The graveyard crew located an occupied stolen vehicle in the area of W. Garden Grove and Lewis last week, according to the Orange Police Department.
After arresting the driver, they located an unregistered loaded handgun in the center console.
The suspect was booked at Orange County Jail for numerous charges.
Police officers who work the graveyard shift look out for us when we are sleeping. Their dedication is appreciated.
The suspect faces multiple penalties under California law. Because the incident involved both a stolen vehicle and a loaded, unregistered firearm, the charges are often classified as “wobblers,” meaning they can be prosecuted as either misdemeanors or felonies depending on the suspect’s criminal history and specific case facts.
Potential Penalties for Stolen Vehicle Possession
Being in an occupied stolen vehicle typically falls under Penal Code 496d, which prohibits the knowing possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
- Misdemeanor: Up to one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
- Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Potential Penalties for Loaded Unregistered Handgun
Carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle is governed by Penal Code 25850. While generally a misdemeanor, several “aggravating factors” in this case can elevate it to a felony.
- Aggravating Factor (Unregistered): Being the unregistered owner of the loaded handgun makes the charge a “wobbler,” punishable by up to one year in jail (misdemeanor) or up to three years in jail (felony).
- Potential Felony: If the firearm itself was also stolen, or if the suspect has a prior felony or gun conviction, the charge automatically becomes a felony punishable by 16 months to 3 years in state prison.
- Mandatory Minimum: A prior conviction for certain violent or firearm-related offenses could trigger a mandatory minimum of three months in county jail.
Summary of Total Exposure
If prosecuted for multiple felonies, the suspect could face:
- Imprisonment: Cumulative sentences for both the vehicle and firearm charges, potentially totaling several years in county jail or state prison.
- Fines: Up to $10,000 per felony count.
- Long-term Consequences: A felony conviction would result in a lifetime ban on owning or possessing firearms in California.
Car Theft Prevention Tips
Preventing car theft in 2025 requires a “layered approach” that combines basic habits with modern technology.
1. Fundamental Security Habits
- Never leave the car running: Avoid leaving your vehicle idling while unattended, even for a “quick” errand or to warm up in cold weather.
- Take your keys: Never leave spare keys or fobs inside or hidden on the vehicle; thieves know common hiding spots.
- Lock and Close: Always double-check that all doors are locked and windows (including sunroofs) are fully closed before walking away.
- Park Smart: Choose well-lit, busy areas with high pedestrian traffic or surveillance cameras.
2. Physical & Visible Deterrents
- Steering Wheel Locks: Devices like The Club are highly visible and often lead thieves to skip your car for an easier target.
- Turn Your Wheels: When parking on an incline or street, turn your wheels sharply toward the curb to make it much harder for a thief to tow the vehicle.
- VIN Etching: Engrave your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on windows and valuable parts. This makes the car significantly harder to resell or dismantle for parts.
3. High-Tech Protection
- Block Relay Attacks: For keyless entry vehicles, store your fobs in a Faraday pouch or metal box to prevent thieves from amplifying the signal to unlock and start your car from outside your home.
- Hidden Kill Switches: Install a secret switch that cuts power to the fuel pump or starter, preventing the engine from starting even if the thief has a key.
- GPS Trackers: Use trackers like CarLock or Vyncs for real-time location monitoring and faster recovery.
- Modern Immobilizers: Advanced systems like the IGLA Anti-Theft System use the vehicle’s own wiring to prevent starting without a unique PIN code.
4. Protecting Belongings
- Hide Valuables: Keep bags, electronics, and even charging cords out of sight. A visible cord can signal that a valuable device is stored in the glovebox or center console.
- Registration Documents: Do not leave your vehicle’s title or original registration in the car. If stopped, a thief may use these to impersonate the owner and avoid suspicion.