Santa Monica police arrested a man on Wednesday night, Sept. 17, after officers observed him handling suspected drug paraphernalia in a parked vehicle, leading to the discovery of a loaded handgun and multiple narcotics.
Officers patrolling the 00 block of Bay Street at approximately 9:40 p.m. Sept. 17 noticed a parked vehicle with its driver's door open and the driver manipulating what appeared to be drug paraphernalia, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.
When officers approached and attempted to detain the driver, he became uncooperative and repeatedly reached toward the center console area of the vehicle, police said. A brief struggle occurred before the suspect fled on foot.
Officers quickly apprehended the man a short distance from the vehicle.
During a subsequent search, police discovered a loaded handgun positioned within the driver's reach between the driver's seat and the center console. Officers also recovered what they described as significant quantities of cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms and marijuana.
The suspect remained in police custody as of the department's latest update. Police have not released the suspect's identity or specific charges.
The incident occurred in the downtown Santa Monica area near the beach. No injuries were reported during the arrest or struggle.
Edited by SMDP Staff