Admitted 'Meth User' From Solano Busted With Loaded Gun, Drugs: Cops

HERCULES, CA — A 34-year-old man from Fairfield, who told police he was a chronic "meth user," was arrested on suspected weapons and drug charges Sunday morning after an officer checked on an occupied, "suspicious" 2002 Mercedes parked behind Big Lots on Sycamore Avenue in Hercules, according to authorities.

The black, SL500 is frequently parked near the rear entrance of a nearby dry cleaners of the shopping center, the Hercules Police Department said.

The vehicle's occupant, found to have a previous felony conviction for transporting drugs for sale, told the officer he had a "small amount of marijuana and a needle," which led to a probable cause search of the car, police said.

Recovered from the vehicle were a hypodermic needle loaded with suspected methamphetamine, 2.8 grams of suspected meth rocks, and found in the trunk were two 12-gauge shotgun shells and a Black/Beige Polymer 80, a Glock 17-style, 9mm semi-auto pistol loaded with a 10-round magazine, the department said. The P80 was attached to a magnet on the interior of the trunk lid and concealed under the fabric liner, police said.

"The male was interviewed on scene," police said. "He admitted to being a chronic meth user and admitted to possessing the pistol for protection. He was also found to have a felony conviction for transporting drugs for sales."

The suspect, who was not identified, was arrested on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a loaded firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm and possession of a controlled substance while armed, and was taken to jail, authorities said.

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