Traffic stop leads to weapons, arrest

A Shafter man was arrested when a simple traffic stop turned into more serious charges when a weapon was found in the vehicle.

Kern County Sheriff's deputies stopped the man, later identified as Alexis Garcia, 22, of Shafter, at the intersection of Poso Drive and F Street on Monday night. Deputies suspected that Garcia was driving under the influence. Upon investigating, the officers found a loaded assault rifle and ammunition in the vehicle.

After the traffic stop, deputies served a search warrant at Garcia's residence in the 500 block of Martha Avenue in Shafter.

During the search of Garcia's residence, deputies found a loaded short-barrel 12-gauge shotgun, two high-capacity magazines, and additional ammunition. Garcia was subsequently arrested and booked into the Kern County Jail for possession of a firearm while under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of an assault rifle, possession of a concealed firearm in a vehicle, and various additional charges.

KCSO are encouraging anyone with information about this investigation to call 661-861-3110 or the Secret Witness line at 661-322-4040.