A speeding black 2006 Infiniti pulled over on S. Boone Street in Aberdeen on Saturday turned into far more than a routine ticket, after officers say they found a semi-automatic rifle, a 9mm handgun, roughly 72 grams of cocaine and the front portion of a ballistic vest inside the car. Both people inside were booked into jail on firearm and drug charges once records checks showed they were convicted felons.
According to The Daily World, an Aberdeen police officer monitoring traffic clocked the Infiniti traveling 48 mph in a posted 35 mph zone in the 1500 block of S. Boone Street on September 26. The car turned out to be unlicensed and was displaying an expired trip permit, the outlet reported.
The driver was identified as a 45-year-old Sumner resident who had a suspended driver's license, per the same account. The passenger, a 33-year-old Auburn resident, was also identified after officers noticed he was not wearing his seatbelt.
Records Checks Flag Two Felons
Once officers ran both men's information, the report notes that the records check also indicated that both occupants were convicted felons. That discovery escalated what began as a speed enforcement stop into a much bigger investigation.
As the passenger exited the vehicle, officers said they observed a high-capacity rifle magazine between his legs and spotted the stock of a rifle in the back seat. Those observations led investigators to obtain a search warrant for the vehicle, the outlet's report states.
Rifle, Handgun and Cocaine Recovered
The subsequent search turned up a semi-automatic rifle in the back seat along with the front portion of a ballistic vest on the front passenger-side floorboard, according to the report. Officers also recovered approximately 72 grams of cocaine from the vehicle.
A 9mm firearm was found in a compartment of the vest itself, the news outlet reported. During the booking process, the passenger was found to be wearing the back portion of a ballistic vest.
Both Men Booked Into City Jail
The driver was arrested without incident, the report states, and both occupants were transported to Aberdeen City Jail, where they were booked for felonious possession of firearms and possession of a controlled substance. The vehicle itself was towed to the Aberdeen Police Department as part of the investigation.
Aberdeen's public Crime Reports link leads to a webpage for viewing reported crimes. Washington law defines felon firearm possession under RCW 9.41.040, titled Unlawful possession of firearms—Penalties, according to the Washington State Legislature, while drug possession allegations fall under RCW 69.50.4013, titled Possession, use of controlled substance—Penalty, per the state legislature's published code. Neither statute excerpt available specifies the penalty that would apply in this case.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details on potential charges, court dates or case outcomes have been released.
