What started as a routine traffic stop in east Charlotte on April 16 turned into a major bust, with officers seizing guns, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, suspected narcotics and thousands in cash, according to Charlotte police. Two people were taken into custody after officers pulled over a suspicious vehicle in the 400 block of Griffith Road and, after securing a search warrant for a room tied to the driver, reported finding two firearms, more than 600 rounds of ammo, about 16.3 grams of suspected crack cocaine, roughly 69.5 grams of suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia and $6,433 in cash. Authorities arrested 38-year-old Ashleigh Miller and 29-year-old Christopher Perry, who were both booked into the Mecklenburg County jail.
Search Uncovered Guns, Hundreds of Rounds and Drugs
In an April 28 Facebook update, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said officers first noticed a fictitious license plate on the vehicle in the 400 block of Griffith Road. Police reported seeing marijuana and drug paraphernalia in plain view, which they say led investigators to secure a search warrant for a room the driver was occupying.
According to the post, the April 16 warrant search turned up two firearms, more than 600 rounds of ammunition, approximately 16.3 grams of suspected crack cocaine, about 69.5 grams of suspected marijuana, additional drug paraphernalia and $6,433 in U.S. currency. CMPD used the bust to spotlight its proactive enforcement strategy, writing that “by staying proactive, law enforcement can make a powerful impact on community well-being by limiting the circulation of guns and illegal narcotics.”
Two People Booked on Drug and Weapons Counts
The arrests were recorded in local booking lists that identified the suspects as Ashleigh Miller and Christopher Perry. As reported by WCCB, Miller faces charges including possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine and marijuana, felony possession of marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Perry is listed on similar drug counts, along with an additional charge of possession of a firearm by a felon, according to the mugshot and booking information. Both remain in custody and are presumed innocent until convicted.
How the Department Frames the Stop
CMPD has presented the case as part of its routine, officer-initiated enforcement efforts, which the department argues help drive down violent crime while pushing up seizure numbers. In its recent crime statistics report, the agency notes that officer-initiated activity and firearm seizures increased in 2025 even as CMPD reported declines in both violent and overall crime. Those figures are among the metrics the department cites when defending targeted enforcement. For more detail, see the latest public report from CMPD.
How to Share Tips
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or submit an anonymous tip online, local outlets report. WCCB notes that both the tip line and web form allow residents to share information without giving their names.
