Convicted felon arrested for possession of a firearm during a traffic stop
San Mateo, CA – On February 7, 2026, at approximately 5:20pm, an SMPD officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of S. Norfolk St. and Royal Ave. on a compact SUV. As she approached the vehicle, she discovered it was occupied by four subjects, two adults (male and female) and two small children who were unsecured in the back seat. The driver identified himself as Antonio Aguilar Barrios and informed the officer his license was suspended and he was on probation. This was confirmed.
During a probation search, a box of ammunition was found inside a satchel Aguilar Barrios had been wearing. Initial inquiries of both adults regarding a possible firearm in the vehicle were denied. However, a loaded firearm was eventually found in a backpack on the front passenger floorboard. It was learned that the firearm located was registered to a person who has been deceased since 2007. At this time, it is unknown how the firearm came into possession. Both adults were arrested and charged with carrying a concealed, loaded firearm in a vehicle. Aguilar Barrios was also charged with additional offenses (see below). The children were released to family.
Aguilar Barrios and the female, identified as Mirna Penate, were arrested, transported, and booked into the San Mateo County Jail.
There are laws in place for transporting firearms in vehicles. They need to be unloaded and locked in a box or in the trunk. And every occupant in a vehicle needs to be secured with seat belts, and children need to be further secured in age-appropriate car seats. No excuses.
ARRESTED
Antonio Aguilar Barrios, 28-year-old Hayward resident
Mirna Penate, 32-year-old Hayward resident
CHARGES:
Aguilar Barrios: 29800(a)(1) PC – Felon in possession of a firearm, 25400(a)(1) PC – Carry a concealed weapon in a vehicle, 30305(a)(1) PC – Prohibited person possessing ammunition, 25850(A) PC – Carry a loaded weapon in a vehicle, 14601.2(a) VC – Driving with a suspended license for DUI, and 273a(a) PC – Child endangerment
Penate: 25400(a)(1) PC – Carry a concealed weapon in a vehicle, 25850(A) PC – Carry a loaded weapon in a vehicle, and 273a(a) PC – Child endangerment
###
