Garcia, known to the SPPD and “with several prior convictions,” was arrested for possession of a loaded handgun, carrying a loaded firearm in a public place and drawing or exhibiting a firearm.Cmdr. Trimble said investigators believe that the incident was “probably a dope deal and they got upset with each other; no drugs were found at the scene, just the baton and revolver.”The investigation into the incident is continuing, Cmdr. Trimble added.
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Santa Paula Police Officer Wally Boggess carefully secures a loaded handgun after retrieving the gun from under the car to the right. The suspect involved threw the gun under the car while being chased. Other Santa Paula Police Officers looking on (left to right) are Officer Don Lusk, Officer Daryl Koranda, and Officer Cody Madison. Photo by Don Johnson |
SP man arrested after he throws loaded revolver under parked car
March 31, 2004
Santa Paula Police Department
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula TimesA Santa Paula man was arrested in what police believe was a drug deal gone bad that occurred Friday morning on North Mill Street, just south of the Gazebo, according to a SPPD spokesman. Santa Paula Police Commander Mark Trimble said a 911 report to emergency dispatchers was received at about 8:21 a.m. on March 26 of a “subject with a gun fighting on the sidewalk. . .”Upon the arrival of officers, the suspect threw a gun underneath a car parked at the curb. When the gun was retrieved by officers it was found to be a loaded six-shot revolver with the hammer pulled halfway back.Officers arrested George Garcia, 34, a “felon on parole through the Violent Offender Act,” who lives in Santa Paula, Cmdr. Trimble noted.Another man ran away as officers approached and a third was stopped as he was walking away from the scene.Police recognized the man who ran away and questioned the second man: “He was believed to be the victim of the gun brandishing but refused to cooperate with officers. Also found at the scene was a wooden baton with blood on it,” that was confiscated by police for fingerprint testing and further investigation, said Cmdr. Trimble.
