A Vallejo man has been snagged by the law for carrying a loaded gun despite a record that should've barred him from touching any firearm, police said. On December 9, a quick glimpse of a 1997 green Dodge Caravan running a red light led to the discovery of the weapon and the driver’s arrest, the Vallejo Police Department reported.
The lapse in traffic judgment happened at Admiral Callaghan Lane and Auto Mall Parkway with officers pulling the car over and finding that the unnamed male driver was operating the vehicle with a suspended license, a move that turned a minor traffic infraction into a major ordeal for him. The officer's routine check escalated quickly after a pat-down search; the officer found the stolen gun tucked away in the driver's left pants pocket, according to the police department's statement.
While the driver steadfastly claimed he had "No" weapons, law enforcement begs to differ—the gun was not only loaded but also stolen, putting the driver in even hotter water. The Vallejo Police Department stated the criminal history check then confirmed the driver was a repeat offender, which means this isn't the first time he's danced with the law.
The passenger got off with a slap on the wrist, being released at the scene without any outstanding issues—warrants or wants—dogging them the vehicle didn’t share the passenger's good fortune, it was hoisted away by a tow truck. Meanwhile, the driver's bad day ended with a ride to the county clink, booked for being a felon possessing a firearm, among other violations. The gun’s rightful owner was presumably relieved when contacted with news regarding the status of their weapon.
