Nunez Gets 9 Years for Vacaville Gun Run

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Eligio Nunez, 41, of Hayward, is headed to federal prison for nine years after a jury found him guilty of being a felon in possession of firearms. U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb handed down the sentence today, closing the case announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert.

The bust stemmed from a brazen high-speed chase on August 7, 2020. Nunez floored it in a stolen Lexus, leading Vacaville PD on a wild ride before ditching the vehicle in a grassy area off Shelton Lane. He didn’t stay hidden for long, making a run for it only to be cornered in a dry creek bed by responding officers.

The situation escalated rapidly. Almost immediately after Nunez bailed from the Lexus, the car burst into flames. The fire triggered an explosion of ammunition stored inside, turning the vehicle into a fiery wreck. Investigators quickly discovered the source of the danger: three handguns hidden within the charred remains. The jury didn’t buy Nunez’s story – they determined he possessed those weapons illegally.

Nunez wasn’t just any gun owner. His rap sheet is extensive, boasting a staggering ten prior felony convictions. These include assault with a deadly weapon, prior convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm, evading a peace officer, and multiple drug trafficking offenses – all disqualifying him from legally owning a gun. This wasn’t a first offense; it was a pattern of disregard for the law.

The investigation was a joint effort between the FBI and the Vacaville Police Department, demonstrating the power of federal and local collaboration in taking down dangerous criminals. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Hitt and Paul A. Hemesath skillfully prosecuted the case, presenting the evidence that led to Nunez’s conviction.

This case was brought under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice initiative focused on reducing violent crime. PSN isn’t just about arrests; it’s a comprehensive strategy involving law enforcement, community stakeholders, and reentry programs, all aimed at addressing the root causes of violence and building safer communities. Nunez’s sentence sends a clear message: criminals who illegally possess firearms will face serious consequences.

RELATED: Aguirre-Nunez Gets 18+ Years for Child Pornography

RELATED: Las Vegas Man Convicted in 2013 Drug Deal Murder