On Friday evening July 23, a Mesquite police officer conducted a traffic  stop on a vehicle for multiple violations. While speaking with the driver and front  passenger, the officer observed indications of possible further criminal activity.

Diego Cardiel Villalobos

The driver gave consent to a search of his vehicle and officers located a stolen loaded  9mm handgun concealed under the driver’s seat. Officers also located a digital scale and  approximately 10 grams of methamphetamine packaged in multiple small plastic bags.  

Diego Cardiel-Villalobos, 36, of Mesquite, was arrested and charged with felony  possession of stolen firearm and felony possession of a controlled substance with intent  to sell.  

Due to the felony charges, Cardiel-Villalobos was transported and booked into the Clark  County Detention Center in Las Vegas.  

“This incident showcases the dangers these well-trained officers come across while  working to keep Mesquite safe” stated Chief MaQuade Chesley. He continued “the officer  quickly recognized this was much more than a normal traffic stop, recovered a stolen  gun, and safely got a potentially dangerous suspect off the streets.”