James Howell, 20, of Indiana was arrested prior to Sunday’s Pride Parade after his suspicious actions were reported to police. According to reports, a man walked outside his home in the early morning hours of Sunday June 12th and spotted Howell “acting suspicious.” The witness claimed that shortly after exiting his home, he noticed Howell across the street immediately jump into some nearby bushes. The witness, a longtime resident of the neighborhood, quickly called police and reported what he saw.
When police arrived on the scene, they searched Howell’s car and discovered several illegal firearms, high-capacity magazines, and a barrel containing chemicals that could be used to create explosives. When questioned, Howell claimed only that he was in town to attend the Pride Parade. He was immediately arrested and on Tuesday June 14th, he was brought before a judge and formally charged with possession of illegal weapons and explosives. He’s currently being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.
The State of California has a ban on manufacturing, selling or possessing certain weapons, and that ban falls under California Penal Code 16590. Weapons and items made illegal under the law include brass knuckles, nunchukus, certain types of knives, camouflaged gun cases and high-capacity magazines; among other things. Whether or not the PC 16590 is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony will depend on the circumstances of the case and the defendant’s prior criminal history. If charged as a misdemeanor, the defendant faces the possible penalties of informal probation, up to a year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. If charged as a felony, the penalties include formal probation and up to a year in county jail OR 16-months to 3-years in county jail.
Possession of explosives is covered under California Penal Code 18710 PC and covers things like bombs, grenades and explosive projectiles as well as rockets and missiles. Under PC 18710, it is illegal to even possess these items no matter if the individual intends to detonate them or not. PC 18710 is also a “wobbler,” and misdemeanor convictions include the same penalties as PC 16590. Felony convictions include the possible penalties of 16-months to 3-years in California state prison and/or fines of up to $10,000.
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