Reckless Driving Suspect Arrested Atop Peninsula Mall Parking Lot

SAN MATEO, CA — A juvenile reckless driving suspect was arrested late Saturday night at the top level of a Hillsdale Mall parking lot after an alert officer responded to the sounds of screeching tires, San Mateo police said.

The 17-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving and guns and drug charges after officers found him in possession of a stolen firearm with an extended magazine, marijuana and scales, police said.

The boy was taken to Hillcrest Juvenile Hall.

A 17-year-old male passenger in the vehicle was released to the custody of his parent said.

The officer heard sounds coming from the mall at around 10:45 p.m. Saturday and as she got close observed a large amount of smoke coming from the top level.

When she reached the top level, a 2005 Jaguar moving in a tight circular motion and emitting smoke from the friction.

“Several people and vehicles were perilously close to the continuously spinning vehicle,” police said in a statement.

“The officer immediately conducted an enforcement stop of the vehicle for reckless driving.”

Officers conducting an inventory search before impounding the Jaguar. Officers found a red shoulder bag on the driver’s side containing a 9mm Ruger pistol loaded with an extended magazine and an additional magazine.

Officers on the scene determined the Ruger was stolen but had not been reported as such.

“Because a firearm was located in the vehicle, officers conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle and located marijuana blunts, a bag of loose marijuana, and scales,” police said.