Driver Smoked Out in Possession of Firearm Stolen from a Police Agency
Photo: Hollis and 40th
EMERYVILLE—Four suspected gang members caught driving around in a car reeking of cannabis are in trouble with the law. A woman and three juveniles were all arrested for possession of a firearm reported stolen from a police agency.
The woman was driving through a shopping district, when she unwittingly drew attention to herself. An officer passing by smelled cannabis smoke coming from her vehicle on the night of October 16.
Since driving while smoking cannabis is illegal, a fact some drivers ignore, a traffic stop was conducted. Without incident, she was pulled over near the intersection of Hollis and 40th streets.
The investigating officer suspected there was probable cause for further investigation. Her vehicle was searched, which turned up a concealed weapon hidden underneath the front passenger seat.
It turns out the firearm was reported stolen—from another police agency in the San Francisco Bay area. And this weapon was loaded.
The driver of the car, Stacy Tidwell, a 19-year-old resident of Oakland, was arrested. Tidwell was booked into Santa Rita Jail the following morning on October 17. Accordingly, the three juveniles were processed at juvenile hall.
Tidwell faces three separate weapons-related charges for being a gang member carrying a loaded stolen firearm. In addition, she faces a fourth charge for possession of a high-capacity magazine.
Tidwell is scheduled to be arraigned on October 21. Meanwhile she is being held in custody in lieu of $130,000 bond.
