-Editorial
A man was arrested on multiple felony firearms-related charges after allegedly fleeing from police officers and discarding a loaded handgun during a foot pursuit in downtown El Centro on Friday night, Oct. 23, according to the El Centro Police Department.
Police said patrol officers were conducting proactive patrols in the downtown area when they observed a man causing a disturbance in the 400 block of Main Street.
During the encounter, officers reportedly noticed the man making movements that suggested he might be reaching for a firearm concealed in his waistband.
The man subsequently entered the passenger seat of a white BMW, prompting officers to conduct a traffic enforcement stop.
Police said the man fled the vehicle on foot, leading officers on a brief pursuit. During the chase, he allegedly discarded a firearm before being taken into custody without further incident.
Officers recovered a loaded, unregistered Glock handgun at the scene, authorities said.
A subsequent investigation determined that the suspect was on probation for a previous firearms-related offense, according to the department.
The man was booked into the Imperial County Jail on multiple felony firearms-related charges.
Police did not immediately release the suspect’s identity, age, or specific charges. Authorities also did not indicate whether anyone was injured during the incident.
The department credited its patrol officers for their response and efforts to recover the firearm.
Additional details about the investigation and the suspect’s pending court proceedings were not provided.
