The teen, who had no prior criminal record, was taken into custody
A 17-year-old was arrested late Saturday night after Santa Monica police discovered a loaded .38 caliber handgun with a defaced serial number during a routine traffic stop, authorities said.
Officers pulled over a vehicle around 11 p.m. on February 22 for expired registration when they found the firearm in the possession of a rear passenger, police said in a statement. The teen, who had no prior criminal record, was taken into custody.
Authorities did not immediately release further details on potential charges or court proceedings.