Mon. Oct 6th, 2025

After receiving complaints about quality of life issues and trash in a certain area of the city, police officers recently conducted a patrol check in the area of Pullman Street and McCormick Avenue and found multiple individuals sleeping in their vehicles, according to the Costa Mesa Police Department.

One of the suspects was a man who was asleep in a van. The officers saw a loaded handgun in a concealed carry holster that was in plain view in the van.

That suspect was arrested for a municipal code violation and possession of the loaded handgun.

During the arrest, officers found two additional handguns, a rifle, numerous magazines, and over a thousand rounds of ammunition in the van. The officers seized all of the weapons and ammunition.

The suspect was booked at the Costa Mesa City Jail.

Here are the penalties the suspect may face based on California law and the circumstances described:


Possession of a Loaded Handgun in a Vehicle (PC §25850)

  • Misdemeanor or felony, depending on prior convictions or aggravating factors
  • Misdemeanor:
    • Up to 1 year in county jail
    • Up to $1,000 fine
    • Possible summary probation
  • Felony (if prior convictions, gang affiliation, stolen firearm, etc.):
    • 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison
    • Up to $10,000 fine
    • Possible formal probation

Possession of Multiple Firearms and Ammunition

  • If legally owned and stored, may not be a crime
  • If unlawfully possessed (e.g., unregistered, stolen, or by a prohibited person):
    • Felony charges possible under PC §29800 and §30305
    • Felon in possession of firearms or ammunition:
      • 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in prison
      • Up to $10,000 fine
    • May also face enhanced penalties for volume of weapons/ammo

Municipal Code Violation (Sleeping in Vehicle)

  • Typically a local infraction or misdemeanor
  • Penalties vary by city, but often include:
    • Citation or fine: Usually $100–$500
    • Possible vehicle tow or impound
    • Rarely results in jail unless tied to other criminal activity

Additional Notes

  • If the suspect is a prohibited person (e.g., prior felony), penalties increase significantly.
  • The presence of multiple weapons and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition may lead to additional charges or federal interest.
  • Booking at Costa Mesa City Jail suggests local charges, but the case could escalate depending on findings.

By Art Pedroza

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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