BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Marijuana advocate and former marijuana shop owner David Abassi was arrested on Friday following an investigation into a report of a man brandishing a firearm.
According to officers, on Sunday, April 28 at approximately 9:32 p.m., officers responded to the area of 1200 King Street and came upon Abassi and a male teenager.
The investigation revealed that the contact occurred as a result of the two parties dogs attacking each other. According to police, Abassi reportedly attempted to pepper spray the dogs as the juvenile tried to separate the dogs. The juvenile thought that he was intentionally being pepper sprayed and struck Abassi.
This caused Abassi to respond by brandishing a firearm toward the juvenile. According to officials, Abassi did not have a concealed weapons permit and was carrying the firearm unlawfully.
Bakersfield Police say that Abassi's dog died as a result of the fight with the juvenile's dog and that they mother was cited for having an unsecured dog in her yard.
The investigation was submitted to the District Attorney's office for review and Abassi requested that charges be brought against the juvenile for assault.
The juvenile's mother requested charges be brought against Abassi for brandishing a firearm. The District attorney declined prosecution against the juvenile bought sought and obtained an arrest warrant against Abassi.
According to court records, Abbasi was arrested by Bakersfield Police on three misdemeanor charges including carrying a concealed firearm in public, carrying a loaded firearm and exhibiting a firearm.
During the investigation, investigators saw cause to seek a Gun Violence Emergency Protective Order against Abassi and several of his firearms were seized.
