By Roger Lanse

Silver City Police Department officers responded to an unwanted subject call at the Beverage Company, 2005 E. Highway 180 on Sunday, Sept. 14, at about 9:45 p.m. According to an SCPD report, when officers arrived, they found Luis Sandoval Lozano, 27, of Silver City, arguing with a clerk because they would not sell him alcohol. Officers told the intoxicated Lozano several times to leave the property, but he refused. Lozano was then cuffed and placed under arrest.

The report said at this point, Lozano tried to get his girlfriend to grab something from his person. When the officer said she could not grab anything, Lozano stated he had a gun in his waistband, which the officer removed. It was later identified as a Smith & Wesson M&P Model 20, 9 mm. Lozano kept asking his girlfriend to take his clothes and hat which she was not allowed to do. Officers discovered a small plastic bag containing a white powdery substance in his hatband which officers suspected was cocaine and was confirmed by later testing.

Lozano was charged with possession of a controlled substance, unlawful carrying of a firearm in a licensed liquor establishment, resisting, evading, or obstructing a peace officer, and negligent use of a deadly weapon and booked into the Grant County Detention Center.

According to GCDC staff, Lozano was released on Tuesday, Sept. 16, by the court, on his own recognizance.