The deputy checked the license plate and discovered that it belonged to a different vehicle, a 2002 Chrysler. The officer stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver, George Pearson, and a passenger, Gracie Pulido.

The deputy discovered that Pearson’s license was suspended.

An Avenal Police Department K-9 assisted in the investigation. The dog alerted to the odor of possible narcotics inside the vehicle.

During a vehicle search, deputies located a black, 12-gauge, Savage brand shotgun in the trunk. The shotgun had been altered and the gun’s serial numbers were filed off and no longer visible. The shotgun was loaded with one 12-gauge shotgun shell.

The suspect, Pearson, though denying ownership, was arrested for possession of an altered firearm. 

A criminal history check revealed that Pearson was a convicted felon and was ineligible to own or possess a firearm or ammunition. He was subsequently booked into Kings County Jail on several felony charges. His bail set at $85,000.