Full Notification

San Mateo, CA – On October 30, 2026, at approximately 1:26 a.m., a San Mateo Police Department (SMPD) officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of S. Norfolk Street and Shoreview Avenue after observing a driver fail to stop at a stop sign.
 
Officers contacted the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, Richard Makoni. During a consensual search of Makoni's person, officers located a .40-caliber pistol with a loaded magazine in his pants pocket. The firearm was determined to have been stolen out of Utah. A subsequent probable cause search of Makoni's vehicle revealed an unserialized, privately manufactured AR-15-style rifle with a loaded magazine and a chambered .223-caliber cartridge in the trunk. Officers also located a loaded, 65-round large-capacity drum magazine inside a backpack.
 
Makoni was arrested on multiple charges, including carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle, carrying a concealed firearm on his person, illegal possession of an assault weapon, carrying a loaded firearm under specific circumstances, possession of a loaded and concealed firearm, possession of stolen property, and possession of an unserialized firearm. Makoni was subsequently transported to the San Mateo County Jail where he was booked on his charges.
 
We encourage our community members to remain vigilant and report crimes or suspicious activity. If you see a suspicious person, vehicle, or activity, call SMPD. Trust your instincts and help us keep San Mateo safe.
 
See Something, Say Something.
 
ARRESTED
Richard Makoni, 25-year-old East Palo Alto resident
 
CHARGES:
25400 (A) (1) PC, 25400 (A) (2)-PC, 30605 (A) PC, 25850 (A) PC, 25400 (C) (6) PC, 496 (A) PC, 23920 (B) PC