Probation Search Leads to Recovery of Unregistered Firearm and Nitrous Oxide
MURRIETA, CA – The Murrieta Police Department conducted an investigation resulting in the arrest of two individuals following a report of suspicious activity on a major thoroughfare. According to department reports, a local resident contacted authorities after observing a male and female occupant of a vehicle inhaling substances from balloons while in traffic.
Officers initiated a records check on the vehicle’s license plate, which revealed that the registered owner is currently on probation for weapons violations through June 2026. Law enforcement located the vehicle near a McDonald’s restaurant. Upon contact, the driver denied having been in the vicinity of the restaurant, despite the presence of a bag of food from that establishment in his lap.
Due to the driver’s probation status, officers conducted a lawful search of the vehicle. The search led to the discovery of nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as “laughing gas.” Additionally, officers located and seized an unregistered pistol loaded with a high-capacity magazine, which is classified as illegal.
Based on the evidence recovered during the investigation, both subjects were taken into custody by the night shift patrol units. They were booked on various felony charges related to the possession of the unregistered firearm and the controlled substances. The firearm was booked into evidence, and the investigation concluded with the safe transport of both individuals to a detention facility.
