Pasadena Man Arrested After Loaded Handgun Found in Traffic Stop

Police say the 18-year-old suspect was not on parole or probation and did not resist arrest.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 1:37pm

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A Pasadena man was arrested on Sunday evening after police discovered a loaded 9mm Beretta handgun during a traffic stop. Officers stopped the vehicle around 7:20 p.m. near Summit Avenue and Washington Boulevard for a traffic violation and found the firearm on the rear passenger floorboard after determining the driver did not have a valid license.

Why it matters

Illegal firearm possession is a serious public safety concern, especially when weapons are found during routine traffic stops. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by Pasadena police to get unlawful guns off the streets and prevent potential violence.

The details

According to Pasadena Police Lieutenant Sam De Sylva, the loaded handgun was not reported stolen. The 18-year-old Hispanic male driver, a Pasadena resident, was taken into custody on suspicion of possessing a loaded firearm. No drugs were found in the vehicle, and there were no other passengers.

  • The traffic stop occurred around 7:20 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
  • The suspect was arrested on the same evening, March 15, 2026.

The players

Sam De Sylva

Pasadena Police Lieutenant who provided details about the incident.

18-year-old Hispanic male

The Pasadena resident who was arrested for possessing the loaded handgun.

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What they’re saying

“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”

— Pasadena Police (pasadenanow.com)

What’s next

The judge will determine whether to grant bail for the suspect at a hearing later this week.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of vigilant traffic enforcement and the need to keep illegal firearms out of the hands of those who may pose a threat to public safety in Pasadena neighborhoods.