Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest of Alleged Fentanyl Dealer in Pasadena

Police arrested a man with a long criminal history on suspicion of dealing fentanyl after pulling him over for a traffic violation in Pasadena on Friday, authorities said.

Officers stopped a car for a traffic violation just before 4 p.m. at Lake Avenue and Villa Street, Pasadena police Lt. Anthony Burgess said. It was determined the driver was already on probation due to prior convictions.

A search of the car yielded a “large amount” of fentanyl, as well as cash, according to the lieutenant. The specific amounts of drugs and money seized were withheld as detectives continued their investigation over the weekend.

Matthew Dryden Ogden, 38, of Pasadena was booked on suspicion of possession of drugs for sales, according to police and Los Angeles County booking records.

According to L.A. County Superior Court records, Ogden’s prior convictions in L.A. County include recklessly evading police in a vehicle in 2020; four counts of possession of drugs for sales and one count of bringing drugs into a jail facility in 2019; two counts of possession of drugs for sales and DUI in 2017; possession of drugs for sales, transportation of drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting or obstructing police, giving false identification to police in 2016; and reckless driving, commercial burglary and driving on a suspended license in 2015.

Ogden was being held without bail pending his initial court appearance.

Anyone with information can reach the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4501. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.