June 30, 2026 – Imperial County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Friday June 26, 2026, deputies assigned to the Winterhaven Sub-Station conducted a vehicle check on a male and female subject that were parked at the Interstate-8 underpass. It was later revealed that the male subject James Torres (35) was on parole out of Arizona for weapon offenses. A further investigation revealed Torres was in possession of a loaded firearm and 28.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine. It was also discovered that the female passenger Cassandra Acosta (37) was in possession of drug paraphernalia.

A Criminal History Records check on Torres with the assistance of ICSO Dispatchers, revealed prior felony convictions making it illegal for Torres to possess a firearm. It was also later revealed that the firearm was stolen out of Oceanside, CA. Torres was transported to the Imperial County Jail where he was booked for Felon in Possession of a Loaded Firearm, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Transportation of Narcotics, Possession of Methamphetamines with a Loaded Firearm and charges were later added for Possession of Stolen Property. Acosta was given a misdemeanor citation for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Source & photos: Imperial County Sheriff's Office