On Thursday, August 30, 2024, at approximately 8:28 p.m., a deputy initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1500 block of West US Highway 290 after verifying that the vehicle’s registration had expired (12/2021). During the stop, the deputy detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle.
Upon conducting a probable cause search of the vehicle and its occupants, deputies discovered various narcotic items, including approximately 12 grams of marijuana, THC vape pens, and three handguns. One of the handguns was identified as stolen, with its origins traced back to San Angelo, TX.
The driver, a 26-year-old from San Angelo, TX, was linked to two of the handguns, including the stolen one. He is a convicted felon and was found in possession of identification and a checkbook belonging to other individuals, which he admitted to forging. The driver was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by Felon and Forgery of a Financial Instrument.
The front-seat passenger, an 18-year-old also from San Angelo, was connected to the marijuana found in the vehicle and arrested on charges of Possession of Marijuana <2 oz. and Unlawful Carrying a Weapon.
The right rear passenger, a 23-year-old from San Angelo, was found to have an outstanding warrant from Tom Green County for Motion to Revoke Probation - Theft of Firearm. He was arrested on the warrant.
The left rear passenger was identified as a 15-year-old juvenile from San Angelo who had an active felony warrant, though it could not be confirmed. A responsible party for the juvenile was notified and came to pick him up.
Following the arrests, deputies contacted several victims associated with the stolen items. The owner of the stolen firearm, a retired police officer, revealed that his vehicle had been burglarized recently. Other items found in the vehicle, including loaded magazines, an engraved set of handcuffs, and a flashlight, also belonged to him. The owner of the checkbook reported that his vehicle had been burglarized two days prior but had not yet reported it to law enforcement.
The additional handguns were collected as evidence.
