Convicted Felon Arrested After Leaving Loaded Pistol in Shopping Cart
The San Mateo Police Department (SMPD) has arrested a convicted felon on multiple gun-related felony charges following an investigation that began when he left a bag containing a loaded, unregistered pistol in a store shopping cart.
On September 26, officers were alerted by an employee at a business near South Norfolk Street and Fashion Island Boulevard, who reported the incident. SMPD reviewed store surveillance footage, which showed the suspect, identified as 42-year-old Sione Laulea of San Mateo, arriving at the store in a white Kia, placing the bag with the firearm in a shopping cart, and subsequently forgetting to take it with him.
Investigators confirmed that Laulea, as a convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing any firearms. Following the investigation, SMPD secured arrest and search warrants. Laulea was apprehended on Thursday while driving the same white Kia south on Highway 101.
A search of his residence revealed an AK-47 style assault rifle, ammunition, a bulletproof vest, and various firearm accessories. Laulea was booked into San Mateo County Jail on multiple firearm-related felony charges, along with an active arrest warrant.