San Mateo Police Arrest Felon After Loaded Pistol Found in Shopping Cart
The San Mateo Police Department (SMPD) has arrested a convicted felon on several gun-related felony charges following an extensive investigation. The incident began when a bag containing a loaded, unregistered pistol was left in a shopping cart at a local store.
On September 26, an employee alerted officers to the firearm left behind at the business near South Norfolk Street and Fashion Island Boulevard. Upon reviewing store surveillance footage, police identified the suspect as 42-year-old Sione Laulea from San Mateo. The video showed Laulea arriving in a white Kia, placing the bag with the gun in a shopping cart, and then forgetting to take it with him.
Further investigation revealed that Laulea, as a convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing any firearms. SMPD obtained arrest and search warrants and apprehended Laulea on Thursday while he was driving the same white Kia south on Highway 101.
During a search of Laulea’s residence, officers uncovered an AK-47 style assault rifle, ammunition, a bulletproof vest, and various firearm accessories. Laulea has been booked into San Mateo County Jail on multiple felony firearm charges, along with an active arrest warrant.
