Mon. Oct 6th, 2025

Recently, early in the morning, bicycle patrol officers found two men passed out in a parked vehicle at an auto parts store on W. 19th Street, according to the Costa Mesa Police Department.

One of the officers approached the vehicle and spotted a concealed fixed blade knife in a sheath on the passenger’s hip.

The officers spoke to the men and learned they had warrants out for their arrest, so arrest them they did, which was surely a rude awakening.

The men were in possession of a loaded handgun, as well as additional ammunition, OC spray, drug paraphernalia, suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl, and numerous open containers of alcohol.

Instead of these two driving away unnoticed, they got to sleep it off in jail after they were booked on felonies and felony warrants.

Based on California law, here are the potential penalties the two suspects could face for the offenses described above:


Weapons Charges

  • Loaded firearm possession while in possession of drugs (HS §11370.1)
    • Felony
    • Up to 4 years in state prison
    • Up to $10,000 in fines
    • Possible lifetime firearm ban
  • Concealed fixed-blade knife
    • Misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances
    • Up to 1 year in county jail or 3 years in state prison
    • Possible fines up to $1,000

Drug Charges

  • Possession of methamphetamine (HS §11377)
    • Misdemeanor (under Prop 47)
    • Up to 1 year in jail
    • Up to $1,000 fine
    • Possible drug diversion program for first-time offenders
  • Possession of fentanyl
    • Misdemeanor or felony depending on quantity and intent
    • Up to 3 years in jail
    • Fines and probation possible
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia (HS §11364)
    • Misdemeanor
    • Up to 6 months in jail
    • Up to $1,000 fine

Other Charges

  • Open containers of alcohol in a vehicle
    • Infraction or misdemeanor
    • Fines up to $250
    • Possible license suspension
  • Possession of OC spray (pepper spray) while committing a crime
    • Could enhance charges depending on use or intent
    • May be treated as a weapon enhancement
  • Outstanding felony warrants
    • Immediate arrest and detention
    • Additional penalties based on original charges

Additional Notes

  • Multiple charges can lead to stacked sentences.
  • Probation, diversion programs, or plea deals may reduce jail time.
  • Prior convictions or gang affiliations can increase penalties.

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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