A coastal O.C. traffic stop led to an arrest and the seizure of several illegal guns and ammo

Just after 1:59 a.m. on August 20, 2025, an officer on patrol in the area of San Joaquin Hills Road and Jamboree Road noticed something unusual, a red Ford pickup driving with registration that had been expired for 12 years, according to the Newport Beach Police Department.

The officer initiated a traffic stop and contacted a single male driver in the vehicle.

During the investigation, the officer found a set of brass knuckles inside the driver’s door, and that was only the beginning.

With assistance from another officer, a search of the vehicle uncovered a loaded .357 Magnum revolver, a KelTec AR-15 rifle, and multiple high-capacity magazines, all illegally possessed and not registered. In total, officers recovered:

• Colt Lawman MK III .357 Magnum revolver
• KelTec AR-15 rifle
• 60 rounds of .223 ammunition
• 50 rounds of .357 ammunition
• 3 forty-round magazines
• 1 thirty-round magazine
• Brass knuckles

The driver was arrested on multiple felony weapons charges, and all firearms and ammunition were booked into evidence.

What began as a simple expired registration violation turned into a major seizure of illegal weapons, highlighting how proactive policing and attention to detail help keep the community safe.

Here are the likely penalties under California law for the offenses involved:

• Expired Registration (Vehicle Code §4000)
  • Driving with expired registration is an infraction. Base fine starts at $25, but with fees and assessments, total cost often reaches $100–$200. If expired more than six months, the vehicle may be impounded, adding towing and storage costs.
• Possession of Brass Knuckles (Penal Code §21810)
  • This is a “wobbler” offense:
    • Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail and/or $1,000 fine.
    • Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison and/or $10,000 fine.
• Possession of Unregistered Firearms (including loaded handgun in vehicle)
  • Carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in public or in a vehicle can lead to:
    • Up to 1 year in county jail and $1,000 fine (misdemeanor).
    • If concealed without a permit or combined with other violations, can escalate to felony with up to 3 years in prison.
• Possession of an Assault Weapon (KelTec AR-15) – Penal Code §30605
  • Illegal possession of an assault weapon is a wobbler:
    • Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine.
    • Felony: 16 months to 3 years in state prison and fines up to $10,000.
• Possession of High-Capacity Magazines (Penal Code §32310)
  • Each magazine over 10 rounds is prohibited. Penalties:
    • Infraction: Up to $100 per magazine.
    • Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and/or fines.