Deputies Arrest Felon After Newhall Traffic Stop

Authorities discovered an illegal handgun and ammunition inside a Ford RV during an early morning stop.

Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Drug Crime

Deputies Arrest Felon After Newhall Traffic Stop

Santa Clarita deputies arrested 59-year-old Antonio Lazo on felony charges following a traffic stop in Newhall. The suspect, a convicted felon, was found with an unserialized handgun and drug paraphernalia.

Why it matters

The arrest removes a convicted felon and an illegal firearm from the local community following concerns regarding vehicle safety. The stop occurred after officers observed an improperly secured load on the suspect's RV.

Antonio Lazo is currently held in custody without bail following his arrest on four felony charges and one misdemeanor charge. The suspect is a convicted felon with a record of prior narcotics arrests.

The players

Antonio Lazo

He is a 59-year-old convicted felon who was taken into custody following an early morning traffic stop in Newhall.

The details

A deputy initiated the stop near Railroad Avenue and Oak Ridge Drive at 4:30 a.m. after observing the Ford RV traveling with an unsafe load of loose objects. Upon discovering the driver lacked a valid license, a subsequent vehicle search yielded the loaded, unserialized handgun, ammunition, and drug-related items.

Thursday, October 15, 2026: Deputy conducted a traffic stop in Newhall.
Monday, October 19, 2026: Lazo remains in custody.

Legal Context

This case reflects broader regional efforts to enforce strict prohibitions against felons in possession of firearms and the growing crackdown on unserialized weapons. Law enforcement in the Santa Clarita Valley consistently prioritizes these stops to monitor transit corridors.

The arrest serves as a reminder of increased patrol vigilance regarding vehicle safety and traffic violations in Newhall. Residents should ensure their vehicles are properly loaded to avoid unnecessary encounters with law enforcement.

The takeaway

Maintaining compliance with vehicle safety codes is a simple way for drivers to avoid police scrutiny during late-night commutes. Convicted felons face significant legal consequences for possessing any firearms, regardless of the weapon's origin or registration status.