San Mateo honors two officers for arrests that started with traffic stops and uncovered bigger threats

San Mateo, California – A routine line-up turned into a moment of recognition this week as the San Mateo Police Department honored two officers for arrests that started with traffic stops and ended with dangerous weapons being taken off the street.

Officers Vanegas and Pusung-Zita received this quarter’s Best Arrest Awards at their respective line-ups, a department recognition meant to highlight police work that goes beyond the basic act of making an arrest. In both cases, the department said, the officers’ attention to detail and follow-through helped uncover more serious threats.

Read also: San Mateo County starts $34 million project to replace aging, flood-prone Pescadero fire station

Officer Vanegas was recognized for a traffic enforcement stop that led to the discovery of an unregistered loaded firearm. Police said the firearm was equipped with a high-capacity magazine and a multi-burst switch. The suspect was also found with marijuana and oxycodone for sale, according to the department. That case also resulted in an asset seizure.

Officer Pusung-Zita received the award for a separate traffic stop in which the driver was found to have an active warrant. During a search of the suspect, police found brass knuckles. A search of the vehicle then led officers to a loaded stolen firearm. The department said the arrest took a wanted felon into custody while also removing dangerous weapons from circulation.

The cases were presented by the department as examples of proactive policing: stops that did not end at the first violation, but continued through investigation, observation and lawful searches that revealed larger concerns. Police said that while making arrests is part of the job, the extra steps taken in these cases are what made the work stand out.

Read also: San Mateo County sets appointment-only process for household hazardous waste drop-off on June 20

The department praised both officers for helping get weapons “off the streets and out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them,” calling the effort good police work made stronger by proactivity.

For San Mateo police, the awards were not just about two arrests.

They were about what can happen when officers look closely, follow the facts and keep digging when something does not add up. Officers Vanegas and Pusung-Zita were congratulated for their work and recognized for arrests the department said made the community safer.