Proactive Traffic Stop in Thousand Oaks Uncovers Loaded Firearm, Cocaine, and Brass Knuckles

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — A routine traffic stop conducted by a alert patrol officer in Thousand Oaks led to the seizure of a loaded firearm, illegal narcotics, and prohibited weapons, public safety officials reported.

Click here to view the official Thousand Oaks Police Department Instagram post featuring photos from the field.

The proactive enforcement action was carried out by Deputy Misiorowski of the Thousand Oaks Police Department during weekend patrol operations.

The identity and formal booking details of the arrested driver are being processed by Ventura County Sheriff's Office detention personnel.

Traffic Stop, Visible Prohibited Weapon, and Vehicle Search

According to an official incident advisory released by the Thousand Oaks Police Department, Deputy Misiorowski initiated a traffic enforcement stop on a motor vehicle after observing traffic violations along a local roadway.

Upon making contact with the driver, Deputy Misiorowski looked inside the passenger compartment and spotted brass knuckles sitting in plain view inside the vehicle.

Under California state law, possession of brass knuckles is classified as a prohibited weapon offense, giving deputies cause to conduct a full search of the vehicle.

During the subsequent search of the automobile's interior, Deputy Misiorowski uncovered a loaded handgun along with a quantity of cocaine packaged for personal use.

Armed Under the Influence and Felony Charges

Following a field evaluation, deputies determined that the driver was actively under the influence of a controlled substance while in possession of the loaded firearm—a combination that presents significant public safety hazards.

Deputies took the driver into custody without incident and transported them to the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura.

The suspect faces multiple weapon and drug offenses under the California Penal Code and Health & Safety Code:

• PC 22410: Illegal Possession of Metal Knuckles (Misdemeanor/Felony)
• HS § 11370.1: Possession of a Controlled Substance While Armed with a Firearm (Felony)
• HS § 11550(a): Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance (Misdemeanor)
• PC 25400: Carrying a Concealed Firearm in a Vehicle (Felony/Misdemeanor)

"Deputy Misiorowski saw brass knuckles in the vehicle. A subsequent search revealed a loaded firearm and cocaine. The subject was also determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance while in possession of the firearm," the Thousand Oaks Police Department detailed in a public statement.

Public Safety Commitment and Contact Details

Department leadership commended Deputy Misiorowski's proactive patrol efforts, emphasizing that routine traffic stops remain one of law enforcement's most effective tools for removing illegal weapons and drugs from city streets.

Members of the public with information regarding illegal drug or weapons activity in Thousand Oaks are encouraged to contact the Thousand Oaks Police Department at (805) 494-8200 or the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (805) 654-9511.

Photos from the field and official updates can be viewed on the Thousand Oaks Police Department Official Instagram Page. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

Sources

• Thousand Oaks Police Department Official Instagram Post