Bay Area/ Oakland
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Published on February 26, 2024
BART Police Arrest Man at Oakland Coliseum Station for Fare Evasion and Discover Stolen Gun, Suspected DrugsSource: BART Police Department

A fare evasion incident at Coliseum Station took an unexpected turn when BART Police apprehended a 20-year-old suspect, Jdyn Yearger, found in possession of a stolen firearm and suspected narcotics, officials said. According to a Facebook post by the BART Police Department, the takedown occurred at 5:28 pm on a high visibility patrol aimed at increasing station safety.

While initially confronted for evading a fare Sunday night, Yearger attempted to escape but was quickly detained by officers. The encounter escalated when a loaded .45 caliber Glock handgun was found strapped to his waistband, running afoul of the law in a city already marred by gun violence. The firearm, subsequently confirmed as stolen, hinted at a narrative far broader than a simple evasion of transit payment.

Further investigation by BART PD officers unearthed over 15 ounces of suspected marijuana. Accompanying the stash was a working scale and $1,200 in cash, suggesting intent to distribute. All of the contraband was discovered during the arrest at the Oakland station known for being a hub of both legal transit and illicit exchanges.

Yearger, whose encounter with the law at a BART station spiraled into an arrest for multiple violations, was booked into the Alameda County Jail in Dublin.