Local Police Log

Avila Beach

A man who tried to sell a gun is sought in connection with a robbery five days before, Pismo Beach police said Friday.

A man pointed a semi-automatic handgun at two guests at Best Western Shore Cliff Lodge in Pismo Beach on April 25. The victims gave the man money and a credit card, which was later used at a Pismo Beach gas station, police said.

The suspect was described as 40 to 50 years old, 5 feet 11 inches tall and about 250 pounds. He was wearing a blue Boston Red Sox baseball cap, a navy blue T-shirt, dark-colored shorts and tennis shoes, according to police.

A man said to match that description walked into a real estate office and another business in Avila Beach on Wednesday and said he had a gun he wanted to sell so he could buy gas, witnesses report. The suspect may have been driving a late model blue GMC Yukon with Arizona license plates.

The man and vehicle may have been at Target and Wal-Mart in Paso Robles on Monday, police added.

Anyone with information should call the Pismo Beach Police Department at 773-7019.

— Bert Etling

SLO County

Separate traffic incidents involving vehicles that rolled over delayed traffic on area highways Friday, but no serious injuries were reported.

A Dodge pickup headed south on Highway 101 swerved and struck a white Ford Tiempo south of Stagecoach Road just after 4 p. m.

Emergency crews had to use special tools to remove the driver of the pickup from his vehicle, but he suffered only minor injuries to his hands, according to CHP Officer Will Archibald. The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

No one was injured in the Ford.

Southbound traffic was partially blocked. Although northbound lanes were not blocked, drivers slowing to view the accident scene caused traffic to back up to Marsh Street in San Luis Obispo.

In a separate incident, a van rolled over on Highway 1 near the California Men’s Colony just before 7 p. m., and minor injuries were reported. The road was cleared before 8 p. m.

— Bert Etling