Sterling police report arrests in firearm disturbance, drug case

STERLING, Colo. — Sterling police say two people were arrested last week after a firearm-related disturbance, and a separate incident led to a drug arrest Tuesday evening.

On Sept. 24, officers responded to the 200 block of Taylor Street after reports of a disturbance between a man and woman involving a gun. Police say they contacted Samantha Gamez, 39, of Sterling, who was found carrying a 9mm handgun. Investigators later determined she had been involved in an altercation with Duane “Teddy” Gamez, 49, of Sterling, during which Duane allegedly threatened her with a firearm and discharged one round.

Both were taken into custody without incident and booked into the Logan County Jail. Duane, a convicted felon, faces charges including felony menacing, possession of a weapon by a previous offender, and harassment. Samantha faces charges of felony menacing, harassment, prohibited use of a weapon, and unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon.

Then on Sept. 30, around 8 p.m., officers on patrol in the 1500 block of Fillmore Street were approached by two men asking for directions. Police say drug paraphernalia was spotted in plain view, leading to a search. Officers recovered 9.79 grams of methamphetamine in one man’s jeans pocket. He was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance. His name has not yet been released.

Sterling police thanked community members who promptly report suspicious activity and said both cases remain under investigation.