Traffic Stop Leads to Felony Gun Arrest

An 18-year-old Pasadena man was arrested Friday night on a felony gun charge after officers discovered a loaded handgun during a traffic stop, according to Pasadena Police Lieutenant Matt Campeau.

Campeau said the stop occurred at 8:59 p.m. on Feb. 13 near Marengo Ave Avenue and Elizabeth Street, when officers pulled over a vehicle for an alleged stop sign violation. During the stop, officers reportedly saw marijuana in the back seat and conducted a search of the vehicle.

Under the driver’s seat, officers located a loaded black Taurus 9mm handgun with three rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber, Campeau said.

The driver, identified as Daniel Heredia, 18, of Pasadena, allegedly admitted to possessing the firearm. He was arrested and booked at the Pasadena jail, Campeau said.

The passenger in the vehicle was released at the scene, as the driver claimed sole possession of the weapon, according to Campeau.

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