Fireworks Stunt Leads To Arrest Of Felon With Loaded Gun: San Mateo Police Department

SAN MATEO, CA — A San Mateo police officer on the lookout for illegal fireworks ended the Fourth of July in a high-speed chase with a felon whose arrest turned up a loaded gun.

Police said the officer saw a man set off a mortar-style firework within yards of him on 2nd Avenue. The man then drove off at high speed. The officer attempted to catch him but gave up because the man was driving so recklessly.

Tau and a woman companion, Samatalifolau Langi, 24, of Merced, were later found at a residence in the 100 block of South Grant Street, police said. Tau attempted to hide from police while Langi was detained and then attempted to get away on foot, without success.

A search of Tau's vehicle found a stolen firearm and illegal fireworks. Police said he was ultimately accused of violating parole by being in possession of a gun, evading "with wanton disregard for safety," obstructing or resisting an officer, possession of stolen property, and hit-and-run involving another vehicle.

Langi was arrested for possession of a narcotic substance and possession of a controlled substance without prescription, police said.

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