News Releases

Holiday Alcohol Task Force Officer Arrests Driver for DUI; Two Handguns Located in Vehicle

For Immediate Release: Friday, December 4, 2020

A Holiday Alcohol Task Force officer has arrested and charged three suspects: Erick Cordova-Reyes, age 25, of the 13500 block of Keating Street in Rockville, Cristian Ayala, age 25, and Ricardo Ayala, age 24, both of the 2600 block of Terrapin Road in Silver Spring,  with handgun-related offenses to include possession of a handgun by a prohibited person following a traffic stop in the Takoma Park area.  Cristian Ayala was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and several other traffic offenses.

On November 29 at approximately 1:55 a.m., a task force officer was on routine patrol when he observed a driver commit a traffic violation in the area of University Boulevard East and Merrimac Drive.

The officer stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Cristian Ayala.  It was determined that Cristian Ayala had an expired Maryland learners permit. Cordova-Reyes was identified as the front-seat passenger and Ricardo Ayala was identified as a rear-seat passenger.   The officer noted that Cristian Ayala had a strong odor of alcohol on his person and was exhibiting signs of being under the influence of alcohol.  Officers also observed several empty beer bottles (along with several unopened beer bottles) in the back seat of the vehicle.

Cristian Ayala was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

During a search of the vehicle, officers located a half-empty bottle of alcohol in the car.  Officers also located two handguns, one of which was loaded, under Cordova-Reyes’ seat.  A fully loaded magazine for the unloaded handgun was also located under Cordova-Reyes’ seat.

Officers determined that Cristian and Ricardo Ayala are prohibited from owning a firearm due to prior criminal convictions.

Christian Ayala, Cordova-Reyes, and Ricardo Ayala were arrested and transported to the Central Processing Unit.  Christian Ayala and Ricardo Ayala are being held without bond. Cordova-Reyes was released after posting a $5,000 bond.

# # #

Release ID: 20-489
Media Contact: Rick Goodale 
Categories: firearm, holiday-task-force, impaired-driving