Man arrested for illegally possessing handgun

A 25-year-old Marathon man was arrested Friday night after a Colt handgun was found in the pickup truck he was driving.

Alejandro Ceja was charged with possessing a concealed firearm with no license.

Sgt. Lissette Quintero was on patrol at 9 p.m. when she a white Dodge Ram pickup truck traveling south on Aviation Boulevard. Sgt. Quintero surmised the vehicle was being driven unsafely due to the wet weather conditions. She further found the truck’s registration was expired. Sgt. Quintero stopped the truck at 52nd Street and U.S. 1.

The driver, identified as Ceja, demanded to know the reason for the stop and refused to answer Sgt. Quintero when she asked if he had any weapons in the truck. Sgt. Quintero told Ceja she surmised he was swerving and driving too fast for the wet weather conditions. Ceja stated he “may or may not” have a weapon in the vehicle. Sgt. Quintero asked Ceja to step out of the truck. Ceja refused. Sgt. Quintero requested backup.

Ceja stated he had a weapon in the center console along with a magazine. Sgt. Quintero again asked Ceja to step out of the truck. Sgt. Quintero observed Ceja reach toward the inside of the vehicle with his right hand. Sgt. Quintero drew her service weapon from its holster and ordered Ceja out of the truck at gunpoint. Deputy Shaun Lones arrived on scene. Ceja showed his hands, but continued to refuse to exit the truck. Ceja eventually unlocked the truck and stepped out. He was immediately detained by Deputy Lones.

A Colt handgun and two loaded magazines were found in the center console. The gun was unloaded, but it was not in a case nor was it in an inaccessible compartment of the vehicle. Ceja stated he was in the process of acquiring a concealed carry permit. A search revealed Ceja did not have a concealed carry permit.

Ceja was taken to jail.

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