Photos: Courtesy of Marin County Sheriff’s Office (Cover) Dive Team
Written By: Jim Emerson
SAN RAFAEL — A driver was arrested after crashing into a curb, abandoning his car, and throwing a handgun into San Francisco Bay. The firearm was recovered by a Marin County Sheriff’s Office dive team assisting San Rafael police.
The suspect arrested Richard H. Hickey, 28, of San Anselmo, was allegedly high on drugs while driving. He was arrested October 5 and booked at Marin County Jail, but he is no longer in custody.
San Rafael police responded to a report of a reckless driver shortly before 8 a.m., near Point Pedro Road and Riviera Drive. Multiple callers reported the suspect attempted to gain access to nearby residences and a school bus, after abandoning his vehicle.
Witnesses told police they saw the suspect throw a handgun into the bay. Officers searching the suspect’s vehicle found suspected fentanyl and drug paraphernalia inside. Assistance was requested from the sheriff’s office, which sent a dive team that found a loaded pistol close to the shoreline.
Courtesy of Marin County Sheriff’s Office Handgun Recovered
In a prepared statement the San Rafael Police Department said. “Hickey later admitted to arresting officers that the handgun was his. Further investigation is being conducted to see if the firearm was used in previous crimes or stolen.”
Hickey was arrested for:
- Driving while under the combined influence of drugs and alcohol
- Possession of a narcotic controlled substance
- Addict in possession of a firearm
- Carrying a loaded firearm
- Possession of controlled substance paraphernalia
