Juvenile Arrested After Fleeing Officers with Loaded Unserialized Gun
San Mateo, CA – On October 13, 2026, at approximately 10:07 p.m., San Mateo Police Department (SMPD) officers were conducting a routine patrol of Los Prados Park when they encountered six individuals near the Casa de Campo parking lot after park hours.
As officers approached the group, a juvenile male wearing a full face covering immediately grabbed his waistband and fled southbound toward Casa de Campo. Officers pursued the juvenile on foot, and after approximately 50 yards, he stopped running and surrendered.
During the encounter, officers noticed the juvenile repeatedly reaching toward his waistband. Officers quickly determined he was attempting to secure a firearm that had been slipping down his pants as he ran. A subsequent search revealed a 9mm unserialized, loaded firearm, commonly known as a "ghost gun," concealed in his waistband.
The juvenile was arrested and booked into Hillcrest Juvenile Hall on suspicion of multiple offenses, including:
• Carrying a concealed firearm
• Possession of a firearm by a minor
• Possession of live ammunition by a minor
• Resisting, delaying, or obstructing a peace officer
• Possession of an unserialized firearm
This incident highlights the importance of proactive patrols and the dangers posed by illegally possessed firearms, particularly in the hands of juveniles. As a reminder to parents, Los Prados Park closes at 10 p.m. SMPD remains committed to keeping firearms out of the wrong hands and ensuring our parks and neighborhoods remain safe for everyone.
ARRESTED
Juvenile male, 14-year-old San Mateo resident
CHARGES:
25400 (a) (2) PC-Carrying a concealed weapon, 29610 (a) PC-Minor in possession of a handgun, 29650 PC-Minor illegally possessing ammunition, 29180 (c) PC-Possession of an unserialized firearm, 148 (a) (1) PC-Resisting an Officer
