San Leandro Police Seize 3 Loaded Guns During Traffic Stops

SAN LEANDRO, CA — San Leandro Police Officers have recovered three handguns during traffic stops this week. All of the weapons were possessed illegally, according to police.

"These incidents are just a few over the past several days," said San Leandro Police Lt. Isaac Benabou. "So far this year officers have recovered approximately 31 handguns from cars and individuals in San Leandro. These incidents should remind us of the dangers that our officers face every day during routine calls. Fortunately, all guns were recovered safely, and without incident, however, any weapon present during a police encounter is dangerous and a reason for concern."

On Sunday night, an officer made a traffic stop around just before midnight in the area of Davis Street and Doolittle Drive. One of the two occupants of the vehicle was on probation which led to a search of the vehicle. The officer found a loaded 9mm handgun, along withnarcotics that were packaged for sale. Both occupants were arrested.

Just 20 minutes later, a different officer stopped a vehicle in the area of MacArthur Boulevard and Fortuna Drive. An occupant in the vehicle was found to be on probation due to a previous firearm offense. Officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded 9mm handgun. Both occupants of the vehicle were arrested.

On Wednesday night, around 10:45 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop in the 3000 block of Alvarado Street. The driver of the vehicle did not have any form of identification which required the officer to investigate further. As the driver exited the vehicle, the officer found that the subject was carrying a loaded 9mm handgun in his waistband. The gun was safely recovered, and the subject was placed under arrest.

-Image via San Leandro Police