On July 26 just after midnight, officers patrolling on the 100 block of South Brand Boulevard noticed an unoccupied vehicle parked crookedly in a handicap space without a disabled placard. The officers walked up to the vehicle and observed an open beer can in the cup holder and a handgun wedged between the center console and driver’s seat.

The officers located the admitted owner and driver of the vehicle, identified as 30-year-old Alvaro Salmeron of Los Angeles, along with a nearby passenger from the vehicle, identified as 29-year-old Luis Orozco-Bermudez. 

Upon being contacted, Alvaro admitted to having a loaded gun in his vehicle. Alvaro told officers he had a concealed weapons permit in the State of Nevada, however; he knew he was not supposed to be carrying the loaded gun in California.

A search of the vehicle produced the semi-automatic pistol that was loaded and unregistered. Officers also located two more loaded magazines along with baggies containing a crystal substance resembling methamphetamine, over 45 illegal pills and drug paraphernalia.

Salmeron was subsequently arrested and booked into custody for carrying a loaded firearm in public, possessing illegal drugs for sale and possessing drug paraphernalia. Orozco-Bermudez (no photo available) was arrested for possessing controlled substances.