Deputies seize 3 firearms during traffic stop, arrest driver and passenger

LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. -- Two people were arrested and three firearms were seized following a traffic stop on US 20, according to the La Porte County Sheriff's Office.

On Friday at 11:30 a.m., a deputy was traveling westbound in the 4000 west block of US 20 when he saw a vehicle drive left of center.

The deputy conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle.

During a discussion with the driver and passenger, the deputy established probable cause there was criminal activity, deputies said.

Additional deputies arrived and a vehicle was searched.

Three firearms, including one that had been reported stolen, were located in the vehicle, according to deputies.

Police seized a black Glock 21 .45 caliber pistol with an extended magazine containing 27 rounds of ammunition, a loaded black H&K USP 9mm pistol with 18 rounds in the magazine and a loaded black Canik 9mm pistol with 18 rounds in the magazine.

The driver, 22-year-old Mustafaa S. El'Malik, was taken into custody on preliminary charges of theft of a firearm and carrying a handgun without a license.

The passenger, 25-year-old Justin Burnside, was taken into custody on a preliminary charge of carrying a handgun without a license.

Both were released the same day after posting bond.