A 17-year-old boy was arrested last Saturday, October 22, after he dangerously skidded his car inside the Hillsdale Shopping Center and a firearm was found inside, said the San Mateo County Police Department - SMPD.
Authorities detailed in a statement that at approximately 10:45 p.m., the SMPD officer heard screeching tires at the Hillsdale Mall. As the officer approached the sound, he observed a large amount of smoke coming from the upper level of one of the mall's parking lots.
When he reached the upper level, the officer discovered the source of the smoke. A 2005 Jaguar was moving in a tight circular motion and emitting smoke from friction. Several people and vehicles were dangerously close to the continuously spinning vehicle.
The officer immediately conducted a vehicle stop for reckless driving. When the car stopped, the officer contacted and identified a 17-year-old male driver and a male passenger of the same age.
Officers conducted an inventory search before seizing the Jaguar and discovered a red shoulder bag on the driver’s side containing a loaded Ruger 9mm pistol with an extended magazine and an extra magazine.
Through an investigation at the scene, officers learned that the gun had been stolen, but had not been reported. Because a firearm was located in the vehicle, officers conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle and located marijuana joints and a loose bag of cannabis.
The juvenile driver was arrested and transported to Hillcrest Juvenile Hall and booked on multiple charges.
SMPD reminded residents that “If you see something, say something,” while encouraging the community to utilize security cameras. “They are especially helpful in identifying suspicious activity in neighborhoods when the cameras are facing the street. Our officers request surveillance regularly and you can help us by notifying SMPD where cameras are located in your neighborhood at www.cityofsanmateo.org/Nest", he said.
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