2 arrested after police find significant collection of guns
(KRON) — The San Mateo police arrested a man Friday evening following a high-speed car chase, after which they found a “significant collection of firearms” at his home.
Police stopped a Dodge Journey just after 6:40 p.m. for traffic violations. At the first, the driver, identified as San Mateo resident Israel Lavea, 19, came to a stop at a nearby car wash, but as officers approached the vehicle, he sped away, according to police.

Officers chased the car west on East Hillsdale Boulevard at a high rate of speed during which officers said they saw Lavea drive on the wrong side of the road. They said they lost sight of Lavea’s car as it sped eastbound on East Hillsdale Boulevard toward Curtiss Street.
Police were able to find a residence connected to Lavea in the 100 block of 36th Avenue. Police said they found the Dodge Journey parked in a nearby carport with Lavea standing near it. Lavea fled from officers on foot before surrendering. Police took him into custody and recovered a backpack Lavea tried to get rid of.
“A search of the backpack revealed evidence consistent with marijuana sales,” police said in a statement.
Police also obtained a warrant to search the residence where they said they found “a significant collection of firearms, firearm components, and ammunition,” including:
- A large quantity of ammunition
- Two Spike’s Tactical AR-15-style firearms identified as machine guns (found in suspect Kaeli Lavea’s, 22, of San Mateo room)
- Five Anderson Manufacturing AR-15 lower receivers
- Twelve .223-caliber magazines, some loaded
- Two .40-caliber magazines
- Two firearm scopes
Israel Lavea was arrested for felony evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety, evading a peace officer by driving against traffic, resisting an officer, and possession of marijuana for sale. Kaeli Lavea was arrested for possession of a machine gun and possession of an assault weapon.

