A traffic stop for a lighting equipment violation led to the arrest of a juvenile male for carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle and multiple other charges.
San Mateo, CA – On October 2, 2026, at approximately 9:20 p.m., a San Mateo Police Department (SMPD) officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of E 4th Ave and Railroad Ave after observing a lighting equipment violation. While contacting the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, a 17-year-old juvenile male, officers smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and observed an open container of marijuana.
A probable cause search of the vehicle yielded a loaded, unserialized Glock-style pistol, along with more than an ounce of marijuana. Based on the circumstances of the investigation, the juvenile was arrested for being a minor in possession of a handgun, carrying a loaded firearm in public, carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm while not being the registered owner, and possession of more than an ounce of marijuana.
The juvenile was transported and booked into Hillcrest Juvenile Hall.
We ask our community members to stay alert. We need the community’s support in reporting crimes and suspicious activity. If you see a suspicious person, vehicle, or activity, call SMPD. Trust your instincts. See Something, Say Something.
ARRESTED
Juvenile male, 17-year-old San Mateo resident
CHARGES:
29610 (a)-Minor in Possession of a Handgun, 25850 (a) PC-Carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle, 25400 (a) (1)-Carry a concealed firearm in a vehicle, 11357 (B) HS-Possession of Over an Ounce of Marijuana, PC 25850 (c) (6)-Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public Without Ownership
