Traffic stop leads to loaded gun arrest – The Mendocino Beacon

FORT BRAGG, CA > > On July 12, 2024, at approximately 9:47 a.m., a Fort Bragg Police Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for multiple California Traffic Act violations in the 200 block of Maple Street.

During the traffic stop, it was learned that the driver, a 17-year-old minor, resident of Fort Bragg, was operating a motor vehicle without a license.

Based on the criminal history, it was known that the minor had been cited for the same offense in the past and had been taken into custody without incident for this current offense.

An inventory search of the vehicle was conducted, which resulted in the discovery of a club (mini-bat) and a loaded, unregistered, high-capacity handgun, both concealed under the front seat.

Upon further inspection, it was determined that the handgun had a threaded barrel to accommodate a silencer, thus classifying the handgun as an “assault weapon.”

The passenger, identified as Andrea Romero-Serrano, 19, a Fort Bragg resident, was also taken into custody following an investigation.

The juvenile was transported to the Mendocino Juvenile Center and Romero-Serrano was booked into the Mendocino County Jail. Both individuals were charged with the following offenses: 22210 PC – Possession of a Concealed Club, 25850(a) PC – Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public, 25850(c)(6) PC – Unregistered Loaded Firearm, 25400(a)(1) PC – Carrying a Concealed Weapon on Person or Vehicle, 30515(4)(A) PC – Possession of an Assault Weapon, and 182(a)(1) PC – Conspiracy to Commit a Felony.

All of these offences are felonies. The minor was also convicted of 12,500a VC – driving without a licence, a misdemeanor.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Officer Frank of the Fort Bragg Police Department at (707) 961-2800 ext. 223.

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