On January 13, 2025, at approximately 1:15 p.m., on Interstate 87 north, New York State Thruway, by exit 18 in the town of New Paltz,NY, members of Troop F Community Stabilization Unit (CSU) observed a 2009 Kia Rio in violation of numerous New York Vehicle and Traffic Laws.
Troopers initiated a traffic stop and identified the operator as Julkrin Espinoza-Eslava, age 29, of the Bronx. The vehicle was also occupied by two back seat passengers identified as Jose Guerrero-Zarate, age 29 and Yusmari Zapata-Rojas, age 21, both from the Bronx. During the investigation, a vehicle search was conducted. Troopers located a loaded, Kimber Micro Carry .380, semi-automatic handgun and a loaded Beretta APX 9mm, semi-automatic handgun within the vehicle. The Baretta APX 9mm handgun was later determined to be stolen. Espinoza-Eslava and Guerrero-Zarate were subsequently arrested and charged.
Julkrin Espinoza-Eslava was charged with:
Criminal Possession Weapon 2nd degree (C felony)
Criminal Possession Firearm (E felony)
Multiple Uniform Traffic Tickets
Jose Guerrero-Zarate was charged with:
Criminal Possession Weapon 2nd Degree (C felony)
Criminal Possession Firearm (E felony)
Criminal Possession Stolen Property 4th Degree (E felony)
Espinoza-Eslava and Guerrero-Zarate were arraigned at the Ulster County CAP (Centralized Arraignment Part) and remanded to the Ulster County Jail on $100K Cash, $200K Bond, $300K Partially Secured Bond.