Police: Man arrested smoking reefer, carrying handgun

Fresno police arrested a man on weapons charges Thursday night after he was spotted driving while smoking a marijuana cigarette.

Sgt. Tony Bustos said a traffic officer was near North Abby Street and East Lewis Avenue about 6:45 p.m. when he saw a man later identified as Miguel Martinez, 19, smoking the cigarette.

After making a traffic stop, the officer discovered a Beretta 9 mm handgun under the driver’s seat. Martinez reportedly said he needed the weapon for protection.

Martinez was booked on charges of carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle, possessing an unregistered handgun, and marijuana possession. His passenger, Mike Olea, 23, who was on felony probation, was arrested after officers searched his home in the 400 block of North Poplar Avenue and found ammunition in his home, a violation of his terms of probation.

This story was originally published May 6, 2016 at 8:51 AM with the headline "Police: Man arrested smoking reefer, carrying handgun."