Stolen Gun Seized, Gang Member Arrested Following Pasadena Traffic Stop

Police recovered a stolen handgun and arrested an ex-convict and self-described gang member after pulling over a car for a traffic violation in Pasadena on Saturday night, authorities said.

An officer stopped a car about 8:50 p.m. along Hammond Street, near Raymond Avenue, according to Pasadena police Lt. Anthony Burgess.

The driver admitted to not having a driver’s license and was asked to step out of the car, he said. As he exited, officers noticed a handgun tucked into his waistband.

Police detained the driver without incident and seized what was ultimately determined to be a loaded handgun that had previously been reported stolen, Burgess said.

Robert Leon Beckwith, 47, of Los Angeles was booked on suspicion of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, according to police and Los Angeles County booking records. Police said he was also a self-described Pasadena gang member.

Beckwith was being held in lieu of $35,000 bail pending his initial court appearance, scheduled Tuesday in the Pasadena branch of L.A. County Superior Court, records show.