A few days ago police officers located a stolen vehicle at Trask Avenue and Beach Boulevard, according to the Westminster Police Department.
Upon trying to stop the vehicle a pursuit was initiated onto the 22 Freeway. Luckily the OC Sheriff helicopter and the CHP were on the scene quickly and they assisted in tracking the vehicle, which ultimately stopped in Anaheim.
Anaheim police offficers then located the driver, vehicle, and a bag he was trying to get rid of.
What was in the bag? An unserialized firearm, ammunition, and 30 grams of methamphetamine!
A records check of the driver showed he had 7 felony warrants for his arrest.
The driver was taken into custody and later booked at OCJ for 10 felonies including felon in possession of a firearm, drug sales, and felony eluding.
Here’s a plain-text summary of the potential penalties the suspect could face based on the charges described:
1. Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Under California Penal Code § 29800(a)(1), it’s a felony for a convicted felon (or someone with active felony warrants) to possess a firearm. Penalties include:
- 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in jail or state prison
- Fines up to $10,000
2. Possession of Methamphetamine for Sale
Under Health & Safety Code § 11378:
- This is a felony
- Punishable by 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in jail
- Fines up to $10,000
- No eligibility for drug diversion programs
- Enhanced penalties may apply if the sale involved minors or occurred near treatment centers
3. Sale or Transportation of Methamphetamine
Under Health & Safety Code § 11379:
- Also a felony
- Punishable by up to 4 years in jail or prison
- Fines up to $10,000
- Even offering to sell or transport meth is enough for a conviction
4. Felony Evading Police
Under Vehicle Code § 2800.2:
- Felony evading involves fleeing from police with “willful or wanton disregard” for safety
- Penalties include:
- 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison
- Fines up to $10,000
- Driver’s license suspension
- A permanent criminal record
- Enhanced penalties if injury or death occurs during the pursuit
5. Multiple Felony Warrants and Charges
If the suspect has 7 felony warrants and is now facing 10 felony charges, sentencing depends on whether the judge orders:
- Concurrent sentences (served at the same time)
- Consecutive sentences (served one after another)
Under California’s Three Strikes Law, if the suspect has prior serious or violent felony convictions:
- A second strike doubles the sentence
- A third strike can result in 25 years to life in prison
7 felonies! Why was he released?