Riverside traffic stop leads to discovery of handgun

RIVERSIDE – Riverside Police officers conducting an early morning traffic stop near University Avenue and Douglass Avenue August 8 located a loaded handgun in the possession of a convicted felon.

Officers made the stop about 3:45 a.m. and identified the driver as Rigoberto Martinez, 34, of Riverside.

Officers conducted a records check and determined Martinez was an unlicensed driver and a convicted felon.

During a subsequent search of Martinez’ vehicle, the officers found the handgun located in a passenger compartment within the driver’s reach. Upon closer inspection, officers discovered the serial numbers had been removed from the weapon.

Officers arrested Martinez and he was transported to the Robert Presley Detention Center.

A jail record check revealed Martinez was booked into jail on suspicion of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, being in possession of a weapon with the serial numbers removed and driver without a license.

Martinez’ bail was set at $10,000 and he bailed out later the same day. His next court date is Oct 7 at the Riverside Hall of Justice.

 

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