Photo: found in the car
BERKELEY — A driver was arrested after dropping off a child outside Malcom X. Elementary School. He was driving with a suspended license and an expired registration, but police were more concerned about his loaded firearm.
Breon V. Bolton, a 28-year-old resident of Berkeley, is an aspiring photographer. His troubles started on April 13 when he was pulled over for running a stop sign near the school. Officers were in the area conducting a traffic enforcement special operation on the lookout for distracted drivers.
This special operation was conducted 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Ashby Avenue corridor was targeted for enforcement because many vehicle crashes occur there. The back of the school and its playground abut Ashby Avenue.
An officer spotted a car failing to stop at a stop sign near the school at approximately 8:30 a.m. When officers contacted the driver, he was unable to provide a valid driver’s license or vehicle registration.
With their suspicions aroused, officers searched the vehicle. Inside they found a concealed handgun loaded with a high-capacity magazine. They also found some credit cards not belonging to Bolton.
Bolton was arrested on four weapons-related charges for carrying a concealed loaded firearm with a high-capacity magazine. He faces additional charges for driving with his license suspended and suspected identity theft.
For his actions, Bolton was ultimately issued a citation and released from custody. Seventeen other drivers were issued citations during the same special operation for improperly using cell phones while driving.
