A routine traffic stop in Tampa on Sunday resulted in the arrest of a convicted criminal and the finding of numerous firearms, illegal drugs, ammo, and a machete, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
At around 4:50 p.m., deputies started a traffic stop near the junction of North 15th Street and East Fletcher Avenue after observing a vehicle commit multiple offenses.
Deputies observed a strong cannabis stench emitting from the vehicle, indicating a probable basis for a search. A further examination of the car revealed a loaded semi-automatic handgun with one round chambered and the safety disengaged. The glove compartment revealed a second loaded weapon and more concealed ammunition.
The search also uncovered roughly 25 grams of cannabis, 2.8 grams of crack cocaine, a machete, and assorted drug paraphernalia.
The passenger, 35-year-old Tarelle Stacy, a convicted felon, allegedly admitted to having the firearms, narcotics, and weapons. He further admitted his intention to sell and distribute the opioids.
Stacy was arrested and is now facing a number of felony counts, which include
- Armed Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell or Deliver
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Armed Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony
- Felon Carrying a Concealed Weapon
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- Felon in Possession of Ammunition
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister praised the deputies’ vigilance, stating, “There is no such thing as a ‘routine’ traffic stop. Every encounter has the potential to uncover dangerous and illegal activity. Thanks to the proactive and swift actions of our deputies, firearms and illegal drugs that could have harmed members of our community were taken off the streets.”
