A 48-year-old Mountain View man was charged with firearms offenses after receiving a request to check on his welfare.
According to police, a woman called to report Vernon Fergerstrom was at a residence on East Kahaopea Street in Hilo and that he might have a gun in his possession.
Officers reportedly found Fergerstrom in a Toyota Tundra pickup truck at a nearby business on Kanoelehua Avenue. A search warrant was obtained on the truck and a 9mm rifle, high-capacity magazine and ammunition for the rifle, which was not registered to Fergerstrom, were found, police said.
Fergerstrom was charged with illegally carrying an unloaded firearm and ammunition.
During his initial court appearance Monday, Fergerstrom’s bail was maintained at $2,500 and he was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing at 2 p.m. today.