Traffic Stop Leads to Firearm Arrests as Part of Operation Gateway 101

This is a press release from the Eureka Police Department. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent unless proven guilty:

On March 9, 2026, at approximately 8:02 a.m., a Eureka Police Department (EPD) patrol officer was conducting traffic enforcement on 4th Street (US Highway 101 South) near A Street when the officer observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Using LIDAR, the officer obtained a reading of 74 miles per hour in a posted 30 mile per hour zone as the vehicle was passing multiple other vehicles.

The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver, identified as 36-year-old Angel Barba of Redding, was placed under arrest for reckless driving. Occupants of the vehicle stated there were firearms concealed under the center console.

Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and located two semiautomatic pistols concealed under the front seat folding center console.

Barba was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for:

• PC 29800(a)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm

• PC 30305(a)(1) – Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition

• PC 25400(a)(1) – Carrying a Concealed Weapon in a Vehicle

• PC 25850(a) – Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public

• VC 23103(a) – Reckless Driving

Barba’s passenger, 25-year-old Caden Hendrix of Redding, was arrested and booked for:

• PC 25850(a) – Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public

• PC 25400(a)(1) – Carrying a Concealed Weapon in a Vehicle

This enforcement action occurred as part of Operation Gateway 101, a collaborative initiative involving the Eureka Police Department, Public Works, Code Enforcement, other City departments, and community partners. The program is designed to address traffic safety and quality-of-life concerns along the Highway 101 Corridor, the city’s primary gateway, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and well-maintained environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.

While Operation Gateway 101 provides focused attention along this critical corridor, the Eureka Police Department continues to actively address crime, traffic safety, and quality-of-life concerns throughout the entire community. Citywide patrol operations, targeted enforcement efforts, community engagement, and investigative follow-up remain ongoing to ensure public safety across all neighborhoods in Eureka.