By Mary O’KEEFE

On Sept. 16 at about 11:33 p.m., California Highway Patrol (CHP)–Altadena area officers were traveling eastbound on the Foothill (210) Freeway, west of Ocean View Boulevard. The officers reportedly observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and braking erratically. An enforcement stop was made on the vehicle.

During their initial contact with the driver, later identified as Oshin Marksian, 34, the officers allegedly observed signs and symptoms of intoxication. An officer conducted a series of field sobriety tests on the suspect.

Officers determined the suspect was under the influence of a controlled substance and he was placed under arrest for DUI.

While taking an inventory of the vehicle, the officers reportedly located narcotics, small plastic bags, a scale, several loaded handguns –one being classified as a “machine gun” – an undetectable firearm (which refers to a gun made of plastic or ceramic), high-capacity magazines and nearly $8,00 in cash.

Due to the nature of the arrest and statements made by the suspect, it was determined necessary to write a warrant for his residence.

On Sept. 20 at about 7 a.m., CHP Southern Division Investigation Services Unit’s Major Crimes Task Force executed the warrant.

The search of the residence yielded a large amount of illegal firearms (about 20), thousands of rounds of ammunition, illegal gun manufacturing parts and conversion kits along with nearly $18,000 in cash.

The suspect is being held on $40,000 bond. His next court date is on Oct. 5.