Just before 5 p.m., police officers stopped a bicyclist for vehicle code violations, according to the Huntington Beach Police Department.
The rider gave a false name (because apparently, he thought we wouldn’t find out about his real name or his arrest warrant). He was also found in possession of drug paraphernalia and was summarily arrested.
While booking him at the HBPD jail, officers noticed another bicyclist ride right up to the police gate.
When contacted, the man said he was there to… drink a beer. Yes, really. At the end of this encounter, the police officers discovered he also had an open warrant, so he got a direct escort inside as well.
Two arrests, two bicycles, one afternoon.
Here’s a plain-text breakdown of the potential penalties for the two bicyclists arrested in Huntington Beach, California:
Suspect 1: Gave a False Name + Possession of Drug Paraphernalia + Arrest Warrant
- Giving a False Name to Police (Penal Code § 148.9 PC)
- Charge: Misdemeanor
- Penalty: Up to 6 months in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Health & Safety Code § 11364 HS)
- Charge: Misdemeanor
- Penalty: Up to 6 months in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000
- Note: May be eligible for drug diversion programs instead of jail
- Outstanding Arrest Warrant
- Penalty: Depends on the underlying charge for which the warrant was issued
- Additional Consequences: May be held in custody, required to post bail, or appear before a judge. If the warrant was for a misdemeanor, arrest typically occurs between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. unless exceptions apply
Suspect 2: Loitering Near Police Station + Arrest Warrant
- Loitering Near Police Station (if charged under Penal Code § 602 PC – Trespass or § 647h PC – Loitering to Commit a Crime)
- Charge: Misdemeanor
- Penalty: Up to 6 months in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000
- Outstanding Arrest Warrant
- Same as above: penalties depend on the underlying offense, and may include jail time, bail, or court appearance