In a late-night pursuit that started off as a "routine traffic stop," California Highway Patrol officers in the Stockton area ended up apprehending a suspect who brazenly discarded an AR-15 rifle in a Walmart parking lot. The action-packed incident took a dangerous turn when the driver, instead of complying with a traffic stop for speeding, opted to suddenly flee, leading to a pursuit. The CHP disclosed details of the arrest and gun recovery on their official social media channels.

The chase ended with a successful arrest and the retrieval of not just the stolen AR-15 rifle, but also a loaded P80/G19 pistol that was accompanied by a drum magazine and additional high-capacity magazines. This entire episode was outlined in a Facebook post by CHP - Stockton. 

The CHP's message was clear in their Facebook post: "This incident highlights the dangers officers face each day and the importance of proactive law enforcement in keeping our communities safe." The CHP also took the opportunity to express appreciation towards the officers and dispatchers for their rapid and coordinated actions that ensured the firearms did not remain a threat to public safety.

Stockton CHP's commitment to removing illegal firearms from the streets is a central part of their mission, as reiterated by their social media statement. "The CHP remains committed to removing illegal firearms from our streets and holding dangerous individuals accountable." The suspect, whose identity was not released, now faces serious charges following the attempt to evade law enforcement and dispose of the weaponry. The specific charges and further legal proceedings have not been publicly detailed at this time.