Traffic
Weld County, CO Traffic Stop Leads to 7 Charges, Stolen Gun Found
Weld County, CO – A routine patrol along Highway 34 in northern Colorado led to a driver's arrest on seven allegations after a deputy discovered a stolen handgun and identified several suspected viola
By Dylan Reeves · 2026-11-09T19:43:08.444Z
Weld County, CO – A routine patrol along Highway 34 in northern Colorado led to a driver's arrest on seven allegations after a deputy discovered a stolen handgun and identified several suspected violations, according to a statement released by the Weld County Sheriff 's Office.
According to the sheriff's office, the incident began shortly before 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, when a patrol deputy traveling eastbound on Highway 34 observed a blue Toyota turn south onto Weld County Road 47.
Authorities said the driver allegedly forced eastbound traffic to brake and swerve to avoid a collision.
Deputy Discovers Stolen Handgun The deputy stopped the Toyota near Weld County roads 47 and 54 and identified the driver as 45 year old Miguel Castillo.
During the encounter, the deputy reportedly spotted a handgun underneath Castillo's leg. Investigators later confirmed the firearm had been reported stolen in another jurisdiction.
Further investigation revealed that Castillo was subject to a protection order prohibiting him from possessing weapons, including firearms.
Deputies also determined that his driving privileges had been revoked and reported suspecting impairment during the traffic stop.
Seven Allegations Follow Investigation The Weld County Sheriff's Office reported that Castillo was arrested on suspicion of the following offenses:
Driving under restraint Theft of a firearm Failure to yield right of way while turning left Driving under the influence Criminal violation of a protection order Prohibited use of a weapon while drunk Possession of a weapon by a previous offender The arrest highlights how an initial traffic violation can lead deputies to investigate additional suspected criminal activity.
The sheriff's office did not specify where the handgun was originally reported stolen or provide details about the suspected impairment.
Authorities emphasized that all allegations remain accusations. Castillo is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.