A convicted felon after a recent Central Florida traffic stop led to the discovery of multiple firearms, illegal drugs, and ammunition.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies recently conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that committed multiple traffic violations near North 15th Street and East Fletcher Avenue in Tampa.
Deputies made contact with the driver and the passenger. During the interaction, deputies detected a strong odor of cannabis coming from inside the vehicle, which led to a probable cause search.
During the search, deputies found a loaded semi-automatic handgun with one round chambered and the safety off. A second loaded handgun was concealed in the glove compartment, along with additional hidden ammunition. The search further revealed approximately 25 grams of cannabis, 2.8 grams of crack cocaine, a machete, and various items of drug paraphernalia.
The passenger, 35-year-old Tarelle Stacy, a convicted felon, admitted to possessing the firearms, drugs, and weapons and stated his intent to sell and distribute the narcotics. He was taken into custody, facing multiple charges including:
- 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
“There is no such thing as a ‘routine’ traffic stop. Every encounter has the potential to uncover dangerous and illegal activity,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “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.”
This is an active investigation, according to local law enforcement.
