Guns Seized During 2 Traffic Stops in Pasadena Over the Weekend

File photo of handguns

Two traffic stops stemming from routine traffic violations over the weekend resulted in the seizure of loaded guns, authorities said.

Officers tried to pull over a car about 11 a.m. at Lincoln Avenue and Montana Street, according to Pasadena police Lt. Sean Dawkins.

The car continued driving for a little over a mile before pulling over in the 400 block of West Washington Boulevard, he said. Police detained the driver and discovered a loaded handgun on the ground near the car, which the driver was believed to have discarded.

Thomas Ray Hampton, 32, of Duarte was booked on suspicion of weapons-related violations, according to Dawkins.

Hampton already had pending criminal charges for vandalism and driving without a license at the time of Sunday’s arrest, according to Los Angeles County Superior Court records.

Prior convictions in the county also include domestic violence with a prior conviction for the same and violating a protective order in 2017, domestic violence in 2016, attempted robbery in 2011 and resisting an executive officer in 2008.

Bail was set at $105,000 pending his initial court appearance, according to county booking records.

Another traffic violation about 7:30 p.m. Saturday resulted in police seizing a loaded gun from a suspected gang member, Lt. Anthony Burgess said.

Officers stopped a car in the area of El Sereno Avenue and Howard Street for a moving violation, he said.

During the contact, the driver consented to a vehicle search, Burgess said. Officers found a loaded handgun stashed under the driver’s seat.

David Anthony Allen, 22, of Pasadena was arrested on suspicion of weapon-related violations, according to Burgess and county booking records.

He was released from custody Saturday night after posting $35,000 bail, records show.

Sunday’s arrest was at least the 10th time in the past four months that routine traffic stops in Pasadena have resulted in the seizure of guns or contraband, and in one case, an alleged kidnapping victim.