Officers Recover an Illegal Firearm at Traffic Stop

On Monday afternoon, around 4:20 p.m., officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop in the area of E. 14th Street and Durant Avenue. Officers found an illegal loaded firearm hidden in the vehicle’s trunk, and the passenger has heroin in her possession.

The driver is 20-year-old Maria Tapia, who resides in Oakland. The passenger is 21-year-old Korine Ritter who also resides in Oakland.

“Our officers continue to locate illegal firearms and this particular incident was even more alarming because it was an assault type weapon,” said Lt. Randall Brandt. “Our staff is committed to maintaining public safety and being pro-active in combatting crime.”