Full Notification

A traffic stop leads to couple being arrested after drugs and ghost gun found in car.
 

On March 13, 2026, at approximately 11pm, our Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) was driving southbound on US 101 near the Hillsdale Blvd. exit when they noticed an SUV having trouble staying in their lane, driving the lane lines multiple times. Believing the driver may be impaired they affected a traffic stop in the area of Brittan Ave./Industrial Rd. in San Carlos. While attempting to determine if the driver, identified as Laura Aguilar, was under the influence, officers found drugs belonging to her. At that point, a search of the vehicle was conducted and all remaining occupants, a male and two children (one of which had not been restrained in a car seat) were removed from the vehicle. Additional drugs and a bullet were located in a small bag in the backseat. A further search revealed a loaded unserialized/unregistered “ghost gun” found in the diaper bag accessible to the male subject, identified as Hector Barajas. The gun also had a threaded barrel, which designates it as an illegal “assault weapon”.
 

The small children were released to family at the scene, and both subjects were arrested for multiple gun and drug charges and transported and booked into the San Mateo County Jail.
 

There are several lessons to be had here. The first, don’t do drugs. Second, never drive impaired by drugs, alcohol, or prescription medication. Definitely don’t drive impaired with children and/or others in the vehicle. Thirdly, all persons in a vehicle must be restrained by seat belts, car seats and/or booster seats, no matter the age. Fourth, don’t own an unregistered/illegal firearm. If transporting a legal firearm, do so in the legal manner prescribed. And finally, never combine drugs, guns, and children. That is a dangerous combination and no good ever comes from it.
 

Laura Aguilar, 35-year-old San Mateo resident

Hector Gonzalez Barajas, 25-year-old Fremont resident

Aguilar: 11350(a) HS-Possess a controlled substance, 11370.1(a) HS-Possess a controlled substance while armed with loaded firearm, 23920(b) PC-Possession of a firearm without a serial number, 30515(a)(4) PC-Possession of an “assault weapon” (threaded barrel)

Barajas: 23920(b) PC-Possession of a firearm without a serial number, 25400(a)(1) PC-Carry a concealed weapon in a vehicle, 25850(c)(6) PC-Carry a loaded firearm not registered as owner, 30515(a)(4) PC- Possession of an “assault weapon” (threaded barrel)

 

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Security footage aids officers in identifying a suspect in a hit and run crash.
 
On March 15, 2026, at approximately 12:48pm, San Mateo police officers were dispatched to the area of Monte Diablo Ave. and N. San Mateo Dr. on report of a hit and run. Were able to deploy a drone as first responder (DFR) who was able to provide an update on the victim’s injury and ensure medics were enroute. The victim suffered a 4-inch laceration to his head (he was not wearing a helmet) when he, on his electric scooter, was hit by a vehicle. The driver of the vehicle did not stop after the collision and left the scene.
 
Officers canvassed the neighborhood for security cameras and were able to obtain a vehicle description and direction of travel from footage. A license plate number was identified and that led to the identity of the registered owner out of Foster City, where he was not located. With the license plate number, automated license plate readers (ALPR) were able to confirm the suspect vehicle was in fact in San Mateo at the time of the incident.
 
Information was developed that the suspect was employed at the San Francisco Airport. An SMPD officer was able to locate the vehicle parked in an employee lot. With the assistance of the San Francisco Police Department Airport Bureau, they were able to determine the suspect was now at work and were able to locate him. We took him into custody and arrested Oscar Gomez Florez for the felony hit and run. He was transported and booked into the San Mateo County Jail.
 
We continue to remind our community, anytime you are riding anything on wheels, you should wear a helmet, regardless of age or requirement. It is for your own safety. No one ever expects to be involved in a collision, but nonetheless, helmets can lessen the severity of injuries if involved in one. Also, all electric scooters require a driver license/permit. Educate yourself on the requirements of the equipment you are looking to use as transportation for yourself or for your children before use to ensure the legal use and operation of it.
 
We’d also like to take this time to remind drivers of your duty to stop, exchange information and provide reasonable aid to injured parties during a collision. As less people are using their cars as a means of transportation, that means more foot and bike traffic. So, as drivers, we need to remember to stop, look left, look right, and look left again before proceeding. See and be seen is the best advice before continuing. That goes for drivers, walkers, bikers, everyone. We all have a duty to protect ourselves and each other. Look out for one another and drive safe San Mateo. 
 
ARRESTED
Oscar Gomez Florez, 60-year-old Foster City resident
CHARGES:
20001(a) VC-Hit and run resulting in injury

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