Fortuna man arrested on handgun charges near Asti

CHP stopped 18-year-old for speeding, found loaded weapon concealed in waistband, small amount of pot.|
MATT BROWN
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

A man was arrested Tuesday after CHP officers said he was speeding and carrying a loaded handgun.

According to the CHP, Juan Contreras, 18, of Fortuna was clocked driving 86 mph southbound on Highway 101 near Asti. Officer Brian Hiss made an enforcement stop of the Acura and smelled marijuana in the vehicle.

After a second officer arrived, Officer Hiss searched the vehicle and found a box of handgun ammunition. He asked Contreras if he had a gun, and he stated that he did not, according to the CHP.

When the second officer patted down Contreras, a loaded semiautomatic handgun was found in his waistband. A small amount of marijuana was also found in the vehicle, the CHP said.

Contreras was arrested and booked on charges of carrying a loaded, concealed firearm and possession of marijuana.

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