Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest: Loaded Firearm and Drugs Found in Vehicle

Above: Items discovered during search | Courtesy of Watsonville PD

A routine traffic stop in the vicinity of Freedom Blvd. and Davis Ave. took a dangerous turn when officers discovered a loaded firearm and narcotics inside a vehicle. The incident unfolded when an alert officer observed a blue Corvette driver running a red light. What began as a traffic violation escalated into a more serious situation as officers delved into the driver’s background.

The driver, identified as 54-year-old Mateo Bayuga, soon found himself facing a slew of charges. During the initial stop, officers learned that Bayuga’s driver’s license had been suspended due to a prior conviction for driving under the influence, making him ineligible to operate a motor vehicle legally.

Upon conducting a search of Bayuga’s vehicle, officers made a shocking discovery. Hidden within the car were not only several methamphetamine pipes but also a loaded firearm. The narcotics found in the vehicle amounted to approximately one gram of methamphetamine.

In accordance with the law, Bayuga was immediately taken into custody. The charges levied against him include possession of a loaded firearm while being in possession of a controlled substance, carrying a firearm in a public place, and driving on a suspended license as a result of a previous DUI conviction.

Driving on a suspended license is a serious offense, as it poses significant risks to public safety. Adding a loaded firearm and illegal drugs to the equation intensifies the potential for harm. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic laws and the potentially severe consequences of operating a vehicle with a suspended license.

Local law enforcement agencies are committed to ensuring the safety of the community by actively addressing violations and crimes that endanger the public. This case will proceed through the legal system, where Bayuga will have the opportunity to defend himself against the charges brought against him.

As the investigation continues, authorities are emphasizing the need for responsible and lawful behavior when operating a motor vehicle. The discovery of a loaded firearm and narcotics during a routine traffic stop underscores the vigilance required to maintain public safety on our city’s streets.