Late last night, night watch police officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by three males, according to the Fullerton Police Department.
During a search of one of the passengers, an officer felt what appeared to be a firearm in the man’s pocket.
That’s when the passenger made a very poor life decision… and ran.
Spoiler alert: the suspect didn’t get far. After a brief foot pursuit, the police officers quickly caught up to him and took him into custody. The firearm was recovered from his pocket.
The suspect was arrested and booked on multiple felony charges, including possession of a firearm.
The two remaining males in the vehicle were also arrested, facing charges related to possession of nitrous oxide (NOS).
Fullerton PD’s Night Watch continues to proactively work to keep our community safe—one bad decision at a time.
Here are the likely penalties the suspects face under California law:
Passenger with Firearm
- Felony Possession of a Firearm (Penal Code §29800)
- Applies if the suspect is a convicted felon, drug addict, or otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm.
- Penalty: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison, and up to $10,000 in fines.
- Additional Charges for Running (Resisting Arrest – Penal Code §148)
- Willfully resisting, delaying, or obstructing an officer.
- Penalty: Misdemeanor, up to 1 year in county jail and/or $1,000 fine.
Two Remaining Passengers (Nitrous Oxide Possession)
- Possession of Nitrous Oxide for Intoxication (Penal Code §381b)
- Misdemeanor offense.
- Penalty: Up to 6 months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
- Aggravating Factors
- If distribution to minors or linked to other crimes, charges can escalate to a felony with up to 3 years in state prison.
Summary
- Firearm suspect: 16 months–3 years (felony) + up to 1 year (misdemeanor resisting).
- Nitrous oxide suspects: Up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine each (misdemeanor).