Fake Gun in Lap Gets Homeless Man Arrested by Benicia Police

SOLANO COUNTY, CA -- A homeless man who was found in possession of drugs and a replica gun is behind bars in Benicia today after an alert city employee called police to report him.

The employee called Benicia police the morning of Feb. 1 to report a man sleeping in a parked boat by the wastewater treatment plant on East Fifth Street may be armed.

Officers responding to the scene found the suspect sleeping with a weapon in his lap, and with much precaution, detained the suspect without incident.

Officers say they found methamphetamine and a pipe in the vehicle, and after further investigation determined that the weapon is a realistic-looking, high-powered pellet gun. The drugs and gun can be seen in the above photos.

The man, a 47-year-old transient whose name has not been released, was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine and the replica gun was seized for safekeeping.

Images via Benicia Police