Over the weekend, the Tustin Police Gang Unit was conducting gang suppression along Pasadena Avenue.
Gang Detectives located a possibly wanted person who immediately ran from them.
During the foot pursuit, the suspect tossed a loaded firearm.
While the suspect eluded capture (for now), the firearm was recovered and an additional wanted person was found hiding adjacent to where the gun was located.
Tustin’s police officers are working hard to address the community’s concerns about gang activity!
In California, the penalties for a gang member who flees from police and discards a firearm during the pursuit can be quite severe, as multiple offenses are involved:
- Fleeing from Police:
- Misdemeanor Evasion: If the evasion is considered a misdemeanor (e.g., not involving reckless driving), it can result in up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Felony Evasion: If the evasion involves reckless driving or endangers others, it can be charged as a felony, leading to a state prison sentence ranging from 16 months to three years and fines up to $10,000.
- Discarding a Firearm:
- Possession of a Firearm by a Felon: If the individual is a convicted felon, possessing a firearm is a felony under Penal Code 29800, punishable by up to three years in state prison.
- Gang Enhancement: If the individual is a gang member, additional penalties under Penal Code 186.22 can apply, potentially adding more years to the sentence.
- Aggravating Factors:
- The presence of aggravating factors, such as causing injury during the pursuit or having prior convictions, can lead to enhanced penalties and longer sentences.
Given the complexity and severity of these charges, it’s crucial for the individual to seek legal counsel to navigate the legal process and potential defenses.
