A car flying eastbound on SR‑118 at more than 100 mph on Saturday ended with a lot more than a speeding ticket, according to the California Highway Patrol’s West Valley office. Officers say a simple traffic stop near the I‑405 led to the discovery of a loaded gun, a large bag of suspected marijuana, suspected nitrous canisters and other controlled substances packaged in a way that suggested they were for sale. Both people in the vehicle were arrested on felony allegations.
CHP: Triple‑Digit Speeding Stop Turns Into Drug, Gun Bust
In a Facebook update from CHP – West Valley, officers reported pulling the car over on SR‑118 just west of the I‑405 after clocking it at over 100 mph. During the stop, officers say they found a loaded, operable firearm, a large bag of suspected marijuana, suspected nitrous canisters and what the post describes as additional controlled substances along with evidence suggesting an intent to sell.
Felony Allegations for Driver and Passenger
According to the post, the passenger was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance while armed, and the driver was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. Both are characterized as felony allegations. CHP did not release the names of the individuals or booking details in the social media post, and any formal charges will ultimately be decided by prosecutors.
What California Law Says About the Alleged Crimes
California treats the described offenses as serious felonies. Possessing specified controlled substances while armed with a loaded, operable firearm can be prosecuted under Health & Safety Code section 11370.1, which carries a potential sentence of two to four years in state prison. Alleged possession of a controlled substance for sale falls under section 11351, a felony that can bring additional prison time, depending on the specific drug and quantity involved.
Nitrous Canisters Raise Extra Safety Red Flags
CHP noted that suspected nitrous canisters were visible in the vehicle. Small nitrous oxide cartridges do have legal uses, such as in food service equipment and certain automotive applications, but medical experts have warned about the risks when people inhale them recreationally. WebMD reports that using so‑called whippets can deprive the brain of oxygen and lead to neurological damage, and a recent review has documented an increase in deaths tied to nitrous misuse.
CHP Frames Bust as Roadway Safety Win
In its post, CHP wrote that “enforcement like this helps keep roadways and communities safer,” presenting the stop as a reminder that traffic enforcement can quickly expand into broader public safety work. The West Valley Area office, which published the photos from the stop, says it patrols the San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities and is responsible for freeways including SR‑118, according to the agency’s office information.
CHP did not release further details in the Facebook post about where the suspects were booked or any subsequent court appearances. For now, the department’s social media update remains the primary source of the agency’s account, with additional information expected to come from prosecutors and booking records if and when they are made public.
