Stanislaus County Sheriff’s deputies arrested two men and seized a cache of illegal weapons from a Keyes residence on Monday night, Nov. 6 after one suspect came out of the home armed with handgun and approaching a deputy.

Around 10:30 p.m. Monday, Deputy Alexander Ruezga was conducting an extra patrol in the 5400 block of Rhode Road because of a recent spike of violent crime in the area, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

The deputy located a suspicious vehicle that was registered out of the area parked in front of a residence with two occupants — a man and woman. The man told the deputy he was in town to buy a transmission.

As the deputy was speaking with the occupants, Corey En, 26, of Modesto, came out of the home and started walking toward the deputy armed with a handgun. He was immediately detained and placed in handcuffs.

A warrant was obtained to search the home and deputies found firearm parts, controlled substance bottles, one shotgun, two rifles, and three completed pistols, along with other gun manufacturing and drug paraphernalia. 

Homeowner Johnny Espinoza, 49, was arrested for possession of an assault weapon, transport, import, and manufacturing of assault weapons, and knowledge of change or alteration of a firearm. 

En was charged with having a loaded firearm in public, possession or transportation of a machine gun, and knowledge of change or alteration of a firearm.