The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested a subject following a traffic stop on Interstate 70 on Tuesday, May 28.

According to a probable cause statement, troopers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Joseph Riddell due to a registration violation on a trailer his vehicle was pulling. The stop was reported on mile marker 41 on I-70 in Lafayette County.

Riddell was initially uncooperative with troopers, prompting them to search Riddell and his vehicle. Authorities located a loaded handgun hidden under a blanket in the front passenger seat of the vehicle.

Troopers conducted a record check of the serial number on the handgun, which revealed that it was reported stolen out of Phelps County in November 2019. Riddell told authorities the handgun was given to him about five years ago.

Riddell has several prior felony charges for burglary and stealing.

Court documents say Riddell has been charged with felonies for stealing a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm. Bond was set at $10,000 cash or surety.