San Mateo police say a fleeing driver led them to a home packed with firearms and ammunition
San Mateo, California – A traffic stop over loud music and a missed stop turned into something far more serious Friday evening. By the end of the night, police had arrested two people and uncovered a collection of illegal firearms, ammunition, and suspected drug-related evidence.
It all began with a Dodge Journey that initially pulled over for officers, only to speed away moments later. What followed was a dangerous drive through San Mateo, a brief chase on foot, and a late-night search of a nearby residence.
According to the San Mateo Police Department, officers from its Crime Reduction Unit stopped the vehicle around 6:41 p.m. on October 30 near East Hillsdale Boulevard and Saratoga Drive.
The driver, identified as 19-year-old San Mateo resident Israel Lavea, was the only person inside. He initially stopped near a car wash beside the police department but accelerated westbound on East Hillsdale Boulevard as officers approached.
Police said Lavea drove at high speeds and committed several dangerous violations, including traveling against traffic. Officers eventually lost sight of the Dodge Journey as it headed eastbound toward Curtiss Street.
Investigators subsequently identified a possible address connected to Lavea in the 100 block of 36th Avenue.
When officers reached the area, they found the vehicle parked in a carport and spotted Lavea nearby. He reportedly ran when officers attempted to detain him but surrendered following a short foot pursuit.
During that pursuit, police said Lavea attempted to throw away a backpack. Officers recovered it and discovered evidence consistent with marijuana sales.
The investigation then shifted to a nearby residence.
After obtaining a search warrant, officers returned to the 100 block of 36th Avenue around 11:30 p.m. Four individuals eventually came outside after officers initially received no response.
Inside, investigators discovered an assortment of weapons and firearm components.
Among the items recovered were two Spike’s Tactical AR-15-style firearms identified as machine guns, five Anderson Manufacturing AR-15 lower receivers, 12 magazines for .223-caliber ammunition, two .40-caliber magazines, two firearm scopes, and a substantial quantity of ammunition. Some magazines were loaded.
Police determined that the two suspected machine guns were found in a bedroom associated with 22-year-old San Mateo resident Kaeli Lavea.
Israel Lavea was arrested on allegations of felony evading with disregard for public safety, driving against traffic while evading police, resisting an officer, and possessing marijuana for sale.
Kaeli Lavea was arrested on charges involving possession of a machine gun and an assault weapon.
Both were booked into the San Mateo County Jail.
The department credited its Crime Reduction Unit’s investigation with identifying the weapons and addressing suspected illegal drug activity. What started as a routine traffic enforcement action ultimately developed into a firearms investigation involving two local residents.
The charges are allegations, and both individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
