Man Charged On Suspicion Of Having Gun In School Zone In Martinez

MARTINEZ, CA—The Contra Costa District Attorney's Office filed charges Wednesday against a Martinez man accused of having a gun in a school zone.

Michael Joseph Childressfrey, 23, is set to be arraigned May 31 on the charges related to an incident April 26 at John Swett Elementary School in Martinez, the DA's Office said.

Around 1 p.m. April 26, Martinez Police were dispatched to the school campus on Alhambra Valley Road to investigate reports of a man in the school parking lot. Police were told that the man frequently carried a gun and was not a welcome presence.

Officers approached Childressfrey while he was in a parked car.

"He was cooperative, and when asked, Childressfrey said he was in possession of a firearm," the DA's Office said. "Law enforcement authorities placed Childressfrey under arrest for gun possession in a school zone and carrying a loaded concealed firearm."

Later, police seized two more weapons from his residence.

Childressfrey was taken into custody and immediately posted bail before the investigation could be referred for prosecution.

While the incident was resolved peacefully, parents and neighbors have expressed their concern over the matter — and that Childressfrey posted monetary bail the day of his arrest.

"This incident is understandably distressing — my Office worked in conjunction with the Martinez Police Department to ensure a swift filing determination," District Attorney Diana Becton said. "After receiving a request for prosecution from Martinez Police on Friday, the DA’s Office reviewed the case and filed the necessary documents with the court to initiate prosecution on Monday."