State Police Community Stabilization Unit Arrest Two Bronx Men on Weapons Charges in the Town of New Paltz

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.