What was a San Diego State student doing with no fewer than nine firearms, ammunition and a gas can in the trunk of his car?  His intentions, if any, may never be known, but it is  a fact, two California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) members who are Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agents made a remarkable bust.

“Our ABC agents put their lives on the line every day they go to work,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  “That many weapons, in the hands of a college student, who was arrested for being under the influence, there’s no telling what may have happened, had these agents not been so alert.”

ABC agents Dean Maier and Richard Sotelo were working on a multi-agency maximum enforcement detail Friday, October 26, 2012 when they encountered David  Robert Moore, II, 20,  in a CVS parking lot.  According to an ABC press release, the agents stopped the 20-year-old after he exited the store with a 12-pack of beer.

Interestingly enough, the agents report, they were issuing a citation to a minor who had just purchased alcohol with a fake i-d, when Moore, arrived and greeted them saying, “Officers.”  They say he proceeded to go into the CVS store and buy beer with a fake I-D. 

According to the press release, the young man placed the beer in the trunk of his car.  When agents Maier and Sotelo approached Moore, they say, Moore admitted to being underage.  It was when Moore was retrieving his I-D that the agents noticed a  gas can, rifles (including a military type assault rifle) and ammunition, all in the trunk of the car.

“ABC agents working undercover during a ‘routine operation’ never know what they may be facing,” said California Association of State Investigators (CASI) President Shelley Bishop.  “Agents Maier and Sotelo are to be commended for their good work.”

According to the press release, Moore said he was cleaning out his gun safe.  The discovery resulted in a huge police response and Moore’s arrest for being a minor under the influence, possession of a fake I-D and a minor purchasing alcohol.

The investigation into the weapons is still underway.

“Many Californians are unaware of the terrific work our ABC agents do on a daily basis,” said Barcelona. “They routinely go after armed and  dangerous felons, conduct gambling and narcotics investigations, and yes, keep alcohol out of the hands of minors.  We are thankful and proud of each and every one of them.”

 

For photos and video of the arrest and scene: http://www.cbs8.com/story/19930091/underage-drinking-sting-nets-suspect-with-car-full-of-guns