A traffic stop for speeding led to the arrest of a 20-year-old Reddick man after a large quantity of marijuana and a loaded firearm were found inside his vehicle.
On Wednesday, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a Chevrolet Impala that was traveling southbound on NW Gainesville Road near the 16000 block. In the MCSO report, the deputy noted that the vehicle was traveling at approximately 77 miles per hour, which was over 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit.
The deputy conducted a traffic stop of the Chevrolet Impala. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was identified in the report as Montreal Shamar Evans.
The MCSO report stated that Evans seemed nervous, and the deputy was able to smell unburnt marijuana inside the vehicle. Evans exited the vehicle and was detained in handcuffs.
Another deputy arrived on scene with a K-9 partner to assist with a search of the vehicle. The MCSO report stated that the following items were located during the search:
- An ashtray containing a “mostly smoked” marijuana cigarette and rolling papers in the front center console.
- A black flip-style cellphone on the front passenger seat.
- Two unloaded Glock model 30 magazines in the pocket of the rear passenger seat.
- A backpack on the passenger side of the rear seat containing:
- Two large bags and another small bag, which were filled with a green leafy substance. This substance was identified in the report as marijuana and weighed just over 428 grams.
- A small baggie filled with a pale waxy substance that was identified in the report as THC wax.
- A loaded Glock Model 30 .45 caliber handgun.
- A digital scale.
- Two containers filled with Ziploc-style sandwich baggies.
During a pat-down search of Evans, a smartphone was located in his pockets along with over $700 in cash.
Evans was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held on $22,000 bond. He is facing felony charges for possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, and possession of synthetic cannabinoid.
A court date has not been scheduled yet, according to jail records.