Previously Convicted Felon Arrested on Suspicion of DUI, Unlawful Possession of Loaded Firearm
Above: Gun recovered from vehicle during traffic stop | San Mateo PD
San Mateo police have announced the arrest of a previously convicted felon whom they allege had been driving under the influence while unlawfully in possession of a firearm.
According to a department press release, 45-year-old Saimone Nai was taken into custody on multiple charges following an incident in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 14.
Police say that, shortly after 2 AM, an officer traveling northbound on Flores Street observed a black Toyota driving the same direction without a working rear license plate light. The officer followed the vehicle turning east on 25th Avenue, and there conducted an enforcement stop.
The driver, identified as Nai, reportedly displayed “objective signs of intoxication,” and was ultimately placed under arrest following a standardized field sobriety test. Nai was also found to be a previously convicted felon.
Officers conducted a search of Nai’s vehicle and reportedly found a sling bag containing a firearm with a loaded magazine, as well as a second loaded magazine in the bag.
Nai was later booked at the San Mateo County jail on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, felon in possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm in public, driving under the influence of alcohol, and driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol content of .08% or more.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 32 people die in drunk-driving crashes every day, or one person around every 45 minutes. Approximately 30% of all traffic fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers.
The NHTSA also breaks down the effects of alcohol on motor functions and driving ability. A blood-alcohol level of .08 or higher can result in poor muscle coordination as well as impaired judgment, self-control, reasoning, and memory. These naturally carry over into significantly impaired driving ability, including reduced ability to control speed, reduced concentration, and reduced information processing ability.
