Routine Traffic Stop Turns into Felony Arrest

A routine traffic stop Sunday night turned into a felony arrest when Santa Barbara police officers discovered a gun, black ski mask, black gloves, and a black bandanna in a Louis Vuitton bag in the back seat of a silver Mercedes driven by 21-year-old Joseph Roberson.

Police originally pulled Roberson over at around 9:30 p.m. near the intersection of Calle Real and Highway 154 because he didn’t have his headlights on. A records check revealed that Roberson was on felony probation, with search terms, for possession of a deadly weapon. Officers searched his vehicle and found the .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol and the other items, along with a loaded magazine and 500 rounds of ammunition.

“Roberson stated that he obtained the firearm from a friend whom he would not identify,” said police in a prepared statement. “He offered no explanation as to why he was carrying a ski mask, gloves, and bandana with the gun.”

Roberson was arrested and booked in County Jail with a bail amount of $35,000. His probation officer was contacted, and he placed a no-bail detainer on Roberson.