Routine Traffic Stop Nabs Felon Allegedly in Possession of Gun, Cocaine

A Monday traffic stop led to the arrest of a Fairfield man on suspicion of possession cocaine and a loaded handgun.

Eric Barajas, 24, was arrested on suspicion of being a convicted felon in possession of a loaded firearm, possession of a firearm with the serial number removed, possession of cocaine while armed with a firearm and driving on a suspended license, police said.

On Monday at 8:15 p.m., Fairfield police officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at Missouri and Great Jones streets because of a defective headlight and defective taillights, police said.

The driver, identified as Barajas, had a suspended license from a prior DUI case and was on probation for DUI, police said. Police said Barajas also admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day.

Officers searched the vehicle and found a small amount of cocaine near the driver’s seat and a loaded 9 mm semi-automatic handgun with the serial number removed inside a hidden compartment under the steering wheel, police said.

Barajas, who has a prior felony conviction, was detained and arrested, police said.

--Bay City News, photo via Shutterstock