Fortuna Police Department press release:

On January 5, 2015 at about 5:00 pm, Officers with the Fortuna Police Department observed a gray 2000 Chevrolet Silverado breaking tractions in the 600 block of 11th Street. The driver of the vehicle was known to officers as Nick Lopez-Martinez (age 26 of Fortuna), whom had a suspended driver’s license. Officers affected a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 200 block of 12th Street.

During the traffic stop officers began processing the vehicle for tow, during which time officers located a loaded .22 rifle in the backseat of the vehicle. Officers then located a suspected live grenade in the vehicle. Officers immediately backed away from the vehicle, taking Lopez-Martinez into custody and moving to a safe distance.

With the assistance of further Fortuna Officers and the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department a safety perimeter was established and residents in the area were notified. Humboldt County Sherriff’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team responded to assist and safely disposed of the suspected live grenade.

Lopez-Martinez was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked on the following charges.

• 18715(a)(1) California Penal Code, Possession of an Explosive Device 
• 18730 California Penal Code, Transportation of an Explosive Device 
• 14601 California Vehicle Code, Driving on a Suspended Drivers License

Previously: Live Grenade Found in Fortuna; 12th Street Blocked Off