(August 28, 2003) -- LB didn't need U.N. weapons inspectors to perform disarmament in a downtown neighborhood a few days ago.
LBPD Sgt. Michael Beckman (Patrol Division, South Bureau, Watch 3) reports the following savvy work by two of his cops on the beat.
Officers M. Zabel and C. Zamora were patrolling in the 600 block of Elm Ave. and spotted what they believed to be a drug transaction take place between two male subjects. The officers stopped the individuals to investigate and Officer Zabel performed a Standing Modified Search on one of the subjects...and located a small handgun in his pocket.
[LBReport.com comment: Yikes!]
Officer Zabel quickly retrieved the weapon, handcuffed and arrested the suspect.
The firearm was found to be loaded with one round in the chamber.
A booking inventory of the suspect resulted in recovering a significant amount of currency and a small amount of marijuana.
"These hard working officers did an absolutely outstanding job! Commendations will be forthcoming," says Sgt. Beckman.