Full Notification

Man arrested for possession of assault rifle and other gun related charges.
 
San Mateo, CA – On October 10, 2024, at 6:45 p.m., San Mateo Police Officers arrested Sione Laulea for multiple gun related felony charges.  Laulea’s arrested followed a lengthy investigation that started on September 26, 2024. 
 
On September 26, 2024, the San Mateo Police Department received a call from a business located near South Norfolk Street and Fashion Island Boulevard.  The reporting party was an employee of the store who found a bag containing a pistol that was left at the store.  Officers responded and collected the firearm.  The firearm was an unregistered pistol and was loaded with ammunition.
 
As officers investigated who left the bag containing the firearm at the store, they reviewed video footage.  Officers were able to determine an adult male driving a white Kia arrived at the store, placed the bag containing the unregistered firearm inside of a shopping cart, and when the same adult male left the store forgetting the bag in the shopping cart.  Officers identified the male suspect as, Sione Laulea. 
 
As the investigation continued, officers learned Laulea was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.  An arrest warrant was issued for Laulea’s and a search warrant was authored for his residence.  On October 10, 2024, officer found Laulea driving the same white Kia traveling south on Highway 101.  Officers made a traffic stop and safely arrested Laulea. 
 
Officers searched Laulea’s residence located in San Mateo.  During the search of the residence, officers located an AK-47 style assault rifle, ammunition, a bullet-proof vest, and additional firearm accessories.  These items were collected and Laulea was booked into San Mateo County Jail for multiple firearm related felony charges and an active arrest warrant.      
 
We ask our community members to stay alert.  We need community support in reporting crimes and suspicious activities.  If you see a suspicious person, vehicle, or activity, call SMPD.  Trust your instincts.  See Something, Say Something.  
   
ARRESTED
Sione Laulea, 42-year-old San Mateo resident.

CHARGES:
29800(a)(1) PC- Felon possess firearm, 30305(a)(1) PC- Prohibited person possess ammunition, 25850(c)(1) PC- Carrying loaded firearm, 30605(a) PC- Illegally possess an assault weapon, 31360(a) PC- Violent felon possess body armor, 978.5 PC- Warrant for arrest.