgun, black ski mask, and black gloves were found in his vehicle.

“This case is a great example of how a seemingly routine traffic stop can lead to a serious criminal being taken where he needs to be — jail,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “The Deputies who conducted this traffic stop did a great job removing a dangerous person as well as an illegal firearm from our streets.”

Hector Daniel Portillo was charged with altering or removing a firearm serial number, illegal concealed carry of a weapon, theft, reckless driving, and driving with a stolen vehicle tag.

The Sheriff’s Office observed Portillo speeding as well as passing illegally in a southbound Nissan sedan near Mile Marker 29 at approximately 3:45 a.m. but did not pursue it for safety reasons. Portillo stopped near Mile Marker 13 without incident after he was recorded traveling 81 mph in a 55 mph zone.

Portillo was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. It was discovered the attached Arizona tag was stolen. Portillo was taken into custody and a .380-caliber handgun with the serial number scratched off was found in the vehicle as well as a black ski mask and black gloves.

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