TOPOCK – What began as a routine traffic stop in Topock resulted in the seizure of drugs and weapons and the arrests of two men from Riverside, California. The Mohave County Sheriff’s office said the vehicle was pulled over about 10:45 p.m. on Friday, April 16 in the area of the S. Golden Shores Parkway and E. Shore Dr.

Agency spokeswoman Anita Mortensen said a record check revealed registration for the vehicle had been suspended. She said deputies approaching the passenger side of the vehicle smelled an odor of alcohol and spotted a white crystal substance in the lap of the passenger identified as Michael Anthony Rist, 41.

Mortensen said the driver, Robert Jason Urquiza, 45, notified deputies that there was a weapon in the vehicle.

“K9 Grimm was requested and performed an outer sniff of the vehicle, and alerted to a positive odor of illegal drugs,” Mortensen said. “A search of the vehicle revealed methamphetamine, a scale, assorted drug paraphernalia, multiple knives and a handgun.”

Mortensen said it was learned that the handgun had been stolen and that both men are prohibited for possessing firearms. Both men were transported to Kingman and booked into the Adult Detention Center for multiple drug and weapon offenses.

Dave Hawkins