Man pulled out pistol at traffic stop: Hercules police

CITY OF HERCULES, Calif. (KRON) -- The Hercules Police Department (HPD) said a San Pablo man faces several charges after being arrested during a traffic stop Saturday night.

HPD said when an officer stopped the driver of the 2003 Mini Cooper at 7:59 p.m., they spotted a satchel in a car seat and asked the man if the bag contained “anything of concern.”

Police said the 29-year-old man quickly “stalled and hid his movements” in response then removed a pistol from the satchel. He turned around with the gun pointed down and told the officer, “I have my pistol,” said HPD.

Officials said the officer drew their gun and the man dropped his pistol. He was arrested without incident, confirmed HPD.

Police said the pistol was found to be unloaded and registered to the man. However, HPD said they did discover a "loaded extended magazine” inside the bag, as well as "suspected cocaine, Percocet pills and Adderall pills.” Investigators said the man also had "baggies and a scale," items commonly used in the sale of narcotics.

The suspect was taken to Martinez Detention Facility and his car was towed. He faces multiple charges, including possession of a loaded firearm/possession of a controlled substance for sale, and possession of a firearm with controlled substances.