Human-Trafficking Arrest Made After Passed-Out Girl Found In Car

SAN RAFAEL, CA – A suspect was behind bars for alleged human trafficking and a 17-year-old girl was reunited with family after she was spotted passed out in the back seat of a vehicle pulled over last week by police for a traffic violation in San Rafael, according to authorities.

Cpl. Lilah Gavlick was patrolling the 700 block of East Francisco Boulevard Friday at 2:30 a.m. when she spied a silver Mercedes-Benz missing a front license plate – a violation in California – driving through a motel parking lot, the San Rafael Police Department said.

Gavlick, considered an area expert on human-trafficking crimes, stopped the driver, later identifed as Jayvon Gunn, near Bellam Boulevard and the eastbound Interstate 580 on-ramp, police said. In the car were three males and the girl, who was unresponsive, barefoot, wearing a short dress and appeared to be passed out, the department said.

" Cpl. Gavlick was concerned for the safety of the female in the back seat and decided to investigate further," Lt. Dan Fink said. "Gavlick is a recognized expert in human trafficking and routinely represents the City of San Rafael in the community to discuss human trafficking. Based on her training and experience, Corporal Gavlick became concerned that the (girl) could be a victim of human trafficking."

The teen eventually responded and identified herself to the officer as a 17-year-old resident of Modesto, police said.

Gavlick spoke with the driver, Gunn, who allegedly "made some admissions for her to believe that he was possibly trafficking the 17-year-old victim," Fink said.

The teen was interviewed at the police station, released to a family member and was supplied with information and resources on human trafficking.

After further police investigation, Gunn was arrested and booked at the Marin County Jail for suspicion of human trafficking and pimping, authorities said.

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