UPDATE: A federal judge has just jailed Maurice Herron, a 27-year-old Oakland man, for allegedly hiding a gun in a police vehicle, a shocking breach of trust that has raised serious public safety concerns. U.S. Magistrate Judge Kandis Westmore made the decision following revelations that Herron had previously deceived law enforcement while handcuffed.
The incident unfolded during Herron’s arrest in November 2024, when he reportedly removed a firearm from his waistband and concealed it on the floor of an Orinda police car. The hidden gun went undiscovered for 11 days until another officer found it, prompting a review of surveillance footage that confirmed Herron’s actions. This alarming event has left the community and law enforcement officials reeling.
In her detention order issued last week, Judge Westmore highlighted the severity of Herron’s actions, stating, “the evidence proffered by the government in this case showed it was not so,” contradicting his earlier claims of reform. Herron has two pending federal gun cases, including one where he was arrested with a firearm in January 2025.
Federal prosecutors have also linked Herron to a violent downtown Oakland armed robbery incident, where he allegedly served as a getaway driver. The robbery turned deadly when the intended victim fatally shot one of the suspected assailants, identified as Roosevelt Jones, age 33. Another accomplice, Jashawndre Uphsaw, was later arrested and charged with murder.
This urgent case underscores a growing concern about gun violence and public safety in the region. Community leaders are calling for stricter measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Herron’s history of firearm offenses paints a troubling picture of recidivism, raising questions about the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts in the justice system.
As this case develops, authorities and residents alike are urging vigilance and accountability in handling firearms. The next hearing for Herron is anticipated, and the community remains on edge as they await further details on this unsettling situation.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
