Last weekend, after Westminster police officers pursued a suspect into Anaheim, the driver bailed from the car and took off running, according to the Anaheim Police Department.
The police officers caught up with him several hundred yards later and made the arrest.
But officer Hemerson and his partner, K9 Creed, weren’t done yet.
Creed, fresh out of tracking school, followed the suspect’s path and, just 60 yards into the track, located a backpack hidden in a bush.
Inside the bag the officer found a loaded handgun the suspect had allegedly discarded while running.
Because of Creed’s work, that weapon is no longer a danger to the community.
This is a great example of going above and beyond—an arrest plus a dangerous gun taken off the street.
Based on California law, the suspect in the incident you described could face multiple serious charges. Here’s a breakdown in plain terms:
1. Fleeing from Police (Evading Arrest)
- Basic evading (Vehicle Code § 2800.1): If the suspect fled in a vehicle and didn’t drive recklessly, it’s a misdemeanor.
- Penalty: Up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000.
- Reckless evading (Vehicle Code § 2800.2): If the suspect drove dangerously, it could be a felony.
- Penalty: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
- On foot: If the suspect ran after abandoning the car, they could also be charged with resisting or obstructing an officer (Penal Code § 148(a)(1)), a misdemeanor.
- Penalty: Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine.
2. Possession and Disposal of a Loaded Firearm
- Carrying a loaded firearm in public (Penal Code § 25850): This is usually a misdemeanor, but can be a felony if the person has a criminal record or other aggravating factors.
- Penalty: Up to 1 year in jail or more if charged as a felony.
- Felon in possession of a firearm (Penal Code § 29800): If the suspect is a convicted felon, this is a felony.
- Penalty: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in prison.
- Unlawful disposal of a firearm: Hiding a gun in a bush could be considered improper disposal, which may lead to misdemeanor charges under local ordinances.
Combined Impact
If the suspect is charged with both evading police and illegal firearm possession, especially if they’re a felon, they could face multiple years in prison and significant fines. The presence of a loaded gun and the attempt to hide it could also influence the court’s view of intent and danger to the public.