Three convicted felons arrested with loaded weapons and drugs during traffic stop in Shafter

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Three convicted felons were arrested after a loaded gun, ammunition and narcotics were found in a car during a traffic stop in Shafter, according to police.

Shafter Police said that on August 25, 2024, at approximately 11:30 p.m., an officer was conducting a proactive patrol in the 300 block of East Lerdo Highway in Shafter.

Shafter police said the officer noticed an equipment violation and conducted a traffic stop.

According to police, there were three people in the vehicle, identified as 40-year-old Cinthia Rizo of Bakersfield, 41-year-old Javier Parada and 37-year-old Israel Gomez, both of Shafter.

According to police, a search of the vehicle revealed a loaded 9-millimeter pistol along with ammunition and drug paraphernalia.

According to Shafter police, all three people in the vehicle were convicted felons who were prohibited from possessing weapons or ammunition.

Upon closer inspection of the weapon, police discovered that the serial number had been removed.

All three individuals were arrested for illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of ammunition, conspiracy, altering the serial number of a firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia and carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle. They were booked into the Kern County Sheriff's Office Correctional Facility.