Press Release: Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest of Convicted Felon for Possession of WWII Era Light Machine Gun, Drugs, and Other Weapons

DATE/TIME: 09/22/25 at 2:30 PM

TYPE OF INCIDENT: Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest of Convicted Felon for Possession of WWII Era Light Machine Gun, Drugs, and Other Weapons

LOCATION: Poole Street at McDougal Street, Castroville, California

MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov

Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a subject for possession of three firearms, including a loaded .45 caliber pistol, an AR pistol carbine, and a Japanese Type 11 light machine gun.

On the evening of Sunday, September 21st, around 8:30 PM, a Monterey County Sheriff’s deputy was patrolling the community of Castroville when they observed a vehicle driving down the middle of a street into the path of oncoming traffic. The deputy conducted a traffic stop in the area of Poole Street and McDougal Street and contacted a female driver and male passenger. An MCSO deputy, accompanied by his K9 Partner “Rocket,” arrived to assist. K9 Rocket alerted deputies to the presence of controlled substances. A search of the vehicle revealed the presence of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.

During the search, deputies discovered a loaded 1911 A-1 pistol. The pistol was found within hands reach of where the passenger was seated and inches from where deputies had been standing during the contact. A further search resulted in the discovery of a loaded AR pistol carbine and a Japanese Type 11 light machine gun. Two of the weapons did not have serial numbers.

Through their investigation, deputies were able to determine that 42-year-old Brian Richard Knabb, a convicted felon of Pacific Grove, was attempting to sell the light machine gun.

Sheriff Tina Nieto stated, “This is a WWII era type of machine gun capable of firing over 500 rounds per minute. It’s a weapon of war. It’s a weapon of mass destruction.” She went on to say, “Thanks to the vigilant training of our deputies and Rocket, our K9, . . . these weapons were taken off the street before they could cause destruction and harm. As your sheriff, I want to reassure you, we are committed to proactive enforcement – stopping threats before they take root and working closely with our federal and state partners to keep Monterey County safe.”

Brian Richard Knabb was booked into the Monterey County Jail for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a machine gun, possession of a controlled substance while armed, possession of an unserialized firearm and other charges. His bail was set at $50,000. The female driver was cited and released for possession of a controlled substance.