– by Jim Emerson
OAKLAND, CA — California Highway Patrol officers arrested an armed man who was walking two
dogs along westbound Interstate 580.
Mauricio Medrano-Torres, 51, was arrested near a large homeless encampment, close to the Coolidge Avenue freeway off-ramp.
A man was later identified as Medrano-Torres was reported walking along the freeway during
the morning rush hour.
CHP officers responded on July 8 at 9:40 a.m. The officers made contact with Medrano-Torres and found the dogs tied to a nearby tree.
“Officers observed the grip of a firearm protruding from a fanny pack worn by Medrano-
Torres,” according to a prepared CHP statement.
“He was immediately detained, and the firearm was recovered without incident.”
Medrano-Torres was taken into custody at 10:05 a.m. for carrying a concealed loaded firearm,
and possession of a controlled substance. Turns out the firearm was unregistered.
After being held a few hours at Berkeley City Jail, Medrano-Torres was transported to
Alameda County Santa Rita Jail. He was booked for carrying a concealed and loaded firearm.
Two misdemeanor-level charges were filed against Medrano-Torres on July 9. He is charged
with carrying a concealed firearm, and carrying a loaded firearm.
Medrano-Torres remains in custody for his actions. He has prior arrest record for possession
of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia, and for being under the influence of a
controlled substance.
The two dogs that accompanied Medrano-Torres during the freeway walk were unharmed.
They were safely transported to the Oakland Animal Services shelter.
