TAMPA, Fla. – A routine traffic stop in Tampa on Sunday led to the arrest of a convicted felon and the discovery of multiple firearms, illegal drugs, ammunition, and a machete, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
At approximately 4:50 p.m., deputies initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of North 15th Street and East Fletcher Avenue after observing a vehicle commit multiple traffic violations.
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Deputies detected a strong odor of cannabis emanating from the vehicle, establishing probable cause for a search. The subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun with a round chambered and the safety disengaged. A second loaded handgun, along with additional hidden ammunition, was found concealed in the glove compartment.
The search also yielded approximately 25 grams of cannabis, 2.8 grams of crack cocaine, a machete, and various items of drug paraphernalia.
The passenger, identified as 35-year-old Tarelle Stacy, a convicted felon, allegedly admitted to possessing the firearms, drugs, and weapons. He further stated his intention to sell and distribute the narcotics.
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Stacy was taken into custody and is now facing a multitude of felony 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
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.”
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