Police Find AR-15, Stolen Handgun, Crossbow, Hunting Knife and Meth During Traffic Stop in Pasadena

Pasadena police arrested a self-described gang member with a lengthy criminal history after finding him in possession of a loaded AR-15-style rifle, a stolen handgun, a crossbow, a hunting knife and methamphetamine following a traffic stop on Friday afternoon, officials said.

Ricardo Salinas Mendez, 39, of Lynwood, was first pulled over for erratic driving about 12:10 p.m. at Hill Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena police Lt. Anthony Burgess said.

Officers immediately noticed the driver, Salinas Mendez, had an 11-inch knife in a sheath affixed to his belt, as well as methamphetamine in “plain sight,” according to the lieutenant

A further search of the car also turned up a loaded AR-15-style rifle, handgun that had been reported stolen out-of-state and a crossbow, Burgess said.

Salinas Mendez, who described himself as a Gardena gang member, was arrested on suspicion of meth possession and weapon-related violations, he said.

According to Los Angeles County Superior Court records, Salinas Mendez has convictions including domestic battery in 2019, being a convicted felon in possession of a gun in 2013 and carjacking in 1998. Records also show five drug- and paraphernalia-related convictions between 2008 and 2016.

Bail for Salinas Mendez was set at $35,000 pending his initial court appearance.