PASADENA >> Pasadena police arrested a suspected gang member and recovered 18 grams of methamphetamine, along with replica handgun, Friday afternoon, officials said.
Victor Aguilar Mendoza, 21, was booked on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine for sales, according to Pasadena police officials and Los Angeles County booking records.
The arrest came after an officer tried to stop Mendoza for committing a traffic violation while riding a bicycle about 5 p.m. in the 500 block of N. Marengo Avenue, Pasadena police Lt. John Luna said.
Police chased the suspect as he fled into a nearby apartment, the lieutenant said. He obeyed commands to come out about five minutes later.
Mendoza consented to a search of his apartment, during which police found 18 grams of methamphetamine and a pistol only capable of firing “blanks,” Luna said.
Mendoza was being held in lieu of $70,000 bail pending his initial court appearance, according to booking records.