17-year-old arrested for possession of a loaded handgun after traffic stop

A 17-year-old was arrested late on Saturday night following a traffic stop by officers from the Santa Monica Police Department after a passenger in the rear of the car was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun.

On February 22, 2025, at approximately 11pm, officers conducted a traffic stop for expired vehicle registration. A backseat passenger was found to be in possession of a loaded Ruger LCP .380 Auto Pistol with a defaced serial number. This handgun can hold a maximum of seven rounds.

The 17-year-old suspect, with no prior criminal record, was placed under arrest. The police department have not yet released information on the where the traffic stop was or what kind of vehicle was pulled over.

scott.snowden@smdp.com

Scott Snowden

Scott has been a reporter for over 25 yers, covering a diverse range of subjects from sub-atomic cold fusion physics to scuba diving off the Great Barrier Reef. He's now deeply invested in the day to day life, culture and society of Santa Monica.