BERKELEY — A patrol officer approached a car at a gasoline station to advise the driver about a vehicle code violation. As a result, he found two men in possession of a loaded handgun and promptly arrested them.
The Scene
At 12:24 a.m. on May 14, an officer observed a vehicle pulling into the Union 76 station at 901 Ashby Avenue. He followed and approached the vehicle to discuss the violation with the driver.
First of all the passenger, identified as 22-year-old Javon J. Lee of Oakland, exited the vehicle as the officer approached. Lee stepped out and began using a cell phone. Meanwhile the driver, identified as 22-year-old Edward Riley of Oakland, paid for his gas purchase.
What’s that on the console?
While standing next to the vehicle, the officer immediately spotted “an unrolled marijuana cigarette” in plain view atop the center console inside the car, police said.
The officer subsequently searched the car and found a loaded handgun underneath a bag resting on the front passenger seat.
Arrest and Charges
Lee was arrested and charged with causing a concealed firearm to be carried, carrying a concealed weapon inside a vehicle, carrying a loaded when not the registered owner, carrying a loaded firearm, and for being an addict in possession of a firearm.
Police took Lee taken to Santa Rita Jail, where he’s being held in lieu of $5,000 bond. On May 21 at the Alameda County Courthouse he faces a pretrial hearing.
Riley’s charges include suspicion of carrying a loaded firearm and carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle. He’s apparently no longer in police custody.
