Accused for stealing bike, man also yields ‘shabu’

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A man accused of stealing a bicycle has found himself in a deeper quandary after illegal drugs were seized from his possession.

Sachets of suspected shabu were taken from Jay Gonzales, 23, of Barangay Veterans Village, City Proper, Iloilo after police responded to a commotion early evening of May 4.

According to reports, Gonzales and a certain William Pineda were trading punches after the latter accused the former of stealing his bicycle.

The alleged stealing happened two days ago while the bicycle was parked in front of Pineda’s house at Barangay Rizal Ibarra, City Proper.

Pineda said he reviewed the CCTV footage and saw Gonzales taking off with his bicycle.

Pineda said he immediately identified the suspect because the latter’s sibling is his in-law.

When he saw Gonzales at Mulle Loney St., Pineda said he confronted the suspect which led to a commotion.

During the commotion, several sachets fell from the suspect’s pocket.

Patrolling police immediately pacified the fight.

When Gonzales was frisked, police recovered six sachets of suspected shabu, an aluminum foil, a glass tube, a mobile phone, a disposable lighter, a pair of scissors, an aluminum canister, and cash of P300.

Lieutenant Rosana Montero, Iloilo City Police Station 1 deputy chief, said the suspect admitted to having taken the bicycle and sold it.

Pineda said the bicycle was worth P19,000

It was gathered that Gonzales had previous arrests in 2017 for disobedience and in 2019 for alarm and scandal.

Gonzales will be charged for alarm and scandal and violation of Sections 11 and 12, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).

Pineda said he would also pursue theft charges against the suspect.