Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest on Weapons, Drug Charges

A routine traffic stop Sunday night led to the arrest of a man on multiple charges, including weapons violations and drug possession, according to police.

Pasadena Police Lieutenant Matt Campeau said that at 9:28 p.m. on December 29, an officer initiated a traffic stop in the 3400 block of East Colorado Boulevard. The driver, identified as Ruben Enriquez, 43, of Wasco, Calif., was accompanied by an unidentified woman passenger.

During the stop, the officer allegedly saw drug paraphernalia in the vehicle and ordered Enriquez to exit, Campeau said. As the officer attempted to detain him, Enriquez reportedly fled on foot, discarding a handgun in the process.

After a short foot pursuit, the driver was taken into custody, Campeau said.

Campeau also added that the passenger remained in the vehicle and was detained without incident.

A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered a controlled substance and additional drug paraphernalia, according to Campeau. The loaded handgun, which Campeau described as a 9mm ghost gun, was recovered after reportedly being discarded by Enriquez during his attempted escape.

Enriquez was arrested on numerous charges, including weapons violations, possession of a controlled substance for sale, resisting a peace officer, and an outstanding warrant, Campeau said.

The female passenger was released at the scene.

Campeau said that no injuries were reported during the incident, and no use of force was necessary to apprehend the suspect.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the Pasadena Police at (626) 744-4241 or report information anonymously by contacting “Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) via your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org