University of Arizona Police Department officer saw a gun in her glove box

woman was placed in handcuffs after police saw a gun in her glove box Jan. 20 at 5:55 a.m.A University of Arizona Police Department officer observed a car driving without its headlights near the ROTC building and did a routine traffic stop. A Tucson Police Department officer was also in the area and came to assist. The UAPD officer was at the driver's side window and the TPD officer on the passenger side when they asked the woman for her license, registration, and proof of insurance. When she opened the glove box, the TPD officer saw a 9 mm and shouted, "Gun, gun."
The woman was told to remove her hand from the glove box and put both of her hands on the steering wheel. She did as the officers told her. She was then asked to step out of the vehicle and told she was going to be handcuffed for the officers' safety and she was not under arrest. The woman was placed in the back of the patrol vehicle.
Police noticed that the woman's sweater said "Marine" on it. She told the officers that she was in the Marines and she was attending a prep class at the university. She said that she bought the gun several months ago and was told that she could carry the gun, loaded, in her glove box. She did not know that it was illegal to carry a loaded weapon in a glove box. Police also informed her that it was illegal to have any type of weapon on campus.There were several Marines on the sidewalk. The woman's immediate supervisor identified himself to police.Police decided not to arrest the woman for any criminal charges because they were assured the Marines would handle the situation. The gun was unloaded and the clip and bullets removed. Police asked if there was a gun safe available in the ROTC building to store the weapon, clip and ammunition. They were told there was. The woman was informed about the laws regarding weapons on campus and concealed weapons.

Posted in: University of Arizona