Yuba City police say what started as a routine probation search last Wednesday ended with a juvenile in handcuffs and a 9mm handgun pulled from the teen’s waistband.
According to the Yuba City Police Department, officers discovered the concealed 9mm during the search and detained the juvenile without incident. The teen was booked on suspicion of being a minor in possession of a handgun and carrying a concealed firearm, then transported to juvenile hall.
The department said the juvenile had previously been documented as an active participant in the Norteo criminal street gang and was on active juvenile probation at the time of the search.
Gun seizure tracks with broader enforcement push
The arrest comes as local officers continue leaning into operations aimed at getting guns and drugs off the street. In late January, a coordinated operation saw Yuba City officers nab 1,500 pills, cash and guns across multiple locations.
In its Facebook post, the department wrote that “removing illegal firearms from our streets remains a priority.” The post also highlighted that officers took the juvenile into custody without incident and included photos of the recovered handgun, according to the Yuba City Police Department.
What the law says about minors and guns
California law generally bars juveniles from possessing handguns and, as of July 1, 2023, prohibits minors from possessing any firearm under Penal Code 29610. Carrying a concealed firearm is a separate offense under Penal Code 25400 that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on factors such as whether the weapon was loaded or whether gang involvement is alleged, per Shouse Law Group.
The juvenile remains in juvenile hall while authorities review the case. Prosecutors and juvenile court officials will determine whether to file formal charges; the department has not released additional information beyond its public post.
