Traffic Stop Yields Arrest of Driver on Suspicion of Human Trafficking
Photo: Jayvon Gunn
SAN RAFAEL — An officer conducting a traffic stop ultimately arrested the driver on suspicion of human trafficking. The 17-year-old victim from Modesto was interviewed before being released to a family member.
The incident happened on April 19th when an officer on patrol was cruising along East Francisco Boulevard. At approximately 2:30 a.m., she noticed a silver Mercedes driving through a Motel 6 parking lot.
The front license plate was missing, so the officer proceeded to make a traffic enforcement stop. Drivers may be surprised to learn that missing a front license plate is a traffic code violation. In this instance, it was the officer who was surprised by what she saw next.
A young woman wearing a very short dress and no shoes, was passed out in the backseat. Moreover, the three men accompanying her seemed suspicious to this officer—a specialist in human trafficking crimes.
While the officer focused on questioning the men, the young woman began waking up. The driver identified as Jayvon Gunn, 19 of Sacramento, was ultimately arrested for pimping and human trafficking.
Gunn remains in custody at Marin County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bond on these open charges. A bail review hearing for Gunn is schedule to take place on April 30th.
As for the victim, authorities provided her with resources and information about human trafficking.
