Fremont Police Arrest Man on Firearm And Drug Charges

FREMONT, CA — A routine traffic stop in Fremont led to the arrest of a man on multiple firearm and drug-related charges after he attempted to flee from police.

On February 13, at approximately 3:30 p.m., a Fremont police officer attempted to stop a vehicle near Auto Mall Parkway and Grimmer Boulevard for multiple equipment violations.
The driver, later identified as Lawrence Velasquez, 44, of Fremont, fled onto Interstate 880, prompting officers to broadcast his vehicle information rather than engage in a high-speed pursuit.
A coordinated effort by patrol units, detectives, and the Crime Reduction Unit led officers to the suspect vehicle in a neighboring city. Velasquez was spotted approaching the vehicle, and when officers attempted to arrest him, he fled on foot. After a brief chase, he was taken into custody.
Upon searching Velasquez, officers discovered:

• An illegal gun
• An unregistered pistol
• A large quantity of illegal drugs and paraphernalia consistent with drug sales

Velasquez was arrested on multiple felony firearm offenses and possession for sale of a controlled substance. Authorities later learned that he had been released on his own recognizance just weeks earlier following similar criminal charges.

The case has been sent to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office for review.

Fremont police encourage residents to report suspicious activity by calling (510) 790-6800, option 3, or anonymously texting "Tip FREMONTPD" followed by a message to 888-777. In an emergency, dial 911.