July 3, 2024 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report on Monday, July 1, 2024, members of the United States Border Patrol Anti-Smuggling Strike Team were providing high visibility and saturation patrols on Interstate 10. Border Patrol Agents (BPA) observed a vehicle traveling westbound on the interstate at Chiriaco Summit, committing suspicious and unsafe driving actions. BPA conducted a traffic enforcement stop, contacted the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, and identified him as Alexis Ayala Molina, a 22-year-old from Phoenix, Arizona. Through BPA’s investigation, it was determined Ayala Molina was in possession of a large cache of illegal firearms.

The Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force (CVVCGTF), in partnership with the United States Border Patrol, responded to assist with the investigation. It was discovered Ayala Molina was in possession of a total of 29 firearms; 27 of them configured in an assault rifle, one bolt action rifle, and one semi-automatic pistol with several rounds of miscellaneous ammunition. Out of the 29 firearms, 15 of them had obliterated serial numbers. The obliteration of serial numbers is often done to avoid detection from law enforcement. CVVCGTF members were able to determine the firearms originated from the Tempe, Arizona area and were being smuggled into California illegally. Ayala Molina was ultimately placed under arrest and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio for multiple weapon-related charges, including possession of several assault weapons, transportation of assault weapons and altering or removing serial numbers from firearms.

The Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force is committed to creating safe and secure neighborhoods free of violent crime and gang activity. This investigation is ongoing. If you have any information about this crime, please contact Gang Task Force Officer Martinez at (760) 836-1600. If you have non-emergency information regarding gang activity, please use our online Gang Task Force Tip Form or call 951-922-7601. If you have information regarding criminal activity and wish to be anonymous, please call Valley Crimestoppers at (760)341-7867.
Source: Riverside County Sheriff's Office