Loaded Gun Found In Backpack During Palos Verdes Estates Traffic Stop

PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CA — A driver was arrested after police found a loaded handgun inside a backpack during a traffic stop in Palos Verdes Estates, authorities said.

According to the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department, an officer stopped the driver on Via Montemar after observing multiple Vehicle Code violations.

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Before the officer could get out of the patrol vehicle, the driver exited his vehicle and approached the officer, behavior police described as unusual.

The officer also observed unspecified indicators that raised concerns during the encounter, according to the department.

During the traffic stop, the driver told the officer that he had a firearm inside his vehicle, police said.

A subsequent search of the vehicle turned up a loaded handgun inside a backpack on the back seat, according to PVEPD.

Police said the firearm was not being transported in accordance with California law, and the driver was arrested.

PVEPD did not specify in its social media post what made the transportation of the firearm unlawful or identify the specific firearms charge the driver faced.

The department also did not immediately provide the date and time of the stop, the block of Via Montemar where it occurred or the driver's age and city of residence.

Patch has contacted PVEPD for additional information.