Parolee Makes a Scene with Fake Handgun

COSTA MESA — Just after noon on June 29th, 34-year-old Osvaldo Castro walked into the Metro PCS store at 1175 Baker Street carrying what appeared to be a semi-automatic handgun. He approached the service counter, pointed the gun squarely at the face of the employee seated behind the counter, and attempted to fire.

Baker Street, near location of incident

However, the gun sternly malfunctioned, at which point Castro left the store and struck off on foot.

According to witnesses, he was a known customer.

Officers converged on the scene while the Orange County Sheriff’s Department chopper, “Duke,” assisted with coordinating a search of the initial area as well as Castro’s residence. Officers remained in the area after confirming Castro was not at home, but it wasn’t long before dispatch received a tip that a nearby resident had seen a man matching Castro’s description standing outside near Mendoza and Mission Drive.

Responding officers took Castro into custody upon arrival. His exact charges, as well as motive, are unknown.

Read more:

Orange County Register: Parolee arrested in Costa Mesa after gun scare

Costa Mesa Police Department Press Release (via Nixle)