On 10-03-2011 at approximately 7:32 pm, a PCSO deputy on patrol near the area on Interstate 8 just east of Murphy Road observed a 1996 Honda Accord traveling eastbound repeatedly strike the white fog line while having a license plate lamp that did not illuminate the plate properly.

Alejandra Arellano, 32	Edmundo Romo, 31

Just west of Montgomery Road, the deputy activated his emergency light and initiated a traffic stop. As the deputy exited his patrol vehicle, a passenger in the Honda Accord exited the suspect’s vehicle and fled into the desert on foot.

The deputy could see the driver and a passenger in the rear of the vehicle were still inside, with their hands into the air. The suspect in the rear attempted to open the door which the deputy kicked closed and told both subjects to stay in the vehicle and place their hands outside the vehicle’s windows.

The deputy waited for an additional unit before approaching the suspect’s vehicle. After backup arrived, the driver, identified as Alejandra Arellano, 32 of Phoenix, and rear passenger, identified as Edmundo Romo, 31 of Tempe were handcuffed for further questioning.

Arellano informed the deputies there were weapons inside the vehicle.

After clearing the vehicle of additional suspects, the deputy discovered a 7.62 caliber rifle and a .380 caliber handgun in the interior compartment of the vehicle; both weapons were chambered with a round of ammunition.

Lying on the backseat of the vehicle was a green body armor vest. A bullet resistant vest was also found on the passenger seat.